We’re in to the third week of December and Christmas is fast approaching. We’re all getting into the holiday spirit and checking our lists. Well, others are checking their lists, too, and surprise, surprise they also want a great Christmas. The difference between them and the rest of us is that they steal their Christmas.
Last week I was at a local public library at 4:30 in the afternoon. In the space of 15 minutes an elderly woman had her purse stolen and a young man had his backpack stolen. Both had their wallets in those belongings and in the case of the woman’s purse, she had her Medicare card in her wallet. Do you know what’s on Medicare cards? Social Security numbers…either the Social Security number of the beneficiary or their spouse. It’s believed that there was only one thief in this instance and now that thief has two wallets with cash, credit cards, driver’s licenses, loyalty cards and in one case a Medicare card with the beneficiary’s Social Security number on it. In that fifteen minutes those two lives were turned upside down and the thief hit the jackpot.
Travelling during the holidays sets up its own unique set of circumstances, so if you’re heading out of town over the holidays, the following are some things to think about. Do you fall into the “do” or “don’t” category when considering these precautions?
Lori Lawson is an IDShield specialist. Visit her website at newlineassociates.com.
New Line Associates, 2111 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. lori@newlineassociates.com