As a healthcare traveler, you move around the country, perform many online activities, and do business with strangers. Here
are some preventive measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Mindset. Perhaps the single most important aspect of identity-theft prevention is awareness—including healthy suspicion.Whenever possible,
it's best to deal with people and organizations you know and trust.
Purchasing online. Restrict your purchases to sites that use encryption. Resist the temptation to store your credit card or other information
at websites that you use frequently—it's convenient, but makes your information more readily accessible to fraud by being
stored in a database.
Checks. Don't preprint your social security number, driver's license number, or even your phone number on your checks. Have check
orders delivered to a P.O. or PMB box or, better yet, your bank branch. Credit card. Try not to use your credit card anywhere you cannot watch the transaction. Your personal liability for its fraudulent use
is typically $50 or less.
ATM. Always protect your PIN number—including while entering it on a keypad. Be wary of any ATM machine that appears to be physically
modified. And restrict cash withdrawals to a bank ATM for security. If your ATM card is used fraudulently, personal liability
is capped at your daily limit (up to $1,500), your money is gone from your account, and it is much more difficult to get your
bank to "make your account whole" than it is to have your credit card company reverse fraudulent transactions.
Cross-cut shredder. If you don't already have a shredder, buy a good one, and take it with you when you travel to shred mail or other documents
containing personal information.
Theft and loss. Don't carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport with you, except when necessary. If you must bring them
along, consider getting a safe deposit box at each assignment.
The last word. While you and other travelers may be at higher risk of becoming victims of identity theft than most other clinicians, you
are also in a position to be more attuned to it.
The preceding discussion is general in nature, and should not be considered advice for any individual tax situation. You should
consult with your personal tax planning professional for specific guidance relating to your unique circumstances.
Dan Kobaly, EA, a tax advisor and enrolled agent, is owner of http://www.kobaly.com/,
based in Yucca Valley, California.
