Office of the Circuit Attorney

Before you pack your bags to go on vacation, you might want to check a few tips to help you avoid some of the common scams thieves use to trick unsuspecting travelers.  The FBI, AARP and AAA are just a few of the organizations whose web sites offer tips to avoid fraud while traveling.  Take note of these tips:

• Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor pick them up.
• Do not post your travel plans on social networking sites.
• Clean out your wallet of unnecessary credit cards and any other identification you will not need such as library cards, membership cards, and your Social Security Card.
• Carry two credit cards in different places, in case you lose one.
• Watch out for skimming devices at ATMs, gas stations and other points of sale.
• Never leave wallets, cash or credit cards unattended in your hotel room.  Many people have access to your room, and you should use a hotel safe when available.
• Watch out for "tip jacking," where restaurant staff add to your total or tip.  Pay the tip in cash and write "CASH" in large letters on the tip line and re-write the subtotal on the total line to indicate the amount to be charged to your card.
• Be mindful of pickpockets.
• Identity thieves may call your hotel room pretending to be from the "front desk."  Do not give them any information over the phone.  Go to the desk to verify the call.

Circuit Attorney's Office

City of St. Louis