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WHY IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION IS A MUST FOR TRAVELERS OVER 50

Whether you’re ticking off your travel bucket list in retirement or simply enjoying the freedom to explore, traveling should be about adventure and not anxiety, and that’s why I take personal and financial security seriously when I’m planning my travels.

I sometimes feel, as more mature travellers, we often carry more personal data than younger travellers and that we have more assets to protect. Sensitive documents like passports, driver’s licenses, medical cards, and multiple credit or debit cards.

And often, while travelling through airports, train stations, and staying in hotels, public Wi-Fi is the only way to stay connected. Yet, using public Wi-Fi can make me feel vulnerable as I fear it could be a hacker’s playground, especially when we’re out of our usual routine, tired, jetlagged, which can also mean more we’re more likely to fall for unfamiliar scams or phishing attempts.

Examples of identity theft cases and famous identity theft cases are frequently in the news and it is being reported that mature travellers are particularly vulnerable to identity theft. Combine that with the challenges of navigating unfamiliar places and technology and you’ve got a perfect storm for identity thieves.

It seems the world might be more open than ever but so are the risks.

“Your identity is as valuable as your passport – protect it before you go”

STAYING SAFE WHILE SEEING THE WORLD

Identity theft is a growing concern that’s often overlooked until it’s too late. A simple mistake, like logging into your email on public Wi-Fi or losing your wallet in a foreign country, can quickly spiral into a stressful, costly ordeal.

If identity theft occurs while you’re abroad, recovering your identity can be incredibly difficult without local support and that’s why I would advocate using enhanced identity theft protection like NordProtect which can help keep your personal information safe while you’re happily making memories all around the world.

NordProtect offers the kind of peace of mind you can’t pack in your suitcase but absolutely need when you’re far from home.

With constant monitoring, real-time alerts, expert recovery assistance, and financial coverage, NordProtect ensures you can enjoy your journey with confidence. Your identity is just as valuable as your passport – so protect it before you go.

In this post, I’ve teamed up with NordProtect (and got you an exclusive discount – see below) to look at why identity theft protection is a must for travellers over 50. NordProtect’s features are designed to provide everything you need to keep your identity safe.

Note: This post is for my US audience as NordProtect is available to US customers only.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• WHY IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION IS A MUST FOR TRAVELERS OVER 50
• STAYING SAFE WHILE SEEING THE WORLD
• WHY NORDPROTECT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR TRAVELLERS
• IDENTITY THEFTS VS IDENTITY FRAUD
• COMMON IDENTITY THEFT THREATS WHEN TRAVELLING
• DIGITAL DANGERS WHILE ABROAD
• How to protect yourself from AI scams
• How to recognize AI scams
• SIMPLE STEPS TO TRAVEL SMARTER AND SAFER
• READY TO TRAVEL SAFER?
• NORDPROTECT: Ease of use and customer support

WHY NORDPROTECT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR TRAVELLERS

Why choose NordProtect while you are travelling? Here’s what I feel sets it apart:

NordProtect is created by experts. Brought to you by the team behind NordVPN. NordProtect integrates years of cybersecurity expertise with cutting edge technology.

24/7 Dark Web Monitoring: NordProtect constantly scans the dark web for your personal information—email addresses, credit card numbers, passwords, and more—and alerts you instantly if your data has been compromised.

Credit Monitoring: Track your credit activity and receive alerts about new accounts or inquiries so you can take action before real damage is done. Tracks your personal information across public records, credit bureaus, and the dark web to detect any suspicious activity in your name.

Real-Time Security Alerts: Instant notifications about suspicious activity let you secure your accounts and avoid escalating fraud. Receive immediate notifications if your data is found in a breach or if someone tries to open a new account in your name.

Up to $1 Million in Identity Theft Insurance: If you’re a victim, you’re covered for up to $1,000,000 in recovery expenses, plus up to $50,000 in cyber extortion support, including legal fees and negotiated settlements. Many plans offer coverage for recovery-related expenses – lost wages, legal fees, document replacement, and more.

Personal Case Manager: You’re not alone. If the worst happens, you won’t have to navigate the recovery process alone. NordProtect connects you with an expert to guide you through every step of the recovery process if your identity is stolen. A case manager helps you contact authorities, freeze credit, replace documents, and restore your identity.

Easy Integration with NordVPN: For full protection pair NordProtect with NordVPN and enjoy private encrypted internet access – perfect for using Wi-Fi safely while traveling. The Gold Plan includes NordVPN with Threat Protection Pro. The Platinum Plan includes both NordVPN with Threat Protection Pro and Incogni.

IDENTITY THEFTS VS IDENTITY FRAUD

Identity theft and identity fraud might sound the same, but apparently they’re a little different.

Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information – like your social security number, bank details, or passwords – without your permission. Identity fraud is what happens next, when that stolen information is actually used to do bad things, like opening fake credit cards, making purchases in your name, or even filing false tax returns. Think of it this way: theft is the “stealing,” and fraud is the “using.”

And, knowing the difference makes it easier to spot trouble early and protect yourself from becoming a victim.

NordProtect offers the kind of peace of mind you can’t pack in your suitcase but absolutely need when you’re far from home.

COMMON IDENTITY THEFT THREATS WHEN TRAVELLING

Physical Document Theft: Your passport, boarding passes, or credit cards can easily be lost or stolen in airports, hotels, or crowded places. These items contain vital information that criminals can use to impersonate you or drain your accounts.

Tips: Leave unnecessary documents at home. Use hotel safes with caution, and never leave valuables in plain sight. Make digital copies of your ID documents and store them securely online (e.g., encrypted cloud storage).

Credit Card Skimming and Fraud: From fake ATMs to hidden card readers in restaurants, skimming remains a popular scam in tourist hotspots.

Tips: Always keep your card in sight—don’t let it disappear behind a counter. Look for tampering on ATMs or card readers. Carry two cards (not American Express, which isn’t accepted everywhere) and note the emergency contact numbers in case of loss.

Oversharing Online: Posting vacation updates on Facebook or Instagram? You might be letting criminals know your house is empty or sharing personal information that can be used to impersonate you.

Tips: Wait until you’re home to post photos. Avoid geotagging your location in real time. Set social media profiles to private.

DIGITAL DANGERS WHILE ABROAD

Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Free Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels is often not encrypted, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data—especially passwords, emails, and banking details.

Tips: Never log into sensitive accounts (like email or banking) on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Use your mobile data if you’re in doubt or connect through a secure VPN service like NordVPN.

Public Charging Stations: Malicious USB charging stations can install spyware or steal data from your device.

Tips: Carry your own wall charger or use a portable battery bank. Avoid public USB-only charging ports.

Fake Wi-Fi Networks: Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi networks (e.g., “Free Hotel WiFi”) that mimic real ones. Once connected, they can monitor everything you do online.

Tips: Always verify the Wi-Fi network name with hotel staff. Use NordVPN to encrypt your internet traffic.

Phishing Emails and Scam Texts: When you’re in a new country or distracted by travel plans, it’s easy to fall for fake messages asking for credit card information or account credentials.

Tips: Be sceptical of texts or emails claiming to be from local authorities or businesses. Don’t click links from unknown senders.

How to protect yourself from AI scams

AI-powered scams are growing fast. Cybercriminals now use tools like deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI-generated phishing emails to trick people with scams that appear more convincing than ever. These scams go beyond traditional phishing.

Instead of just fake emails, today’s attacks can include lifelike AI chatbots, cloned voices pretending to be family members, and even video impersonations. Scammers often mimic the voices of loved ones in distress – often grandchildren – to pressure victims into urgent money transfers.

Staying informed about how these scams work, while also using tools that monitor and safeguard personal information, provides a stronger defence against AI-driven threats.

• Always confirm unusual messages or calls through official channels. Don’t act until you’re certain they’re legitimate.

• AI scams often pressure you to act immediately. Pause and double-check before sending money or sharing information.

• Requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards are strong signs of fraud.

• Limit what you share online. Data like birthdays, schools, or family details can be misused for AI impersonations.

• Enable multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, and use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords. This prevents one stolen login from compromising multiple accounts.

• A VPN helps keep your connection private on public Wi-Fi, and some VPNs (like NordVPN with Threat Protection Pro) can block phishing websites before you interact with them.

Even with the best precautions, scammers may still get hold of personal data, so using an identity theft protection tool is crucial. NordProtect provides 24/7 dark web monitoring, credit and criminal record tracking, instant security alerts, and up to $1M in recovery coverage if your identity is misused.

How to recognize AI scams

• Unusual urgency or pressure. Scammers often create a sense of emergency, urging you to act quickly without verifying details.

• Voice or video that seems slightly “off.” Cloned voices may sound flat or robotic, while deepfake videos can show mismatched lip-sync, odd lighting, or unnatural blinking.

• Too-perfect messages. AI-generated emails and texts often look flawless in grammar and formatting, but may feel generic or lack personal context.

• Requests for sensitive information or payments. Any unexpected request for login details, wire transfers, or crypto should raise suspicion, especially if it comes through email, text, or a call.

• Requests for payment in unconventional forms. Demands for cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards are a common scam tactic, since these methods are nearly impossible to reverse once money is sent.

• Imitation of trusted sources. AI scams often mimic banks, government agencies, or even friends and family. Always double-check through official channels before responding.

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NORDPROTECT: Ease of use and customer support

• NordProtect’s Identity protection benefits are available to all customers residing in the United States, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, except New York and Washington residents.
• NordProtect is easy to set up, as all you have to do is Log in using your Nord Account.
• NordProtect will monitor dozens of sources, scanning for your personal information, such as your SSN, email address, and more. 
• In case any of your personal information is discovered, you will receive an email notification, and further details will be available on the NordProtect dashboard. 
• If assistance is needed, you can receive technical assistance.

Monitor. Alert. Recover. Relax.