We here at Europ Assistance USA often travel to Paris to visit the headquarters of the Europ Assistance Group. Some of our employees could write their own book on advice when traveling to France, Europe and other places across the world, but most of us rarely or ever visit countries outside of North America. What documents do you need? Do you need any vaccinations? What about medical requirements or other key information?

Our partner brand, Netglobers, has an iPhone app that is basically a “Swiss Army Knife of travel apps” that provides all the information, tips and “to-dos” a personal traveling abroad could need. The Netglobers Trip Organizer app is normally $4.99, but it’s free this week only. So, if you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time!

Hurricane season has officially begun with the second storm in 2011, Beatriz, already underway. To help travelers stay safe this season, CSA and EA USA, offer preventative measures and tips for staying safe during and after a major storm.

Preventative measures go a long way in staying secure in the event a storm is approaching:

• Prepare an evacuation plan and be ready to leave accommodations if necessary.
• If you are in a vacation rental property or hotel ask property management upon arrival about possible safe places.
• Monitor local media and prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order.
• When a hurricane is approaching, store food and water for a few days.
• Bear in mind that some roads, airports and hotels may close if a hurricane approaches.

If you find yourself in the middle of a hurricane:

• First and foremost, remain calm.
• If communications systems are working, continue monitoring local media for up-to-the-minute information.
• If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If not, remain in place keeping away from windows and doors. Go to an interior room on the lowest level of the building (winds are stronger at higher altitudes) and do not move.
• The “eye” (center) of a hurricane results in no winds and near silence. If the wind stops, wait for official confirmation that the storm is over as the wind may resume blowing in the opposite direction as the second half approaches.

Once the storm has passed:

• If indoors, stay inside until officially informed that the hurricane has ended.
• If evacuated, wait for official orders before returning to accommodations.
• Wait for official clearance before drinking tap water. You may need to use boiled water, as hurricanes can destroy water supplies and sanitation infrastructures.
• Check to ensure there are no gas leaks. If the smell of gas is detected, open windows and leave the premises. If possible, turn off the gas and call special services.
• Check electrical installations. When experiencing sparks, stripped wires or a burnt smell, turn off electricity and call special services.
• Check for any damage to water or sewage pipes. If damage is suspected, do not use the bathrooms or tap water and call a plumber.

Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption.

Storms are full of surprises, and while experts predict above-average activity this season, there are potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn’t make an appearance on a trip. Anticipating the unexpected – such as medical emergencies, flight delays or a natural disaster at home before leaving – and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises.

EA USA is pleased to be leading a webinar, hosted by Minnesota Life, that will review the growing threat of medical identity theft. The free webinar, “Medical Identity Theft: A Runaway Train?” will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm eastern time.

As part of its health care reform priorities, the Obama Administration has championed the creation of electronic medical records. But as health technology grows, so does the risk of medical identity theft, which at 11 percent of all identity theft cases is the fastest growing type of identity fraud. Employers, who are looking for their benefit advisors and brokers for help, need to understand the magnitude of the problem and learn ways to assist employees in preventing and resolving it.

Webinar attendees will be able to:

• Understand the impact of identity fraud on employee productivity
• Learn about the fastest-growing type of identity fraud, medical identity theft, and why it is more difficult to detect and resolve
• Discover techniques for preventing and resolving identity theft
• Explore available tools and solutions

Participating from EA USA will be Vladimir Poletaev, Director of Strategic Account Management and Carolina Clay-Rowsey, Director of Account Management. Vladimir  helped create and implement EA USA’s line of identity theft resolution and data breach products and is certified in 23 states as a continuing education instructor in the area of general insurance, and in particular, identity theft insurance. He was also a contributing member of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel that was jointly sponsored by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to establish industry-wide guidance on identity theft prevention and resolution. He is currently serving on the advisory committee of the Protected Health Information (PHI) project, which is being led by ANSI to help inform the healthcare industry in making investment decisions to protect PHI, as well as improve responsiveness if and when this information is breached. Carolina has led our team of identity theft experts who provide EA USA’s services to theft victims.

For more information or to register, please visit the webinar’s registration page.

Tips on Keeping Your Identity Secure While Filing Online From Home or on the Road

According to the Internal Revenue Service, 99 million tax returns were e-filed — and 35 percent of taxpayers prepared and e-filed their federal tax returns themselves. As with any online activity, it’s important for Americans to be vigilant in keeping their personal information secure. Europ Assistance USA, a provider of identity theft resolution and online data protection services, reminds Americans to pay close attention as they prepare and file their last-minute returns online this year:

• Be sure to use a reputable online tax preparation service with strong security measures in place. Be wary of emails offering unfamiliar, often phony, services. Also take heed when typing in the URL of any online service in case you misspell the name and end up on a fraudulent site created to look like the real one.
• Make sure your computer is free of malware like computer viruses and spyware that can steal a copy of your social security number or account passwords, like those of your bank and other financial institutions.
• Sharing music, photos and other files is popular with many consumers, as well as sharing information on social networks. Especially when using the same personal computer for filing your return, it’s imperative to not share personal information like a social security number and birth date. Better yet, prepare taxes on a different computer.
• Never confirm your social security number or bank account details by email or over the phone.
• The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails asking for detailed personal information. Additionally, the IRS never asks people for PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. Taxpayers should forward suspicious emails claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.
• When keeping a copy of your tax return on the PC, make sure the file is password protected and encrypted so prying eyes can’t access it.
• If you do use an accountant, don’t email tax information or returns to him or her. Email is not a secure way to send any document.
• Once tax season is over, shred unnecessary documents and copies. Offline thieves will be on the prowl to get your banking account details and social security numbers once you’re done.
• If you’re on the road and struggling to get your tax return in on time and not sure about the site you’re visiting or just don’t feel that your information can be submitted securely, file an extension and finish when you’re in a safer environment.
• Last, but not least, check your credit report soon after tax time and again a few months later to ensure your personal information wasn’t stolen and used fraudulently.

We are now several days into the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. The scene on the ground remains chaotic with the added concern of radiation spreading from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. At least 6,405 people are confirmed dead, with more than 2,400 injured. More than 100,000 buildings in the region were damaged, if not destroyed, leaving about 380,000 people seeking shelter.

EA USA currently has 144 open cases involving 521 individuals. We are actively coordinating our efforts to help members seeking assistance, many of whom were moved from the affected zones to a safer location in Japan with several others evacuated from Japan via commercial airline on regularly-scheduled flights. Globally, the EA Group is actively coordinating assistance for approximately 700 customers in the region.

Following are highlights of the situation on the ground and as always, for the most current information please consult the news media.

The U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens of the declining state of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The United Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) encourages U.S. citizens who live within 50 miles of the plant evacuate the region or seek shelter if safe evacuation is not feasible.

Officials at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damaged fuel rods in the Fukushima nuclear power plant, some of which are releasing radioactive steam. Additionally, the cooling system is out of commission due to the earthquake, leaving crews the task of pouring water on specific reactors in an effort to cool them down.

There are many factors in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, including weather, wind direction and speed as well as the nature of the reactor problem that directly affects the risk of radioactive contamination within this 50 mile radius.

Hospitals are overwhelmed and are facing medicine shortages.

Relief efforts are being hindered by the devastation, leaving many people without basic supplies.

There are continued aftershocks, though their frequency has decreased considerably.

Commercial flights have resumed at all major airports that were closed due to the earthquake, except Sendai Airport. However, many may change flight schedules with little notice.

Most public transit, including trains and subways are operating in Tokyo. However, many roads have been damaged in Tokyo and northern Japan.

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami continue to cause extreme difficulties for those in the area affected by the disaster. Temporary water and food supply shortages may occur in select areas of Japan due to power and transportation disruptions. Telephone services have also been disrupted in select areas; if possible, you may still be able to contact family members using text messages or social media.

There are continuing rolling power outages in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and areas of northeast Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Additionally, there are reports that three-hour outages may occur in various regions, including Tokyo.

Strong aftershocks are likely to continue for weeks following an earthquake of this scale.

The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of an aftershock, you should move to open spaces away from walls, windows, buildings and other structures that may collapse and to remain alert to the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, drop, cover and hold on. It is recommended, if possible, to seek cover under a sturdy desk or table and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm.

Due to the possibility of damaged gas lines, take great care if you need to use matches, lighters, candles or any open flame.

We will provide additional updates as the situation unfolds and encourage you to notify our 24/7 assistance center if there are any members who are in need of assistance.

In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, Europ Assistance USA continues to coordinate efforts with clients and our global network of medical, logistical and security resources.

We remain ready and equipped to handle calls from members seeking assistance.

EA USA is currently managing cases involving approximately 217 customers, many of whom were moved from the affected zones to a safer location in Japan with several others evacuated from Japan via commercial airline on regularly-scheduled flights. To-date there are no medical emergency cases and all customers have been accounted for.

Following are highlights of the situation on the ground and as always, for the most current information please consult the news media.

The United States Geological Survey recently revised the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan to a 9.0 on the Richter scale.

The confirmed death toll has so far risen to at least 2,478 with about 400,000 people living in temporary shelters.

The U.S. State Department released an announcement stating that travelers and non-essential personnel may consider leaving Japan since the spread of the radiation remains unclear and the situation at the nuclear facility could intensify. Although, there have been opposing views on whether and/or how radioactive materials in the northeast could affect air quality, water sources and food supply in areas outside Fukushima in the present and future.

Several foreign governments have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to northeast Japan, due to the damage caused by last Friday’s earthquake and ongoing aftershocks.

Two 6.0 magnitude aftershocks have recently occurred, making Tokyo’s buildings even more unstable. However, there have not been any reports of damages or casualties.

Essential supplies are limited in most areas of the region, which is, in part, a result of panic-stricken victims. Telecommunications have been unreliable as power rationing in specific areas is in place and outages are expected. Ground and air transportation continues to be challenging with the majority of public transportation services severely disrupted or suspended while major roads or motorways have been damaged or closed off.

As of right now, some airlines are canceling flights to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport as Japan’s nuclear crisis continues to intensify. Lufthansa has stated it would fly to Osaka and Nagoya but stop flying to Narita. Air France has stopped flying directly to Tokyo and would now layover in Seoul. Air China and Taiwan’s Eva Air also canceled flights to and from Tokyo. Cathay Pacific, flag carrier for Hong Kong, is now offering special one-way flights from both Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka and Sapporo. Additionally, following the eruption of Mount Shinmoedake on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island on Sunday, some flights are experiencing delays.

As always, EA USA encourages clients and customers to contact our 24/7 assistance center if they are in need of assistance.

A severe 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the Japanese coast on March 11th resulting in major damage to the country’s infrastructure. Its epicenter was 373 kilometers (231 miles) from Tokyo. All major modes of transportation have been halted due to massive damage and flooding. Additionally, aftershocks between 5.6 and 7.1 magnitudes are continuing. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued tsunami warnings for large areas of the Pacific Rim. Japan’s meteorological agency has issued its top-level evacuation alerts for the entire Japanese coast, warning of a tsunami of up to 10 meters (33 feet). A tsunami predicted to have a maximum height of 8.6 meters (28 feet) has already engulfed Kamaishi, Japan.

Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, which were temporarily closed, have reopened but are operating at a minimal level, with some departing flights in service while all arriving flights have been redirected to other airports. Most international and domestic airlines have suspended flight operations while many airports, especially in the north and east, remain closed. Other forms of transportation, including trains and underground metro services, have been suspended. Significant disruption to traffic has been reported on highways and major roads in Tokyo, as well as most parts of the northern and eastern areas, where major sections of motorways have either been damaged or inundated by the tsunami.

The State Department issued a travel alert and recommends U.S. citizens in Japan who require assistance or those who are concerned that their loved one(s) in Japan may require assistance should contact the US Department of State.

U.S. citizens currently in Japan should contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity.  Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.  U.S. citizens may contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and the emergency contact numbers below.

U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

EA USA has at least 160 impacted customers in the region but no active cases at this time. As always, we encourage clients and customers to contact our 24/7 assistance center if they are in need of assistance.

Following are some tips and advice for those in the region to heed as they attempt to stay secure and/or leave the affected area.

• For those who are planning on traveling by air or train, check in with your airline, railway or travel agent immediately to readjust/confirm all travel arrangements. All major modes of transportation are likely to be extremely congested so please leave enough time to check in.
• The local infrastructure has been greatly impacted by the recent disaster so take extreme caution as there may be a loss of power, water may not be fit for drinking, roads may be closed, damaged or blocked off, law enforcement and medical assistance may be delayed as the disaster has made traveling difficult.
• Aftershocks from the quake are likely to occur and may vary in intensity. If possible, turn off power, gas and water. Contrary to popular wisdom, doorways offer little protection and could in fact cause injury should the door slam into you. Move away from windows, glass doors and unsecured heavy objects that could tip over. Seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and/or hold on to furniture for balance. If in bed when the temblor occurs, stay there and cover yourself with bedding. Don’t run outside if you are inside. The danger of falling debris is greater outside a building.
• Tsunamis can rapidly flood coastal areas with devastating results. Areas that are less than 25 ft/8 m above sea level and within 1 mi/1.6 km of the shoreline are at greatest risk. If you’re in a coastal area when an earthquake occurs, first protect yourself from the earthquake by dropping, taking cover and holding on. When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. If you’re on the beach and the water suddenly and dramatically recedes from the shoreline, a tsunami may be imminent. The approaching wave may be visible as a churning line of foamy water, but it may not be visible at all until it strikes. Collect your belongings and run for higher ground immediately, or climb to the highest floor of a multistory, well-built building. Avoid downed power lines, and stay away from buildings and bridges which could cause heavy objects to fall during an aftershock. As a last resort, climb as high as you can into a sturdy tree or climb onto the roof of a building. Tsunamis often occur as multiple waves of varying size, so do not return to an affected area until you’re certain the danger has passed.
• Dress appropriately before venturing outside. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, sturdy shoes and protective wear if possible. Listen to a battery-operated radio for updates on the situation and use battery-operated power sources if possible to reduce the chance of a fire hazard. Only drink bottled water if possible. If you are without bottled water, boil your water first for several minutes before drinking.
• Become familiar with evacuation procedures whether you are staying at a hotel, resort or private accommodations. If an evacuation is issued, make sure you have emergency medical supplies, a full tank of gas for your car, an extra pair of clothes, blankets, medications, aids (e.g. hearing aids and glasses), all important paperwork (e.g. insurance policies and passport) and non-perishable food.

As events unfold, we will continue to provide updates.

Civil unrest, such as the current situation in Egypt, can vary in size and form from small, organized rallies to large-scale demonstrations and rioting. Usually, travelers are not directly targeted by protesters, but they can be targeted if their government is the direct target of the unrest. People may also be wounded simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most incidents of civil unrest are related to labor disputes or social and political issues.

What You Can Do to Prepare

Inform yourself before departure
As episodes of civil unrest may erupt unexpectedly, travelers should seek information about the social and political situations in the country and/or in the city they are planning to visit. Research the social and political situation of the place you’ll be visiting by reading news stories about the area and checking for travel advisories issued by your Foreign Ministry or similar agencies. Follow their recommendations. If you’re traveling abroad in an unstable country, call your embassy in order to let them know where you are.

If you are traveling in an unstable country, be prepared
Once at your destination, look for the locations of police stations, hospitals, embassies and airports in the area. Episodes of civil unrest usually occur in designated areas: ask locals where demonstrations occur in the city and avoid these places. Avoid all public gatherings, political meetings as well as any other demonstrations. Be aware that universities, banks, places of worship, military installations as well as other government buildings (including foreign embassies and police stations) can be targeted by protesters.

Maintain a low profile and exercise caution at all times. Refrain from discussing controversial matters such as politics and religion. Carry a small amount of cash with you in case you need to arrange transportation quickly. Always carry your passport and visa (or copies) with you as well as the address and telephone number of your embassy. You may also keep an emergency credit card with you.

As rioters may have a “dress code” (e.g. in December 2008, protesters in Thailand were dressed with yellow or red shirts, while in Iran, in May 2009, Mousavi’s supporters were wearing green items), look up the information and dress appropriately.

How to React in Case of Civil Unrest

If you are in the streets
Remain calm. If you’re caught up in a riot, move slowly and carefully outside of the crowd. Leave the area as quickly as possible without running (it will draw attention to you). Seek shelter in large and safe places. Wait until the crowds have dissipated before going back outside. Monitor local media in order to get up-to-date information. If you need consular assistance, call your embassy.

If you remain caught up in the riot, avoid being in the front lines as riot police or security officers may fire tear gas or use water cannons. It is useless to approach police lines in an attempt to cross to safety; they won’t let you pass. As journalists might be targeted by rioters or by security forces, do not take pictures and avoid using your cell phone.

As they can be targeted or overcrowded, and thus pose a threat to your safety, avoid public transportation.

If you are inside
Remain calm. Stay inside, lock your doors and stay away from windows and balconies to minimize the risk of being hit by stones or bullets. Do not take pictures. Monitor local media in order to get up-to-date information. If a curfew is imposed, strictly observe regulations. If you need consular assistance, call your embassy.

For the coming decade, the Europ Assistance Group has committed to making Care Services, and more generally personalized assistance services the prime focus of our strategy. We aim to make life easier and safer for our customers in their day-to-day lives and during life’s unexpected events. As part of this strategy, EA USA’s parent company, the Europ Assistance Group, today begins rolling out its 5-year re-branding strategy with a new tagline, “You Live We Care.” This new branding signature is an integral part of the Europ Assistance logo block, reflecting the support of our customers in all of life’s circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional.

Watch the short video below to see how this new positioning supports our aim to meet consumers’ rapidly changing and considerable needs in the areas of travel, health, home and family.

For more information on this new brand positioning as well as additional information on the Group’s business strategy and goals moving forward, read the Group’s press release issued this morning in Paris.

The Europ Assistance Group Debuts New Branding Tagline

New “You Live We Care” Signature Precursor to 2011-2015 Road Map for Positioning Company as Most Innovative in Sector

 Paris, France – December 8, 2010 – The Europ Assistance Group today launched its new branding signature, “you live we care,” which will be rolled out via the Group’s 36 companies throughout the world. The launch precedes the deployment of the Group’s new 2011-2015 strategic plan as it seeks to become the most innovative company in its sector.

The “you live we care” signature debuts today as an integral part of the Europ Assistance logo block and reflects the support of its customers in all of life’s circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional, by offering them prevention, protection and assistance services in the areas of mobility – travel and automobile – health and home and family.

This positioning aims to meet consumers’ rapidly and considerably changing needs, demonstrating a real Care Revolution in services for individuals: the combined effect of globalization, increased life expectancy, growing urbanization, mobility, health needs and increased free time generates an explosion in demand for increasingly personalized information, prevention, protection and support services, in everyday life as well as extraordinary circumstances.

It is for this reason that Europ Assistance, in referring to the concept of Care that reflects the ideas of individual attention, cover, continuous protection and trust with regard to its customers and consumers, is asserting its goal to be the leading company in Care Services.

The new signature also asserts the Group’s and the Europ Assistance brand’s global dimension by being entirely in English, which is used in all the Group’s subsidiaries on the five continents where it operates. The Group has made that choice in order to capitalize on its brand in a unique way for its 300 million customers and network of 410,000 listed service providers.

The use of blue and red in the signature increases the logo block’s power by strengthening the uniformity of the colors of both the logo and signature. It also underlines the continuity in the development of Europ Assistance between the past and its ambitions over the next few years. The handwriting script font expresses closeness and above all the human relationship Europ Assistance has with its customers.

This signature also demonstrates the role that the Europ Assistance Group intends to play as a responsible company by contributing to a new type of solidarity and progress for its economic and social environment. Its partnership with ASHOKA, the international association for social entrepreneurship, is an example of this.

Beginning December 8, 2010, the new signature will roll out simultaneously in the Group’s 36 companies throughout the world within the framework of its 2011-2015 road map to make Europ Assistance the most innovative company in its sector.

With revenue that has more than doubled, and an operating profit that tripled between 2004 and 2009, the Europ Assistance Group is entering into a new cycle of profitable, sustainable growth. Following this buoyant growth phase, the Group has set itself a new road map for the next five years aimed at strengthening the current strategy, primarily around four areas:

1. To speed up the rebalancing of the business portfolio by expanding new growth relays in health and home and family services, representing more than one-third of the Group’s business by 2015. At the same time, Europ Assistance will strengthen the competitiveness of its traditional businesses, in the travel and automobile sectors, with new supplementary travel insurance and car repair guarantees.
2. To pursue geographic stability by speeding up development in North America, South America and Asia to obtain a return on investment in these continents over the last few years.  At the same time, European business activities will see their commercial and financial competitiveness strengthened, with strong development in the new businesses of health and home and family services. Between now and 2015, the contribution of subsidiaries outside Western Europe should account for more than 27 percent of the Group’s revenue.
3. To develop distribution models by increasing sales of optional services – as opposed to inclusive sales – with the Group’s major partners and direct sales to consumers, particularly on the Web. With this in mind, Europ Assistance will work to forge new local and international partnerships.
4. To strengthen its profitability by more selective growth of its insurance-related business activities, the Group will seek to improve its operational efficiency, particularly by speeding up the use of new technologies in its production processes.

Placing innovation at the core of its strategy by routinely enhancing services using the latest technological innovations in the field of mobility, health and everyday life, Europ Assistance will routinely enhance its value-add assistance services. This includes 24-hour availability and direct or remote human intervention of its 7,000 employees and 410,000 service providers for its customers, as well as the inclusion of new technologies, such as using position determination technology in combination with mobile and Internet terminals to better serve and protect its customers when travelling or driving, or the deployment of telemedicine, tele-monitoring and robotics to make everyday life easier and safer for fragile people or those who are chronically ill or dependent.

With this new road map, Europ Assistance is poised to become the most innovative company in the Care Services sector.

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This week is National Protect Your Identity Week, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau and National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Identity theft prevention and resolution is something we live with every day here at Europ Assistance USA while protecting and assisting some of the 10 million Americans victimized each year. We provide ongoing protection to our customers and help them straighten out any damages that occur if they do fall prey to one of the fastest growing crimes around.

All this week, we’ve been highlighting a different kind of identity theft situation — how it happened and what was at risk, as well as how we were able to help alleviate some of the pain and protect the customer moving forward.

Today, we’re highlighting a story about a customer who lost personal information as a result of a theft while traveling. This story underscores why it’s important to be even more vigilant about your belongings and personal information while traveling. It also shows how EA USA is able to help customers even when they are traveling, anywhere in the world, and help them continue on with their travels with minimum disruption. Before you take your next trip, be sure to check out our tips to protect yourself from identity theft while traveling.

A customer and his wife were vacationing in Costa Rica, enjoying the time of their life. While their rental car was at an auto shop for a tire repair, the wife’s purse was stolen out of the car, along with her passport, credit cards, camera, driver’s license and Medicare card (which displayed her social security number).

The couple called us immediately, and one of our ID Theft Resolution Specialists assessed the situation and addressed the customer’s most urgent needs. Within 24 hours, EA USA:

• Cancelled her credit cards and requested issuance of new ones
• Provided an emergency cash advance for the couple so they could continue on with their vacation
• Contacted the embassy for issuance of new passports and faxed the necessary forms to the customer along with the embassy’s hours and required documents and fees
• Obtained an authorization form from the customer so we could access her credit report to place a fraud alert and contact potentially affected creditors

Upon the customer’s return home, we:

• Reviewed the customer’s credit report with her over the phone (no fraudulent charges were found)
• Placed a Fraud Alert on her credit records and requested a free credit report
• Opted her out of pre-approved credit card offers
• Assisted the customer in obtaining her Social Security statement to verify there was no fraudulent activity

The customer was able to continue her vacation without worrying about how to deal with the loss of money, credit cards and passports. Additionally, our quick intervention prevented any potential fraud from occurring.

This week we shared four common ways people fall prey to identity theft, and how EA USA helped them resolve their fears and disputes quickly and effectively. While the observance of National Protect Your Identity Week is coming to a close, the threat of identify theft is still out there and growing. If you have questions about how you can protect yourself, give us a call or leave a comment below.