CU Tip: Your Vacation Snapshot

The most important pictures you take on your vacation could be the ones you take before you travel. By photocopying the contents of your wallet, as well as your passport before you go, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with lost or stolen property.Remember to copy both sides and keep these documents in a secure place.

If your wallet is lost or stolen:

• Cancel your credit cards immediately.
• File a police report in the jurisdiction where it was stolen - this proves to credit providers you were diligent and is the first step if there is an investigation.
• Call the national credit-reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and social insurance number.The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

The numbers are:
Equifax Canada: 1-800-465-7166
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Human Resources Development Canada: 1-800-206-7218