Identity theft should be carefully considered - especially when vacationing or traveling on business. Being away from home and normal patterns of behavior, travelers often let down their guard and become careless. But there are things you can do to prevent ID theft.

Start by always being very protective of your credit card information. Identity theft professionals constantly look for new ways to catch people off guard. One of the latest scams is to call hotel rooms late at night when people are exhausted after a long day of traveling, sightseeing or business.

The thief claims to be the hotel desk clerk and asks for confirmation of credit card numbers and expiration dates. Resenting the hassle, but being tired, people often trustingly give the thief what he wants, not realizing they