Each Friday, we feature a reader-submitted tip as our Travel Tip of the Day. This week’s tip comes from reader Lynne B., who wrote:
“My husband and I recently went to a seminar about all different kinds of security given by an ex-military, retired FBI. He started with cyber security, but the tip he shared there for travel security seemed like genius to me. When out and about in travel situations, he carries a fake wallet…made from a well-used older wallet and outfitted with an expired driver’s license, a few other cards and a small amount of local cash. He says the muggers are just as nervous as you are and he tosses them this wallet and says, ‘This is what you want…’ and says nine times out of ten they leave him alone after that. We will definitely do that on our next overseas trip.”
Thanks, Lynne!
Related: What to Do If You Lose Your Wallet
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Why just overseas trips?………Same things happen in US cities all the time………just saying.
I don’t usually carry a fake wallet but it’s a good idea. The way I dress, I don’t really look like someone with much money. But on those rare occasions where I’m carrying a large amount of cash, I keep all but a few dollars in another pocket.
I don’t think I would want to put in an expired driver’s license which has photo id and personal info. However, if you have any of those “cardboard” credit cards from promo mailers, they could be useful decoy cards.
Never give the mugger a chance to get angry with you especially if you are with a loved one. Even an old license and credit card can be traced for identity theft. If you are with a loved one how about their valuables? Life is short; give them what they want and cancel everything immediately. Yes, it’s a pain after but your chances for survival increases.
Best to photocopy the front/back of all credit and ID. Have a fraud service and replace the driver’s license number. Limit the nbr of credit cards you carry.
“he tosses them this wallet and says, ‘This is what you want…’ and says nine times out of ten they leave him alone after that.”
Sounds like a good idea, but how much of a genius is he if he gets mugged that often!
My husband has carried a fake wallet for decades as we’ve traveled all over the world, but we’ve been fortunate never to have been mugged. (I have to wonder about this ‘expert’ if he has to hand over his fake wallet so often!) Used gift cards fill up the slots and a couple of the lowest denomination local bills do the rest.