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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Phone Theft Is More Common Than You Think While Traveling—but This Foolproof Hack Will Keep Your Device Safe
I've had some unforgettable travel moments, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, paragliding over the Swiss Alps, and riding ATVs through Mallorca, but nothing stuck with me like getting my phone stolen in Barcelona. Twice. The first time, it vanished from my bag. The second time I was mid-scroll when a passing cyclist swooped in and snatched it out of my hand. Three years later, I'm still on a mission to make sure it never happens again. 46 percent of travelers have had valuables lost or stolen abroad, and 35 percent have had a tech device stolen, according to a study from All About Cookies (an informational website that provides tips about digital security). Now, whenever someone tells me they're going abroad, I give them this important piece of advice: Keep your phone physically connected to you. It might sound over-the-top, but according to a Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, one in five international travelers have lost their phone or had it stolen while abroad. So whether it's with a crossbody bag or a lanyard, your phone needs to stay secure. If I'd had either one in Barcelona, I could've saved myself thousands in replacement phones—and a lot of dramatic calls to Verizon. To help you avoid becoming a statistic, I found the best ant-theft crossbody bags and phone lanyards on Amazon—all starting at just $9. The warm brown shade and gold hardware on this bag will instantly elevate your travel outfit, and the crossbody design keeps your phone and essentials right in front of you, so you never have to sacrifice security for style. There's also a built-in ring that clips through the zipper pulls for an added anti-theft measure, and despite its compact frame, it fits far more than just your phone—think passport, power bank, AirPods, and more. Designed for days on the go, this waterproof, breathable sling bag ensures your belongings stay safe, dry, and in sight, whether you're exploring, hiking, or cycling through a new city. Its front-facing design deters pickpockets, while the water-resistant fabric protects your phone from surprise downpours or sweaty adventure days—because no one wants their phone ruined halfway through a trip. When you want to travel light but keep your phone secure and easy to grab, this compact crossbody delivers—with the bonus of RFID-blocking protection to guard your cards against digital theft. Available in 30 different designs, it's as stylish as it is functional. One traveler raved, 'No more digging into the bottom of my purse or backpack when I want to take a photo,' while others call it their go-to bag for sightseeing. This RFID-protected crossbody blends anti-theft features with fashion—the puffer-inspired design feels on-trend while keeping your belongings in front of you at all times. Two front zip pockets and a hidden back pocket keep valuables organized and out of reach from pickpockets. Plus, the adjustable strap lets you switch between wearing it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or handbag, making it a smart, versatile choice for any trip. For hands-free peace of mind, this under-$10 sturdy phone lanyard keeps your device around your neck (or wrist) so you can snap photos without worrying about theft or accidental drops. Travelers have spotted these everywhere in Europe, with shoppers raving about the lanyard's convenience for boat excursions. One reviewer shared that they no longer fear dropping their phone in the ocean while taking pictures. This stylish lanyard strap lets you carry your phone around your neck, across your body, or from your wrist, all while keeping it secure and pickpocket-proof. The sleek design pairs well with travel outfits and can also hold an ID badge, keys, or even an ear buds case, making it a must for your packing list. Equal parts style and function, this rope strap turns your phone into an elevated accessory while keeping it safe from grab-and-go theft. The nylon strap is adjustable for comfort, and it's chic enough to blend into dinner outfits without looking like a tourist gadget. With a hypoallergenic faux leather strap, this universal lanyard is made for travelers who want both comfort and security. Its anti-drop and anti-snatch design keeps your phone close in crowded areas like markets or train stations—without compromising on style. It comes in several colors, including a few black options for anyone who wants to be super inconspicuous. This upscale leather crossbody will add a vibrant pop of color to your travel wardrobe while offering stealthy anti-theft features. Despite its compact size, it has three flexible main pockets, 12 card slots, and a zip compartment. The all-in-one design means you can keep your valuables secure without carrying a larger bag, and travelers praise it for both style and the peace of mind it offers. Perfect for beach days or boat trips, this waterproof lanyard lets you keep your phone with you while swimming or snorkeling—no need to leave it unattended. You can still text, scroll, and take underwater photos while you splash around. One reviewer noted that they got 'amazing videos of sea life' during snorkeling, plus peace of mind on fishing trips. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Toronto Sun
12-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Toronto Sun
SALTZMAN: So, should we accept or reject ‘cookies'?
And no, not the delicious kind – taking these 'bytes' could be a privacy issue Ever wondered what you should do when surfing the web and those annoying pop-up windows ask you to accept cookies? Photo by Supplied As you browse the web – reading the news, looking up recipe ideas or comparing prices on shopping sites – you often see that annoying pop-up window that asks you about 'cookies.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Unfortunately, they're not the edible kind. You're certain you've clicked or tapped through these pesky permissions before, perhaps just to remove the pop-up window, but you can't recall if you should accept them, and if so, do you choose 'all cookies' or only 'essential cookies'? Or decline them altogether? Like, who really understands what all this means anyway? Not many of us, it seems. According to a 2025 report by All About Cookies, an informational website that provides advice about online privacy and digital security, less than half (46%) of those surveyed know what internet cookies are. It's a U.S. study, but I'd bet Canadians are also unsure what we're allowing or declining on websites. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Before we get into whether you should accept, reject or ignore them, it helps to understand what cookies are, in relation to the internet. Essentially, cookies are tiny data files that contain information about web pages you've visited, online searches you've conducted and preferences you've set within your browser. There are two types of cookies – first-party cookies and third-party cookies. 'First-party cookies come directly from the website you're visiting, and they're used to make your experience smoother and more personalized,' said Amy Bunn, an online safety advocate at McAfee. They can be helpful, as they do things like remembering where you live (to give you relevant weather or the address of the closest coffee shop), your layout preferences (such as prioritizing your favourite team on a sports site) or things you left in your shopping cart (so you can still buy them when you return to the online store). Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another example: Your debit card number and/or username is stored on your banking website, so you don't have to type it in each time you want to check your balance – and, thus, only your password is required. 'Third-party cookies, on the other hand, are 'tracking cookies,' which come from other companies, usually advertisers, that are allowed to place cookies on the site you're visiting,' Bunn explained. 'These track what you do online, like the websites you visit and the content you view, so they can share ads that match your interests.' Along with advertisers, search engine companies, device manufacturers and social media giants also created third-party (aka 'non-essential') cookies to track you online and/or show you ads based on your searching or browsing topics and habits. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As you might expect, these kinds of cookies could invade your privacy, whether you browse the web on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Ever wondered what you should do when surfing the web and those annoying pop-up windows ask you to accept cookies? Photo by Supplied WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T ACCEPT OR REJECT COOKIES? If you click out of a cookie permission pop-up window without accepting or denying cookies, some websites may not work properly. 'This can mean you may not be able to use some features, or you could be blocked from using the site entirely,' Bunn cautioned. 'Other websites may allow you to access content, but that content may not be as relevant, and the experience may not be as smooth or personalized.' In other words, you're still going to see ads and curated news content, but they could be of no interest, such as seeing banner advertisements for diapers and baby formula when don't have young kids. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ever wondered what you should do when surfing the web and those annoying pop-up windows ask you to accept cookies? Photo by Supplied 'Cookies are text files [that] won't harm your computer when a website sends them,' Bunn said. 'However, it's still important to be cautious, as some cookies can store personal info like your email and passwords. If you visit an untrustworthy website or use an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, your information could be at risk.' You should always decline cookies on websites that aren't secure. You can check if a site is secure by looking at the web address; secure sites start with 'https' (the 's' stands for 'secure') and often show a small lock icon in the address bar. If you don't see those, don't accept cookies. Also, think twice about accepting cookies if a website mentions sharing your data with third parties. While that usually means your information could be passed along to advertisers, when in doubt, it's safer to click 'decline.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ever wondered what you should do when surfing the web and those annoying pop-up windows ask you to accept cookies? Photo by Supplied Finally, 'clearing' cookies, which all web browsers let you do in their Settings area, means your browser will delete any stored (and potentially handy) information for you, like your credit card when you're about to make a purchase. That's why many web users don't like doing this. But there are three reasons why you may want to clear your browser's cookies: To protect your privacy – How much do you want big tech to know about you and your likes and dislikes? Also, it's possible a site that keeps your sensitive information automatically loaded could suffer a data breach. To fix a website bug – If a site isn't loading properly or is having display glitches or login issues, clearing cookies could resolve the issue. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If you're on a public computer – Clearing the cookies on a shared computer, such as a public library or hotel lobby, is a good way to quickly make sure you logged out of all the websites you just accessed so that no one else can sit down and keep using your accounts. On a related note, when you install a new app on an iPhone or iPad you will be prompted with an 'Ask App Not To Track' option. Choosing 'yes' to this is a privacy-friendly choice – and kudos to Apple for introducing this a couple of years ago – as it limits data collection by third parties. That said, the decision to allow tracking or not depends on your individual preferences and how much you value personalized experiences versus privacy. – Based in Toronto, Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and author of 17 books, including Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley) Columnists World Toronto Blue Jays Relationships MLB
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Identity Theft Complaints Rose In Most States In 2024 With Florida At The Top Of The List
Credit card fraud topped the list of reported identity theft in 2024. getty Identity theft reports rose by 9% nationwide last year, representing the first year-over-year increase in identity theft reports since 2021. Reported incidents increased by nearly 100,000 between 2023 and 2024, suggesting that identity thieves have found new way to evade existing protections, such as using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing scams. Florida residents reported the most issues of any state in 2024, with 528 identity theft reports for every 100,000 people living in the state, according to an analysis of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data by All About Cookies, which focuses on online privacy and data security. The only other state with a rate in excess of 500 reports per capita was neighboring Georgia, at 517 reports per 100,000 people. For 2024, most identity theft reports were filed in southern states. Kelly Phillips Erb At the other end of the spectrum, South Dakota had just 94 per 100,000 people. No other state had fewer than 100 reports per capita, although Vermont was close, with 101 identity theft reports for every 100,000 residents. Identity theft reports rose by 26% in Louisiana, the most of any state. Five other southern states also landed in the top 10 when it came to the most increases in identity theft: Arkansas (2), Florida (4), Kentucky (5), Mississippi (6), and Missouri (8). Rhode Island (3), California (7), Nevada (9), and New York (10) rounded out the top 10. The data suggests that South is a 'genuine identity theft hotspot,' being home to nine of the top 10 cities with the highest number of reported identity thefts. Miami tops the list with 903 reported instances of identity theft for every 100,000 people, which is over 200 reports per capita higher than any other city. Atlanta ranks second at 690 reports per 100,000 people, while Houston holds third at 573 per 100,000. The only non-southern city in the top 10 is Los Angeles, with 550 reports for every 100,000 residents. Orlando (Florida), Baton Rouge (Louisiana), Killeen (Texas), Dallas (Texas), Lakeland (Florida) and Macon (Georgia) complete the list. The South also leads the way when it comes to increases in theft reports. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recorded a 55% increase in identity theft reports, followed by New Orleans, which experienced a 35% increase. The rate of identity theft increased by at least 20% in six different Florida cities, each of which ranked among the top 10 cities with the largest such increases nationwide. Overall, identity theft reports rose in 37 states, decreased in 12 states, and remained consistent year over year in two states. Stolen credit card information is the most common form of identity theft, accounting for 40% of all identity theft reports in 2024. 'Other' forms of identity theft—those that do not fit into any other category—ranked second with 32% of identity theft reports. This includes reports of identity theft related to social media, insurance, medical services, and online shopping. Identity theft related to acquiring loans or leases, such as mortgages or rental agreements, ranked third, while bank account identity theft ranked fourth. Employment or tax-related theft (generally associated with Social Security numbers) ranked fifth. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They may steal your name, address, credit card or bank account numbers, and Social Security number. Furthermore, they can use this information to obtain new credit cards in your name, open a phone or gas account under your name, or steal your tax refund. You may not even know that it has happened. The best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant. Check your bills and bank statements for unusual charges, and regularly review your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can also take proactive steps, such as placing a credit freeze on your credit reports. While a freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name. There's no cost to place or lift a freeze. Contact each of the three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—for details. Take steps to keep your financial records and personally identifying information secure. Keep them in a safe place and securely dispose of any papers with the information (your best bet is the shred them). And look out for scammers. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal agencies won't call, email, or text you to ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, or other personal details. (For more tips to protect yourself, check out this previous article.) Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number and personal information to steal your tax refund or use your information to file a return to claim a bogus tax refund. You may not even know you're a victim until you file your tax return and it's either rejected online or you receive a letter from the IRS. If you file a paper tax return and your identity has been used to file a return, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining that it received more than one return in your name. Don't ignore the letter—read it carefully and follow the instructions. If you file your tax return online or through a tax preparer and it is rejected as a duplicate filing, click over to and make a report. When you submit a report at it will generate three things: (1) an FTC Identity Theft Report, (2) an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, and (3) your personal recovery plan. Your IRS Identity Theft Affidavit will automatically be submitted to the IRS online so that the IRS can begin investigating your case. If you don't want to make a report at you can click over to Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit and submit it by mail. You can also submit it online. If you are the victim of identity theft, you should consider opting into the IRS Identity Protection PIN program. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent thieves from filing federal tax returns in the names of identity theft victims. The IP PIN is a voluntary program open to any taxpayer who can verify their identity. The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account. If you don't already have an account on you'll need to create one. The IP PIN is generally available in your online account from mid-January to mid-November. Once you have opted in and obtained an IP PIN online, you'll need to use it each year when filing any federal tax returns, including prior-year returns. You'll find it in your online account through the Profile Tab. An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year. A new IP PIN is generated each year for your account. If you want an IP PIN but can't create an online account, there are alternatives (they just take longer). For example, if your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly, you have the option to use Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. You must have a valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and access to a telephone. The IRS will use the telephone number provided on Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity. Once the IRS verifies your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via U.S. mail, usually within four to six weeks. You will receive your IP PIN each year through the mail. You can also make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. You'll need to bring one current government-issued photo identification document and another identification document to prove your identity. Once the IRS verifies your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via mail, typically within three weeks. Again, you will receive your IP PIN annually through the mail. The IRS also has a hub—Identity Theft Central—that you can visit for more resources. When consumers file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), those reports are stored in the Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel), an online database available only to law enforcement. Since 1997, Sentinel has collected tens of millions of consumer reports related to fraud, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues. That information is aggregated into an annual data book. The All About Cookies team analyzed the FTC data to identify where identity theft is most prevalent, where crime is on the rise, and the most common types of identity theft across the country. All About Cookies offers tips, advice, and recommendations to assist with online privacy, prevent identity theft, and enhance digital security.
