subject: Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft: Someone Call A Cab [print this page] We've seen it on a daily basisWe've seen it on a daily basis. Someone that is overloaded with luggage or has one shopping bag to many tries to hail a cab. Then you watch them get inside which may be a production unto itself. After arriving at their destination exiting the cab can also be a study in comedy. But at least they get where they are going.
However you do not need to be overloaded with baggage to realize that you left something inside the taxi. It can be anything from keys to wallets or cell phones. Unfortunately for people in London leaving the last one behind can be more costly than losing a purse or a wallet.
The British Computer Society in a recent study showed that over fifty five thousand cell phones are lost in London every year. Things happen of course and we all have lost something over the course of our lives but according to the study this puts Londoners at a greater risk than other citizens of the United Kingdom. Four times greater.
As BCS chief executive David Clarke puts it, "Londoners must realise that losing their phones, laptops, handbags or briefcases is like giving a thief the keys to your home. Its time to take more care of your personal data."
Yes it sounds like an admonishment and in reality nobody loses their personal belongings on purpose. But more than anything it should be taken as a warning within and outside London. Identity Theft is still very much with us and will be so for quite some time.
Therefore if you are in a cab regardless of city take an extra moment before you arrive at your destination to make sure that you have all of your personal possessions within your possession.
Do the same thing upon exiting the cab. Don't just close the door and let the driver speed off without taking that second look. It takes no time at all and if the taxi driver does not like it tough. This is your stuff we're talking about. You can believe if the shoe was on the other foot they would do the same thing.
Checking to make sure you have got everything after leaving a cab, restaurant or any other place should be automatic.
