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It's not unusual to see people, particularly women, overloaded with shopping bags and luggage trying to call a cab. When one finally pulls over, you watch these women in awe and think about how much work is actually needed just to get inside the cab without the contents of their shopping bag spilling out. If you had the time, you'd follow the cab and again, entertain yourself watching these women exiting the cab. It may seem like a reality comedy but one thing though, the women did get to where they need to go.
One thing to take note though, is the fact that when you are overloaded with luggage, there is always the possibility that you will leave something inside the cab-anything from cell phones, wallets, keys, or even laptops. Unfortunately for some people, leaving the last two items on the list can actually prove to be more costly than losing their purse or wallet. According to a recent study, fifty five thousand cell phones are lost in London every year.
What's new? Well, we've all lost something at some point in our lives but losing your cell phone or laptops can be very damaging not only to your phone bill (as someone might make unauthorized calls with your phone), but also with your finances and credit status. It is riskier that you actually thought.
What most people take for granted is the fact that losing your phone, laptops, handbags or briefcases is a lot like giving the thief the keys to your home. Why so? Because every thing listed on the previous sentence contains valuable personal data that can be used for identity theft.
It may sound reproachable but, of course, no one in their right mind will allow their personal belongings, particularly those containing valuable information, to be lost on purpose. This should be taken as a warning and not as a reprimand. The sad fact is that identity theft is within us and will continue to be with us for some time.
If you find yourself being in the same position as the overloaded woman in the first few paragraphs, then you need to take extra caution and effort to check the cab before you actually alight. Make sure that you have everything with you and nothing is left inside. It is even advised that you put your personal belongings or possessions closer to you so that there will be lesser chances of you losing it.
When exiting your cab, avoid snapping the door shut immediately after you alight. Get a second look of the cab. The driver might not entirely like what you're doing but who cares? Your identity is the one that is on the line which is why it is always important that you do everything to protect yourself from identity scams.
But of course, this advice does not only refer to cabs but in other places as well. If you are in a restaurant or any place public, you need to check that you have everything with you before you leave.
