Yesterday I received an email request from a client asking for money. This is not an unusual request, what got my attention was the amount and where the funds were to be sent. I called the client and found out the request was not from her. I asked if she had been on vacation recently and checked her email, she said yes.

This is the fourth client that has checked their email while on vacation and I have then received a request for money. Do not do this! You are logging into a public, unprotected network. You have no idea who is sitting next to you with equipment that can capture your screen, your clicks, your login, or passwords.

You can go to any number of email sites and set- up a separate email address that you can use while on vacation. Use that vacation email address for that trip only, shut it down when you get home, then establish another one for your next trip.

I have had my identity stolen twice; there is a lot that needs to be done after the fact to protect yourself and to regain a sense of peace. Be proactive, set up a temporary email before you travel