Lessons after theft at conference ? Ken Banks  (From Newsletter: SpeakerNetNews.com)

Recently at a conference my briefcase, with my laptop in it, was stolen when it was sitting next to me on the floor while I was at breakfast with other attendees. I have learned that this is becoming a more common occurrence at conferences and meetings. Professionals are on the lookout for nice (my Tumi leather fit the bill), bulging (laptops and cameras and files that we all take on business trips), and separated (even if only at your feet) briefcases that can supply expensive items and even more valuable identification files.

Here are some tips to help avoid the same fate.

• Don't leave your bag unattended. I have done it. I have seen many others do it. We are at the conferences and there's a break or lunch or restroom need and we leave our bag sitting on the table or chair while we leave even for just a minute. I was right next to my bag and the pro just walked by as I chatted on my cell and walked away with it. Don't leave it in the reception or expo hall as you walk around either. These pros know the routine and are watching.
• Don't put everything in the bag. Easy to say, but we all need the laptop and files when we travel. I recommend that you keep them separate. And keep the contact lists with your credit card info (like online accounts and passwords) separate. I had my cell on me and so they didn't get that and it had much of the info (like account #s) that I needed to stop the fraud.
• Watch the bag. Don't let it out of your sight. The thieves are as slick as a pickpocket. This includes in the restroom stalls as they can come by and reach in and be off while you zip up your pants or skirt. Don't assume there is security in the room. There isn't and they don't really watch for strangers. Especially conferences where ID badges aren't checked as you enter.
• Be obsessed. Trust me, it's better to be overly concerned than to have to spend the next couple weeks changing every account and password, changing your passport, changing your frequent flyer accounts (they all have your passwords too), and worrying that someone is going to compromise your identity (that won't end for quite a while since they know to wait).
• Notify the credit bureaus immediately. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion will notify each other. Sign up for a credit or ID theft alert program. I signed on to TripleAlert.com, which notifies you if there is suspect activity on your accounts.
• Don't put your account numbers and passwords in your contact list. Unfortunately, I had put several and even though I used coded names for the passwords on my bank and credit cards, I suspect the pros would figure it out really fast if they are ID thieves.
• Keep a separate thumb drive with all this info in it and keep it separate from your bag. Don't put your keys or your cell phone in the bag either.
• Keep a copy of your passport and drivers license. Makes it easier to file for stolen or lost with the government.
• Don't put your Outlook contact list and calendar on your iPod.
• Back up your contact list and calendars regularly. Fortunately, I had backed up about 10 days before my trip so my file loss was minimal.
• Get a copy of the police report if you are robbed. You will need it for your insurance claim and it's hard to locate after you leave.
• File away your frequent flyer and seldom-used credit cards. You can do it all without them anyway and if you have a secure place for the numbers, that will keep them from getting in the wrong hands.
• Keep your receipts or manual for important portable items (phone, camera, laptop). I had most of them and it facilitated the claim.
• Look at the silver lining. I am writing this on my new MacBook, which I love. I use my new iPhone, which replaced my separate iPod. And my new Nikon has a lot more megapixels than my old Casio.

Still, I would give it all back to not have to go through this again. We all go to meetings and conferences and airports and hotels and leave our stuff out there. Remember, there are pros watching for you to look the other way.