Thousands of screaming fans are vying for your affection while you and your superstar band travel the country on your blockbuster tour. However, this unruly mob of admirers gives a cunning identity theft the perfect place to hide. Travelling musicians, consider these tips that’ll keep your identity secure.

Don’t Book Hotels in Advance

Image via Flickr by Derrick Austinson Photog

How can identity thieves know where you’re going if that’s a mystery, even to you? Booking hotels and accommodations less than a day in advance is a surefire way to keep a ne’er-do-well on their toes and to ensure that you get the privacy you desperately need. Always be sure to check-in under a pseudonym as well. Have fun with it, too. Matt Damon once signed himself in as “John President” because people would have to refer to him as “Mr. President.”

Wear a Mask

Musicians wearing masks is an age old way for them to safeguard their identities. Whether you’re on stage or simply trying to walk down the street, masks and other identity concealing devices can work wonders for keeping your identity safe. It doesn’t matter how big you are, either. Acts like Daft Punk and Buckethead are A-list headliners for hundreds of venues, but people would be hard-pressed to recognize them sans disguise in public.

Invest in Identity Theft Protection

Even if you take all the stops to ensure someone doesn’t hijack your name and your money, it’s always good to have someone watch your back. Companies like Life Lock provide outstanding services such as credit alerts, lost wallet protection, advanced internet monitoring, and more. Identity theft protection programs give you peace of mind while you’re on the road.

Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

Touring musicians are always on the move and constantly find themselves tapping into public Wi-Fi sources at hotels, airports, and downtown urban areas. The problem is that anyone can access these public networks, and as such, they become prime hunting grounds for web-based identity theft. If you must use a public Wi-Fi source, always avoid engaging in any activities that involve your credit card numbers or personal information.

Lay Low

The best way to conceal your superstar identity is to not act like a superstar. Sure, it might be nice to have your face plastered on the side of a tour bus, or to pop bottles of Dom and Cristal, but all those extravagant habits attract unwanted attention. Identity thieves are itching at the chance to prey on those with lots of money to throw around, and if it looks like you’re throwing it around without a care in the world, you instantly become a target.

In a world where album sales are being lost to bit torrent piracy and second-hand sharing, touring is a necessity for any musicians looking to make a name for themselves. Although touring leaves you and your identity in a prone position, you can still enjoy the excitement of travel if you play it safe, and use your head.