VPN-location reminder

On my iPhone and iPad, I use a virtual personal network (VPN) for privacy when connected to a potentially insecure Wi-Fi network, especially when traveling. When I was in Uzbekistan in April 2016 and attempted to review my checking account, it triggered my bank to block further online access to my account, as they suspected fraud.

I had alerted the bank to all of the countries I would be visiting on my trip to Central Asia, but I was unaware that my VPN uses a server in the Netherlands. Once I was able to call the bank via Skype and tell them I had used a VPN, my access was restored.

For future foreign trips, I’ll be sure to mention the VPN in addition to the countries I’ll be visiting, after confirming where the VPN’s servers are.

JIM ROYLE

San Diego, CA