In the wake of rising thefts and potential security threats, it’s more important than ever to consider what you carry in your wallet daily. Your wallet, being a compact storehouse of personal and financial information, can become a goldmine for thieves if it falls into the wrong hands. Some items traditionally kept in wallets can significantly increase your vulnerability to identity theft and financial loss. To minimize these risks, here are 18 things you should never keep in your wallet.
Social Security Card
Carrying your Social Security card in your wallet poses a significant risk. If stolen, it could provide a thief with the most critical piece of information needed for identity theft. It’s recommended to memorize your number and keep the card at home in a secure place.
Passport
A passport is another identification document that you should avoid carrying in your wallet. If lost or stolen, it could be used for identity theft or even illegal activities under your name. It’s advisable to carry only a copy of the necessary pages if you need it for travel.
All Your Credit Cards
Keeping all your credit cards in your wallet isn’t necessary and increases your risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Carry only the card(s) you intend to use and leave the rest in a secure place at home.
Checks
Checks are less secure than credit or debit cards, as they have your bank account number and routing number printed right on them. It’s best to carry a check only when you plan to use it.
Too Much Cash
Walking around with a large amount of cash isn’t just unnecessary; it’s risky. If your wallet gets lost or stolen, you could lose a significant sum of money.
Passwords and PINs
If you struggle to remember all your passwords and PINs, writing them down might seem like a reasonable solution, but storing them in your wallet is a big mistake. This could give thieves easy access to your accounts if they get their hands on your wallet.
Spare Keys
Losing your wallet and keys in one go would be disastrous, potentially giving thieves access to your home. It’s better to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Medical ID Cards
Medical ID cards often have personal information that could be used in identity theft. It’s better to carry a separate piece of paper with necessary medical information, including blood type and allergies, but without revealing too much identifiable information.
Gift Cards
Much like cash, if your gift cards get stolen, you’re unlikely to get them back. It’s best to bring them only when you plan on using them.
Receipts
Receipts can reveal your spending habits and potentially some of your account information. Clear them out regularly to keep your wallet clutter-free and your personal information safe.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a vital document that should be stored securely at home, not carried in your wallet. If lost or stolen, it can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
Bank Account Details
Details of your bank accounts, including account numbers and sort codes, should never be carried in your wallet. This information, if fallen into wrong hands, could provide an easy route for someone to access your funds.
USB Drives
It might seem practical to carry a USB drive in your wallet, but if it contains sensitive information and your wallet is stolen, you risk that data being accessed by thieves.
Excess Membership Cards
Membership cards for retailers or clubs often have barcodes or numbers unique to you, which can be used to trace back to your identity. Carry only those you use frequently; consider digitizing others.
Expired Credit Cards
Carrying expired credit cards might seem harmless, but thieves can use them to impersonate you over the phone, making purchases or changes to your accounts.
Pay Stubs
These often have a lot of personal information, including your full name, address, and even your Social Security number in some cases. Keep them at home in a safe place.
Library Cards
If your library card gets stolen, someone could rack up fines in your name by taking out and not returning items. Keep it at home unless you’re heading to the library.
Photos of Loved Ones
With the ubiquity of smartphones, there’s no need to carry physical photos in your wallet. A lost wallet could lead to lost irreplaceable photos, not to mention they can give potential identity thieves additional personal information.
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