As we enter into the early parts of November, it's possible you'll find yourself out to do some shopping. The winter Holidays will all be here sooner than we know it and with a possible increase in your shopping routines for the next month or two, along come the risks.

If you're carrying this in your wallet, experts are suggesting you remove this item immediately. According to Discover, "Every year millions of Americans see their money and personal information fall into the wrong hands, and the consequences can be devastating. In fact, Bankrate reported that the average identity fraud victim lost $1,551 in 2021."

If you're carrying some of these sensitive items due to the off chance you might need them one day...it's better to be safe rather than sorry and leave these at home until they're needed.

Unsplash - Emil Kalibradov
Unsplash - Emil Kalibradov
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Remove This From Your Wallet

According to the experts with Discover they recommend you remove your Social Security Card from your wallet ASAP.


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According to Discover, these 9 little digits could make it easier for any potential thief or fraudster to open a loan or credit card in your name. It's important to remember that anything that may be convenient for you is also convenient for a thief.

The biggest reasons to not carry your social security card in your wallet are:

  • It's a hassle to get a new one/replace if it's lost or stolen
  • You don't use it every day
  • Losing your social security card can compromise your bank accounts, your credit, etc.

Other Items You Might Not Need

Experts also recommend removing checks from your wallet, including checks that have been filled out. Supposedly they contain a lot more information on them than you may realize.

You might also want to get rid of a few of these from your wallet as well!

Unsplash - Avery Evans
Unsplash - Avery Evans
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If you're carrying numerous credit cards or department store cards, you may want to leave those at home. Obviously, if you have more cards in your wallet there's a greater chance for multiple cards to be stolen. You really only need 1 credit card and 1 debit card most of the time. There is an added bonus to not having so many cards in your wallet. Only carrying the cards you need can help keep your impulse purchases down!

According to the experts with Discover, you also should limit the number of gift cards you have in your wallet, you should never carry a password cheat sheet, and you should limit the amount of cash you're carrying. Unless you plan on making a big purchase in cash, it's recommended to only carry $100-#300.

Keep your wallet/purse safe as we enter one of the busiest shopping times of the year. Do you really need to carry around all that cash and a social security card? Nope!

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