| When a thief demands your wallet or purse, it is | | | | hold of one of your checks, they could clear out |
| obvious that they are after your money. Beyond this, | | | | your bank account in no time. |
| there are many other potential targets contained in | | | | 4.Extra credit cards. Even if you have several credit |
| the purse or wallet. Although identity thieves are | | | | accounts open, carry the minimum number of cards |
| becoming more sophisticated, the typical contents of | | | | in your wallet. The more credit cards you're carrying, |
| a purse or wallet still hold plenty of useful personal | | | | the more debt thieves are able to rack up in your |
| information for them. Although there's no way to | | | | name. Plus, you'd have the headache of trying to |
| guarantee that your purse or wallet will never be | | | | cancel all of these cards if they are stolen. |
| stolen, there are ways to lessen the impact of the | | | | 5.Excessive cash. This one is almost a no-brainer. |
| theft by avoiding carrying around more than you | | | | Avoid carrying significant amounts of cash at any one |
| have to. Below are a few important items that you | | | | time. If you must, keep smaller amounts in different |
| should never carry with you. | | | | pockets to avoid a catastrophic loss. Use a debit or |
| 1.Social security card. This personal information is like | | | | credit card for large purchases instead of withdrawing |
| the "holy grail" for identity thieves. Far too many | | | | large amounts of cash. If the cash is stolen, you will |
| people carry it in their wallet, behind their driver's | | | | have absolutely no recourse. |
| license. The best place to store this card is in a | | | | 6.Photos of your kids. You may find this item |
| safety deposit box or in a safe in your home. Think | | | | surprising, but it can actually be quite dangerous to |
| about the last time you actually needed your social | | | | carry family members' school photos in your wallet, |
| security card. Probably the last time you were hired | | | | especially if you're in the habit of listing their names |
| for a new job, right? Otherwise, there is no reason | | | | and ages on the back. With the information in your |
| to carry this card in your wallet. | | | | wallet, a thief could easily gain access to your kids at |
| 2.Passport or birth certificate. As long as you have | | | | school. |
| your state-issued ID, such as a driver's license, | | | | 7.Passwords. Do you keep a list of your pass codes |
| there's no reason to be carrying additional forms of | | | | in your purse or wallet? If ever stolen, this list will be |
| identification. Not only can this aid identity thieves, | | | | a dreamcome true for the thief. Do not write down |
| but if your purse is stolen, you'll have a very difficult | | | | your ATM code, your login information to any |
| time getting a new ID without any form of personal | | | | website, or your social security number. |
| identification. | | | | Identity theft is among the fastest growing crimes in |
| 3.Checkbook. With debit cards and online banking, | | | | America. While there are ways to reduce your |
| very few people write checks for routine purchases. | | | | chance of becoming a victim, such as carrying pepper |
| Your checkbook contains your name, address, bank | | | | spray or a stun gun, it's also important to minimize |
| account numbers, and bank name. If a thief got a | | | | the impact if your purse or wallet were to be stolen. |