WARNING: #1 Item To Remove From Wallets Immediately in Minnesota

You know that panic feeling that sets in when you realize that your purse or wallet is gone?  You just had it while you were shopping at Target and then...BAM!...gone.  You retrace your steps through the store and your heart starts to race even more as you realize that someone, right now, has your credit cards.  But there is one other item that many Americans keep in their wallet that should be removed immediately.

Over 1 Million People in the U.S. Were Victims of Identity Theft in 2023

I say this on my radio show all the time - I don't have the mind of a criminal so this is not something I understand.  I was raised to know right from wrong and stealing from someone is just plain wrong.  Some people did not get that message because the latest statistics from the Insurance Information Institute show there is a raging problem in our country.  Over 1 million people in the United States filed identity theft claims with the Federal Trade Commission in 2023.  What does that mean exactly?  People who don't mind stealing from others are taking your identity and causing you a whole bunch of headaches.

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Thankfully, there are some easy ways to protect yourself from having this happen to you.  And if you carry a wallet or a purse, do yourself a favor and just read for a few minutes because there are most likely a few things you carry around every day that are putting you at serious risk.

#1 Item That Should Be Removed From All Wallets and Purses in Minnesota

Whenever I go to a store to shop, I ALWAYS see someone leave their purse in the front of the cart area and then turn their back to grab something on a shelf.  Everyone knows that your purse holds all of your prized possessions and links to your money.  That is what a purse is for.  And yet, women just let their purse sit there in the front of the cart without a concern as they walk over to a rack to look at some clothes or grab something off a shelf.  I know it is just for a few seconds, but that is all that is needed to snatch your purse.

Every two minutes in the United States, it is estimated that about 1,000 purses and wallets are stolen.  Big Skinny Wallets stated that based on those numbers, about 300,000 wallets are stolen a year.

According to ABCnews.com, the number one item that you should never carry in your purse or wallet is your social security card.  If the wrong person gets it, horrible damage can be done because they could open a credit card in your name or even buy a car.

We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.

- Social Security Administration

 

Top Items That Should Be Removed From All Wallets And Purses in Minnesota

Purses and wallets are going to be a thing for a very long time, but if you are carrying one of those around, please look through it tonight and make sure the items below are removed.  Why?  Criminals love finding these personal items and will use them to their advantage.