Recently, I wrote an article on the problems with carrying a heavy purse.
Another thing to consider is whether it’s a bad idea, from a safety point of view, to be carrying around some of the things you have in your purse or wallet.
The FBI offers these suggestions:
Blank checks
Carrying blank or used checks is a problem. One stolen check gives a thief your name, address, bank, routing number, and account number. With that information, they can forge your name and empty out your checking account.
In addition, don’t carry just one check. One is all a criminal needs.
Multiple credit cards
Don’t carry all your credit card. The more you have in your wallet, the more damage a thief can do. Keep one main card with you and put the rest in a file at home.
You don’t need your Best Buy card unless you’re actually buying a TV, appliance, or air conditioner.
Spare house key
A spare key in your wallet sounds smart until you remember your wallet also holds your address. If a thief gets both, they have all they need to rob you.
Unused gift cards
If you keep gift cards in your wallet or purse and one of them is stolen, the balance on the gift card will be gone. Thieves can use them instantly or sell them for quick cash.
Only carry them when you’re headed to the store or restaurant.
Password cheat sheet
It’s difficult to remember passwords for dozens of things. However, keeping a list of them in your wallet or purse is a huge problem if you lose that wallet or purse and cheat sheet.
If the wrong person finds that cheat sheet, they could hack everything from your email to your bank account. Use a password manager instead.
Old receipts
Some thieves can use the last four digits of your credit card on your receipt and merchant info to get the rest of your card number.
Add your name, and they can use your credit card to shop online. Ask for email receipts when possible.
Social Security card
You rarely need to carry your Social Security card, and if it’s stolen, it’s a huge problem. Thieves can open accounts, buy thousands of dollars of stuff, and wreck your credit.
Keep your Social Security card a safe place, not your wallet or purse.
Other items
Work ID card
In addition to your name, your work ID card could have other information that a thief could use to launch a scam in your workplace.
Passport or passport card
A thief can use your passport or passport card as identification and rip you off in a number of ways.
Birth certificate
A thief can access your accounts and create fake accounts. In addition, it can be used to get other documents and information about you.
Library card
A thief can check out books and sell them. You’ll be on the hook for the cost of the books.
Your PIN
Don’t write your PIN on the back of your credit card or put it anywhere else in your wallet or purse. You’d be giving a thief access to your account.
Large amounts of cash
It’s O.K. to carry small amounts of cash, but carrying lots of cash is asking for problems. Leave it home or in a hotel safe.
Anything that’s expired
Criminals may be able to get information from old credit cards or membership cards that they could use.
Checks made out to you
A criminal could easily forge your signature and that money would be gone. Deposit these checks promptly.
Medicare card
Take it with you only when you’re going to visit a doctor or another medical appointment. A criminal could file a false claim or use it in other scams.
Final thoughts
I’ll be sorting out my purse today. Although I took checks out of my purse early this year because they’re heavy, I have quite a few other items on the list that I need to put elsewhere.
