Identity Theft and the Things We Carry: Social Security Card

As I've mentioned before, identity theft can be committed in a variety of different ways. While some identity thieves prefer a phishing scam, others may prefer dumpster diving or stealing someone's mail or wallet. Since there are so many ways to get one's identity stolen, consumers need to protect their information on all fronts, and perhaps the place many of us are most vulnerable is follows us around everywhere we go, our wallets. In fact, the items we carry in our wallets daily may provide an identity thief with everything he needs. These next few blog posts will cover some things we may be carrying with us daily that will make us more vulnerable to identity theft.

Do you carry your Social Security card with you in your wallet? After all, you are occasionally asked for it as a form of identification? This is last thing you want to carry in your wallet because if it is stolen, you may very well be handing your identity over on a plate. Only carry it with you if you know for a fact you are going to need it. You know your Social Security number if you need to provide it, and if you don't, memorize it. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place, like a locked box or a safe.

One's Social Security card is the most valuable document to an identity thief. Do your best to keep it out of his/her hands.