We understand what might be going through your mind, and rest assured, we are not referring to storing condoms in your wallet – that’s definitely not a smart move. However, the following item is something you should reconsider carrying in your wallet, as it could be even more detrimental.
Carrying this item in your wallet may appear to be a practical option, but doing so can put your personal security and privacy in jeopardy.
Here are 5 reasons why you should never carry this with you:
This Article Includes
1. Risk of Loss or Theft:
Carrying your Social Security Card in your wallet poses an immediate risk of loss or theft. It’s common for wallets to get misplaced or stolen, which means if your card is inside, the person who ends up with your wallet will also have access to your social security number. This is considered one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information and should be protected at all costs.
2. Identity Theft:
A young adult dressed in black clothing with a hidden face can be seen in the image. This individual is a fraudster with ill intentions who uses their mobile phone to carry out scams. The fraudster makes calls in order to deceive unsuspecting victims. This type of fraudulent activity is known as mobile racket or cellphone account fraud. In some cases, hackers can even hijack a phone remotely to carry out their fraudulent schemes.
Your Social Security number is an essential piece of personal information that, if compromised, can lead to a multitude of fraudulent activities. Criminals can use your SSN to open credit card accounts, apply for loans, make fraudulent tax claims, and more. The consequences of such actions can be severe, and it could take years to recover your credit score and rectify the situation. Protecting your Social Security number should be a top priority to prevent identity theft and financial harm.
3. Difficulty to Replace:
Getting a replacement Social Security Card is neither an easy nor quick task. The Social Security Administration demands submission of several documents to authenticate your identity when applying for a new card. Furthermore, there are limitations to the number of replacement cards you can avail of in a year and throughout your lifetime.
4. Increased Cybercrime Risk:
In our digital era, hackers are becoming more advanced and skillful in their tactics. They have the ability to gain access to your personal information, which is stored electronically in your mobile phone. Considering the fact that you may carry your mobile device with you all the time, it poses a significant risk to your security if you have photos or scanned copies of your Social Security Card saved in it. This makes you a prime target for cybercriminals who are always on the lookout for such vulnerable individuals.
5. Creates Unnecessary Risk:
Carrying your Social Security Card with you puts your information at risk every time you take out your wallet, even if it never gets lost or stolen. When you pay at a store, for instance, someone may inadvertently catch a glimpse of your Social Security number.
To reduce the risk of identity theft, it is recommended that you keep your Social Security Card in a secure location at home or in a safety deposit box at your bank. Instead of carrying your card with you, memorize your social security number or store it in a password-protected document. By limiting the amount of personal information you carry with you on a daily basis, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of your personal data being compromised.
