The Identity theft and stolen credit card industry has gone bonkers in the United States in the last decade.

According to recent stats: (link to full article on fool.com)

  • Identity theft declines in 2023: There were 1.036 million reports of identity theft in 2023, down from 1.107 million in 2022, and 1.434 million in 2021.
  • Credit card fraud remains top concern: Credit card fraud was the most common type of identity theft in 2023 with 426 thousand reports, down from 448 thousand in 2022.
  • Government and benefits fraud on the rise: Government documents or benefits fraud increased by 68% in 2023 after declining by 85% in 2022. There were 102,000 reports of government documents or benefits fraud in 2023 compared to 61,000 in 2022.

Here's 7 things to not put in your wallet anymore:

1. Social Security Card

I feel like this get filed under "no duh."

PC: Andy THompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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2. Checks

This is crucial for the senior demographic who walk around with a checkbook. You're also not supposed to mail checks these days. Too many talented Mr. Ripleys hanging around mailboxes.

PC: Andy Thompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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3. Multiple Credit Cards

Pick one!

I guess if they steal any one of your credit cards that's a problem, so I'm not sure why carrying multiple makes a difference. The point is, just stay inside. Better yet, go into a bunker.

Robber who follows WHO regulations
Robber who follows WHO regulations
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4. Spare House Keys

Do people carry around house keys in their wallet? Who are they? George Costanza?

PC: Andy Thompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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5. Unused Gift Cards

These things always get lost or thrown out. Better to have them go in the garbage than to have some ruffian buying a blender at Bed Bath and Beyond on your Christmas gift from Aunt Bertie.

PC: Andy Thompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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6. Password Cheat Sheet

Good heavens.

Although, I like this idea. I'd rather be robbed blind then have to create a new password every time I try to log in to Paramount+.

PC: Andy Thompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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7. Receipts

Robbers are smart enough to look at receipts and decipher your credit card info. If only these thieves put their mind to something productive...

PC: Andy Thompson
PC: Andy Thompson
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Utah Burglars Will Always Find These Places!

If you think some of these are good hiding spots, think again. Any burglar worthy of the name knows all of these "secret" places.

Gallery Credit: Elle Cabrera

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