Top Ten Tips - Protecting Your Wallet
By Tip Diva | May 08, 2008
Categories: Difficulty, Files, Money, Public Transportation, Safety, Scams, Tips
Losing or getting a wallet stolen is a very stressful experience, especially if someone takes your money, gets access to your accounts or even steals your identity. But there are ways to prevent or mitigate the damage caused by a lost wallet:
- Carry A Small Amount Of Money - Carry no more than $50 in your wallet. If you need more, you can always go to an ATM. Remember, cash is much harder to replace if lost.
- Limit Your Credit Cards - Instead of carrying around your entire stack of credit cards, limit yourself to one or two plus your ATM card.
- Avoid Carrying Around Many Blank Checks - Blank checks can easily be cashed or used for purchases, so don’t carry around more than you need - in fact, avoid them, if you can. Remember that your checks also include your address, name and bank account number, which can be used against you. Remember never to print your driver’s license or Social Security number on the checks!
- Do Not Carry Passwords, Account Numbers Or Personal Identification Numbers - Never carry around passwords, account numbers or personal identification numbers - keep them in a safe spot at home and do your best to memorize them.
- Photocopy Cards You Carry - Photocopy all cards you carry, back and front, including your credit cards, ATM card, insurance card and license in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen. You’ll be able to refer quickly to these copies to report and cancel your cards.
- Do Not Attach Your Keys To The Wallet - Never attach your house keys to your wallet - if it gets stolen, the thief will probably have your address, as well. If you do lose a wallet with keys, it’s probably a good idea to get your locks changed, even if the wallet gets returned - keys can be copied easily.
- Do Not Carry Your Social Security Card Or Passport - You’re just asking for identity theft. Never carry these items in your wallet and keep them in a safe spot at home. If you must carry them, keep them separate from your wallet or purse.
- Keep Your Train Ticket Separate - If you have a multiple-train ticket, like a weekly or monthly, keep it separate from your wallet. If you ever lose your wallet, you may need the ticket to get home; replacing the train ticket could also be very expensive.
- Keep Your Wallet In A Safe Place - Don’t keep it in your pocket, where it might fall out. Nor should you keep it in a purse that can be snatched or pick-pocketed easily. Keep it deep in your purse or in a zippered pocket.
- If You Keep Your Wallet In Your Pocket, Get A Chain - If you must carry your wallet in a pocket, get a chain that attaches to your belt loop. If someone tries to take your wallet, they’ll have to get it off the chain first, and you’re bound to notice his sticky fingers before he tries to get away.
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