Montana – Stop Carrying These 9 Things on You Now

Montana - Stop Carrying These 9 Things on You Now

There have moments in my life that I might have been considered somewhat of a hoarder.  Hats were once a thing, cassette tapes, cd's, even clothing that I just couldn't let go of, even though it had holes and left the fashion stage many a moon ago.

In some ways, that is okay.  You never know when you might need a front grill from a 1968 Mustang, and 1974 van transmission, or a perfect piece of crown molding that was set aside when the remodel of our house took place in 1997.  These are important things everyone!

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Even In Montana, Criminals Look for These Things Out and About

My wallet isn't any different than the basement of my home or the garage and shop that I work in.  Completely overstuffed with crap.  Do I really need a Blockbuster card still in my wallet?  Or a defunct gas card from a long-gone convenience store?

I'm pretty sure the receipt for the mixer I bought my wife 8 years ago is still needed, right?  I have it just in case.  But criminals can use some of these items to maybe not rent a movie or return a product, but actually find out important things about you that could lead to identity theft or worse.

Staying Protected in Today's Online World in Big Sky Country

I have to admit, when I looked at my wallet and then this list, I was guilty of more than one.  The major one to me on the list, one that I was always told to keep on my person at all times.  Are you carrying your social security card in your wallet or purse?

I have always carried mine, since the day it arrived in the mail.  But according to the Social Security Administration:

We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.  Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that display your number.

How many of the following are you carrying in your wallet or purse right now?