We spend a lot of time worrying about how to avoid telephone and online scams but we often don’t think about what we carry around with us every day and how it might make us vulnerable to fraud. It only takes seconds for a criminal to steal your wallet and what they find in there might give them instant access to your money. Here are five things to keep out of your wallet.

The most important thing to keep out of your wallet is your Social Security card, but if you’re a senior you might also want to leave your Medicare card at home when you don’t need it. While Medicare cards no longer carry a person’s Social Security Number the account information listed is still very valuable. Seldom used credit cards should also stay out of your wallet because there is a greater chance that you might forget to cancel them if stolen. Lastly, carrying blank checks in your wallet can be a big vulnerability and so can unused gift cards – both are essentially as good as cash.

It might take some more organization at home but only putting in your wallet the things that you absolutely need can not only keep you safe – it can lighten the load you carry around with you each day.

Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. 

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork  or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Go to aarp.org/me or call 1-866-554-5380.