Identity theft is increasingly common, and stolen credit cards, Social Security cards, and insurance cards can result in disastrous consequences for cardholders who were unaware of their loss. Below are some valuable tips on protecting your family member's identities that every adult, and especially parents, should be aware of:
- Carry only what you need in your wallet or purse; store all non-essential information in a safe place at home
- Never carry spare house or car keys in your wallet or purse (also, never label keys)
- Make a detailed list of the items you do carry with you and store it in a safe place
- Keep photocopies of your wallet's important contents (license, registration, credit cards, ATM card, etc.) stored in a safe place
- Never carry your or your child(ren)'s Social Security numbers or cards in your wallet or purse
- Never carry birth certificates, passports, or employee ID cards with valuable personal information (Social Security number, date of birth, etc.) in your purse or wallet
- Never carry account numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet
- Keep the contact numbers and information for all your financial and personal information in a secure place so they are readily available
- For PDAs and smartphones: use password protection so that if the device is turned on by an unauthorized user only a log-in screen will appear along with instructions on how to contact you to return the device. You should also keep a backup of your data to use as a starting inventory should it be lost.
If your wallet or purse is stolen or lost, this site features a comprehensive list of the steps you can take to help keep your family safe and deter identity theft, credit fraud, insurance fraud, home invasion or auto theft.
Safe and happy travels.
-Destination Mom
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