subject: Protecting Your Wallet From Getting Stolen [print this page] A safe place must be selected to keep information like contacts and your accounts. Your account numbers and contact information should be accessible readily for the instructions to urgently cancel your accounts before the thief does his job. Your checks should have the work contacts printed.
A secure option is to avoid placing your home address on checks. A thief should not rob your home. Printing driver's license and social security number on checks should also be avoided.
The ATM card must be a non-debit type.
If someone steals your ATM card, the thief can purchase with the debit option in your card unless this option is not activated. Debit options are commonly issued by banks along with ATM cards. A non-debit card should be asked for.
Every document in your wallet should be copied.
A photocopy should be made of everything in your wallet and kept in a safe place. If someone steals your wallet, this information is be essential to alert to the credit agencies and the police.
A back up credit card should always be at home.
A spare credit card for urgent transactions should be kept handy in case your wallet gets stolen your credit cards should be cancelled. Some credit card firms replace a stolen card quickly, but some sends a card by mail so it can't be availed the same day. If there is another credit card account, reserve card can be kept safely and used in need.
The items in your wallet should be kept at minimum.
If business cards are kept in your wallet, the thief will have got the information about your job and workplace. Your social security number can also be in their hands if they get hold of your social security card in your wallet. The paperwork and documentation in your wallet should be minimized daily. A separate compartment should be chosen to put your business if you carry it. Having another smaller wallet with only selected data is another technique. This wallet can be used when visiting outside the town or in a risky scenario where your wallet is prone to get stolen.
