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Katherine Skiba, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), December 7, 2021
In the episode of "The Story of Seinfeld", Jerry's neurotic friend George Costanza stuffed so many things in his wallet that he was ridiculed as a "file cabinet". The wallet was full of everything, from Irish currency to coupons redeemable at ExxonMobil in Orlando, Florida, to stolen Sweet'N Low pouches. Walking down the street, Costanza the mouse tried to stuff another thing inside. The wallet exploded and the contents drifted away in the wind.
Jon Clay, vice president of threat intelligence for global cybersecurity company Trend Micro, mentioned the incident when talking about what consumers should not carry in their wallets to avoid losing valuable information. In an era of proliferation of identity theft, the lessons of the old sitcoms are still timely.
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Jon Clay, a cyber security expert at Trend Micro, urges consumers to keep the minimums in their wallets to a minimum.
Pickpockets — and thieves who say "the custodian of the finder" when they accidentally find a lost wallet — don’t just do it for your cash. Clay said that when it comes to personally identifiable information, the initial scammer may profit by reselling.
To make matters worse, scammers may bring accomplices and share the spoils. In June, at a casino in Davenport, Iowa, after losing his wallet, the thief left $800 and his ID card inside. Later, using the name and personal information of the legitimate owner to open an online bank account to obtain a debit card and cheque, and together with his accomplices, the first scammer and his accomplices spent wildly at six merchants. Later, the authorities stated that they were on Facebook. Some of their $5,600 merchandise is peddled on the Marketplace.
"We all think we are careful, but it takes a second for criminals to steal our wallets or wallets," said Amy Nofziger of AARP, who oversees its fraud observation network helpline, 877-908-3360.
"Limit the items you carry to ensure you don't put yourself at greater risk," she said. "Although we hear about cybercrime every day, there are still many criminals waiting to take your personal belongings. They will look for your wallet and purse in the gym, grocery store and in your car."
Since many merchants accept digital wallets, Clay said that he prefers to carry only one credit card because he has only encountered some gas stations that do not allow you to use digital wallets to pay. These contain digital versions of your credit and debit cards, and you can pay using your smartphone. Examples include Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
As a resident of Colorado, Clay also relies on the myColorado mobile app to store his driver's license, vaccination records, vehicle registration and auto insurance certificates. Therefore, unless he travels outside the state, he will avoid carrying these items.
Even if you are not as tech-savvy as Clay, your wallet can be more streamlined and more stingy for cyber scammers. Taking some time to sort it out may save yourself the hassle of canceling your account and obtaining a new card. First of all, consumer advocates say, copy (or take photos of your smartphone) the front and back of all cards so you know who to contact if they are lost.
Here are 10 items that he recommends you take out of your wallet and store in a safe place, such as a fireproof lock box or safe, depending on how often you need to use them:
â <"We all think we are careful, but it takes a second for criminals to steal our wallet or purse."
To help protect your identity, your Medicare card no longer carries your social security number. Your Medicare number (which is unique to you) should be tightly protected and never shared with anyone who contacts you via phone, email, text message, or in person, unless you contact them first and allow them to contact you.
If someone calls for your information or money, or threatens to cancel your benefits, please call 800-633-4227 (800-MEDICARE) immediately to report.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services stated that you need the information on your Medicare card to join Medicare health or drug plans or purchase Medicare Supplementary Insurance (Medigap), so please keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
Please bring your Medicare card with you when you are away. When you get services, show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental insurance, please bring the plan card with you as well.
You will use your plan card to get services, not your Medicare card. Therefore, please keep your Medicare card in a safe place in case you switch plans or return to your original Medicare later.
"We advise consumers not to carry multiple types of identification information in one place, such as in a wallet or purse."
Eric Leiserson, vice president of research and marketing at IDology, a technology company specializing in identity verification and fraud, said that when it comes to what is in your wallet, less is more because criminals have begun to create synthetic identities, which is a rapid growth. Deterrence in the form of fraud.
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“We know statistically that seniors are unlikely to take anti-fraud measures, such as enabling two-factor authentication or alerting their financial institutions,” Leiserson said, so when it comes to carrying identity data in their wallets, “more Less is much safer."
Katherine Skiba is responsible for AARP fraud and fraud. Previously, she was a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, U.S. News and World Report, and the Milwaukee Sentinel. She is the recipient of the Nieman Scholarship at Harvard University and the author of the book "Brothers' Sisters: The 101st Airborne Division Embedded in Iraq".
AARP's fraud observation network can help you spot and avoid fraud. Sign up for free Watchdog Alerts, view our fraud tracking map, or if you or your loved one suspects you are a victim, please call our free fraud helpline 877-908-3360.
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