BREAKING NEWS at 3:02 p.m. on Friday, August 16 from cbsnews.com….The headline reads:

Hackers may have stolen your Social Security number in a massive data breach. Here’s what you should know.

Let’s do a quick inventory to figure out what’s in your wallet. In my wallet, there’s a debit card, a credit card, my AAA card, two grocery store cards, my AARP card, my driver’s license, $5 in cash, and a shopping list from October 2022.

I’d say this is all pretty normal, but I just found out that there is an item hidden in my faux leather wallet that should NOT be in there, and that is your SOCIAL SECURITY CARD! The warning was posted on the Social Security website and reads as follows:

“We recommend that you do not carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to protect your card is to keep it in a safe place and only give it out when it is needed, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing your Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card is not required to apply for a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.”

An article on the website bankerslife.com suggests the following safety precautions to reduce the risk when carrying a purse or wallet.

1. Reduce your cash consumption by carrying only as much money as you need.
2. Carry only one credit card and one debit card.
3. Do not carry your house key in your wallet or purse.
4. Never carry your social security card with you!
5. Only carry gift cards with you if you plan to use them.
6. Remove old documents

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