Tip Of The Day: Never Carry Your SS Card On Your Person

Carrying identification on your person is obviously important. You wallet is the perfect place for a driver's licence, employee identification card, bank cards, etc. And while you might think that your social security card should live amongst these other cards, think again!

Just by carrying your social security card in your wallet, you put yourself at risk for losing it. A social security card is a personal document meant only for you and your employer. Never carry it in your wallet unless you need to show it to a new employer, or try to memorize your social security number so that you will always have it in your head.

If you lose your wallet or it gets stolen, someone has your entire identity in their hands, its like offering your identity up to identity thieves on a silver platter! If you fear your social security number has fallen into the wrong hands, monitor your credit report closely. You may also want to consider placing a 90-day fraud alert on your credit reports, or freezing your credit (not available in all states).

If you have evidence of actual or attempted identity theft, file a police report. Once you have the report you can request an extension of the fraud alert to 7 years. You will need to mail copies of the police report to the credit bureaus to qualify.

To report fraud or for more information, visit the government's social security website at www.ssa.gov/oig/guidelin.htm.

Never carry your social security card in your wallet!