If you have ever had to deal with the headache and frustration of identity theft, you already know how important it is to keep your personal information safe.  If you carry a wallet or a purse, stop whatever you are doing for a moment and read this story.  Why?  According to Fool.com, in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission stated that about 1.1 million identity thefts were reported.

Breaking that 1.1 million down even more, you'll find the following statistics:

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  • Illinois - over 42,553 cases of identity theft were reported
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  • Wisconsin - over 8,300 identity theft cases were reported
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  • Iowa - just over 3,000 cases of identity thefts reported
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  • Minnesota - over 7,200 cases of identity theft were reported
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Tips to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Below are simple steps that you can take right now to help prevent that from happening to you.  Most of these tips will take just a few seconds.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
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List of Items In Your Wallet and Purse That Should Be Removed Immediately To Help Prevent Identity Theft

If you drive, you need your license at all times.  Cash, credit cards are also necessities if you are running around town or just need to go shopping.  However, some individuals feel like every possible essential item known to man should be carried in purses and wallets.  If you want to carry around an extra 5 pounds, you do you, but there are a few items you should remove immediately that could put you at risk for identity theft.  Criminals love finding the personal items below and can use them to their advantage.

Experts Warn: Never Carry These 14 Items In Your Wallet

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15 Items People Shoplift The Most From Target Stores

Target may have the best clearance but according to Financebuzz.com, this popular store also has quite a few items that people love to steal as well.

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