Alabama Residents: If This is Your Wallet or Purse, Remove it Now

We have all seen movies where someone will have a gun or a knife and rob someone. The "bandit" will ask for someone’s wallet, their diamond watch or some lady's purse and jewelry.

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But now, there is something more valuable than money or jewelry to thieves, and you may have it in your purse or wallet.

It’s your Social Security card!

Alabama residents should not carry their Social Security card in their possession, and if they currently have it in their purse or wallet, it should be removed and kept in a safe place according to the official Social Security website.

"We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to guard your card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID."

What if someone asks you for your social security number? SSA, via their blog, has a recommendation for how you should handle that type of situation.

“Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse,” the SSA says.

What can someone do with my Social Security number?

Once someone has stolen your SSA number, they can do a number of things. According to Credit.com, “Thieves can then sell your identity or pretend to be you to open various accounts in your name, access medical care, file fraudulent tax returns, or, at worst, commit crimes.”

Want to know more ways to protect your Social Security information or how to request a replacement card? Click here.