Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft - With Your Purse!

Many times people become identity theft victims because someone has stolen their purse.  Criminals can find identification, credit cards, and other pertinent information inside.

Shopping in a store with children, cell phones, and other distractions can lead to forgetting your purse or wallet at the checkout or in the grocery cart.

Here are some tips to help minimize distractions and protect your property from criminals:

Never leave your purse/wallet unattended in shopping carts.
Many times criminals look for people who are focused on shopping or other distractions and take the purse or wallet from the cart.  You look back and your purse/wallet is gone with no one around.

TIP:  If you have a purse - loop the child safety strap through the purse shoulder straps.  Be sure that your purse is zipped or snapped shut.  



Make sure you have your purse/wallet before you leave the store or put your cart back.
It's easy to get distracted when you're trying to get out of the store.  Children, packages, cell phones, etc. can distract you from picking up your purse/wallet before you get in the car and drive off.  

TIP:  Get into the habit of slowing down and checking to make sure you have all of your valuables before you leave the store or parking lot.