I think one thing that all Louisiana residents can agree on is that thieves are the lowest of the low, well, I guess unless you're a thief.

Photo by Two Paddles Axe and Leatherwork on Unsplash
Photo by Two Paddles Axe and Leatherwork on Unsplash
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Our job is to make the thief's job as hard as possible to hopefully deter them in victimizing us. With that said, there are certain things you need to never carry in your purse or wallet.

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We need to keep it to the necessities...the bare necessities of life...don't get me singing that song from The Jungle Book. We all need our Driver's license or a picture I.D., because it's the law, and maybe a debit or credit card to make purchases. Experts say the rest of the stuff in your purse and wallet should be left at home.

If you like paying in cash, make sure you aren't carrying large sums of money. Cash is untraceable if it's stolen from you and can be spent very quickly to eliminate the evidence.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
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In fact, if you're carrying a debit and/or credit card thieves these days can just walk past you with a specialized scanner and get your banking information.

And it's happening a lot in Louisiana, identity theft rose 33 percent from 2022 - 2023. I would imagine the numbers will continue to rise when we get the information from 2024 at the end of the year.

Photo by Nick Noel on Unsplash
Photo by Nick Noel on Unsplash
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WARNING: Louisiana Residents Should Never Carry These 8 Items in Their Wallets

  • Extra Credit Cards

Carrying an excessive number of credit cards in your wallet may facilitate identity theft via digital means.

Photo by Avery Evans on Unsplash
Photo by Avery Evans on Unsplash
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  • Spare Keys

It might be simpler for criminals to take other belongings from you if you always have an extra key in your wallet or handbag.

Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash
Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash
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  • Birth Certificates

A thief would find identity theft incredibly simple as a result if taken.

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash
Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash
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  • Gift Cards

Gift cards should still have to be treated like currency. They are nearly impossible to replace if lost or stolen.

Gift Card isolated on white background. 3D render
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  • Cash

Paper money may be king, but carrying too much of it in your wallet makes you a prime target for burglars.

Photo by Osarugue Igbinoba on Unsplash
Photo by Osarugue Igbinoba on Unsplash
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  • Insurance Cards

Keeping your health insurance card on you may provide burglars with access to your personal data.

Photo by Tom Claes on Unsplash
Photo by Tom Claes on Unsplash
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  • Passport

It shouldn't be necessary for you to carry around both your passport and driver's license. Simply store your passport safely at home, and only bring it out when absolutely necessary.

Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
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  • Social Security Card

 

Your personal information is accessed through your social security number. Never carry it in your wallet; instead, keep it locked away in a secure spot in your house.

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ThinkStock
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FREE FUN: These Are the Highest-Rated Free Things To Do in Louisiana, According to Tripadvisor

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated free things to do in Louisiana using data from Tripadvisor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker