Stolen Wallet
Anyone who steals your wallet -- or even anyone who finds your wallet -- has a gold mine. Your driver's license is in there, your credit card is in there, and if you carry your social security card, they've got that, as well. That's a big deal. The thing of it is, they don't even need to physically take anything out of your wallet to rob you blind. If they write down your credit card info and your address from your driver's license, they can clean you out shopping online. And with your social security number, there's not much a person can't do by way of opening bank accounts and new lines of credit. You could get your wallet back later, with everything in it, and still be hung out to dry.
One instance of a lost wallet turning into full-on identity theft is the case of Margot Somerville, who lost her wallet on a San Francisco trolley in 2006. That kicked off an ordeal that lasted for a full five years, costing her $20,000 in fraudulent charges, another $60,000 trying to prove her innocence, and held the constant fear of prison in the back of her mind during her last years with her husband. All that because a woman was depositing fraudulent checks in Somerville's name, all the way over in California.
If you do lose your wallet, you need to go into lockdown mode, even if you do get it back. Have all of your credit cards reissued, notify credit bureaus of potential fraud, call the social security office and the IRS, and generally follow the stolen identity recovery handbook in full, because you're about as compromised as you can be.
Did you know...
- Paper money is actually pretty heavy. One pound would be worth $454 in $1 bills. That means $1 million comprised solely of $100 bills would weigh over 20 pounds. Those suitcases filled with money in movies must be hefty to lug around all that paper money. If you plan on robbing a bank, you better bulk up!
- There are over 1.6 million automated teller machines around the world. And that really does mean the entire world. There are even two ATMs on Antarctica at McMurdo Station operated by Wells Fargo. Friday is the most popular day that ATMs are used worldwide, and the average withdrawal is around $80.
- Do you know what the lifespan of U.S. currency is? The higher the denomination, the longer it stays in circulation. Both $50 and $100 bills last 9 years. The $20 sticks around for 4 years. $10 bills circulate for 3 years. The $5 bill has a 2-year lifespan, and the $1 bill only lasts around 18 months before being retired. Coins last around 30 years.
- Once you've handled all your money, you should probably wash your hands. Money is some of the dirtiest things that we own. In fact, it's been found to be dirtier than a household toilet! During flu season, the virus can live on a bill for up to 17 days. That's just plain disgusting!
- Want a money saving tip? Ditch credit and debit cards, and stick to carrying around cash. Studies show people spend between 12 – 18% more when using a plastic card as opposed to when paying for things in cash. If you physically have to dole it out, you’re much more aware that you are spending your hard-earned money!