Donate
Resourcing

Scam of the Month: Protect Your Wallet

A cluttered wallet isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a security risk. Thieves look for wallets with multiple cards, identification documents, and personal information. Decluttering your wallet reduces your exposure and gives you peace of mind when you’re out and about.

4 Steps to a Safer Wallet

Declutter and Simplify
Take everything out and evaluate what you really need daily. Remove old receipts, unused store cards, expired gift cards, and unnecessary IDs. Keep only what’s essential.

Secure Items at Home
Create a safe storage system for items you don’t carry every day. Backup credit cards, extra cash, and rarely used documents can stay safely at home. Only take them out when needed, and always return them.

Make Copies for Safety
Photocopy or photograph your cards and important documents. Store copies securely at home. This ensures you can act quickly if your wallet is lost or stolen.

Use RFID Protection
RFID-blocking wallets, purses, or card sleeves can help prevent thieves from scanning your credit, debit, or ID cards without your knowledge. Using these can add an extra layer of security against electronic pickpocketing.

Things to Clean Out of Your Wallet

  1. Birth Records:  Avoid carrying social security cards and birth certificates; they’re a major target for identity thieves
  2. Multiple Credit Cards & Receipts: Stick to one credit card and one debit card for everyday use
  3. Checkbook or Checks: Only carry what you need for the day. Keep extra checks stored securely at home to reduce the risk of theft. Deposit checks with your bank app instead of carrying them
  4. Work ID: Can be used in scams targeting your workplace
  5. Passport/Passport Card: Extremely valuable to criminals
  6. PIN Numbers/Passwords: Never write your PIN on a card or store passwords in your wallet
  7. Gift Cards: Easily converted to cash by thieves
  8. Library Card: Even harmless items can be exploited
  9. Spare House Key: Combine with wallet info, and it can lead to burglary
  10. Legal Documents: Divorce papers, contracts, and other sensitive papers should stay at home

Source: aarp.org and AgeWell Middle Tennessee

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Improving Church Leaders’ Communication with Older Adults

Good communication is an important part of the relationship process among the pastor, church staff, and congregation. However, having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.

Read More
Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus: Support Feeding Ministries
Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus: Support Feeding Ministries

The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.


Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.

Give Now