Watch What You Leave in Your Car

Do you ever leave things like bills and bank statements in your car? A lot of people do this without thinking, but identity thieves are paying attention.

You need to be careful what you leave in your vehicles, lest thieves get a hold of personal information they can use to steal your money, or your identity.

Some of these valuables are typically left in cars, including insurance and registration paperwork. You need to have these things with you when driving, but it’s best to take them with you when you leave the vehicle.

Keeping these “driving papers” in your glove compartment, console or above your sun visor are convenient ways to make sure you always have them at the ready. But doing this also makes it convenient for thieves to get a hold of your DMV information – including your name and home address.

This is dangerous enough, and should be avoided. However, there are even more valuable things that motorists leave in their cars – things that identity thieves really want.

These include bank account and credit card statements, and other financial documents. Many motorists scoop up their mail, and bring it with them in their cars. Often, this mail gets left in the car.

It’s a common thing to do — given today’s mobile lifestyles. People often take care of their financial business while on the run, and get used to having important documents in their vehicles.

Identity thieves are aware that people are leaving these things in their cars, and are increasingly on the lookout for them. Don’t give them the opportunity.

Take some time this holiday season to check your vehicle for any left-behind financial documents, and be sure to take your driving paperwork with you when you leave your vehicle.

Remember: the rise in identity theft is about more than just data breaches and other forms of high-tech thievery. In fact, a lot of identity theft occurs as a result of simpler, low tech methods — including going through people’s trash, vehicles and personal belongings.

Therefore, take some simple steps to protect yourself.