Illinois Residents Remove This From Your Wallet Now, Feds Warn

Thieves and scammers are always looking for a way to gain access to your passwords and social media accounts, ultimately for some financial gain.

Whether it's locking up your computer and asking for a ransom to get access back, usually requesting payment in Bitcoin or another virtual currency making it nearly impossible to track.

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Or, they just straight up steal your identity using all your personal information they've gained access to, likely through the details you've willingly shared on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

There's a new threat to your personal information and financial accounts that the FBI is warning Illinois and Wisconsin consumers about.

Remove This Immediately From Your Wallet or Purse

According to a press release from the Social Security Administration, to keep bad actors from gaining access to your sensitive information they are encouraging residents "not to carry your Social Security card with you every day."

In the press release, the SSA says that 49 states just need to know your social security number to get a Real ID, and only the state of Pennsylvania requires the hard copy.

Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that display your number. -Social Security Administration

Keeping your card in a safe location and sharing it only when absolutely necessary is the best way to "guard your card," according to the SSA.

What Can Scammers Do With Your Social Security Number?

Even if you keep your social security card in a secure location, it can still be compromised in a data breach, or found on personal documents in the trash.

Once they have the numbers, thieves are able to "sell your identity or pretend to be you to open various accounts in your name, access medical care, file fraudulent tax returns or, at worst, commit crimes," according to Credit.com.

CLICK HERE to discover more ways to keep your social security number secure, and what to do if you need a replacement card.