If you have a wallet or a purse...you need to stop whatever you are doing for a moment and actually read this story.  Why?  According to Fool.com, in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission stated that about 1.1 million identity thefts were reported.

Breaking that 1.1 million down even more, you'll find the following statistics:

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  • Iowa - just over 3,000 cases of identity thefts reported
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  • Minnesota - over 7,200 cases of identity theft were reported
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  • Wisconsin - over 8,300 identity theft cases were reported
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  • Illinois - over 42,553 cases of identity theft were reported

Being a victim of identity theft is frustrating and time-consuming.  But there are simple steps that you can take right now to help prevent that from happening to you.  In fact, a few of the tips below to keep you safe will take just a few seconds.

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Take These Items Out of Your Wallet and Purse Immediately!

I know that having a wallet or a purse on your person at all times is a necessity.  If you drive, you need your license.  If you want to pay for something, you need cash or a credit card.  Some people like to also put every possible essential known to man in their purse as well...which I have never understood...but if you want to carry around an extra 5 pounds, you do you.

Keep your lipstick but if you've got any of the items below shoved in a pocket or crevice of a purse or wallet, people in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin are advised to immediately remove these items ASAP.  Criminals love finding these personal items and will use them to their advantage.

Experts Warn: Never Carry These 14 Items In Your Wallet

Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells

11 Items You Should NEVER Buy at a Minnesota Dollar Store

$1.25 sounds like a great price, but is it a great value for these products? According to several major publications, no.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

10 Items You SHOULD Buy at a Dollar Store

If you are looking for a good deal, Reader's Digest recently shared a pretty in-depth list of items you should NEVER buy at a dollar store. To put it simply, you can get a better deal somewhere else. However, there ARE a few items that are amazing deals at a dollar store.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio

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