New Fraud Warning From Feds Has Montanans Freaking Out

BUTTE, MT - You might think this kind of thing only happens in places like New York or California—but the truth is, Montana isn’t immune to identity theft and financial fraud.

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In fact, as synthetic identity fraud continues to surge across the country, even residents of smaller towns like Butte or Miles City are at risk.

And it may have less to do with what you do online—and more to do with what’s sitting in your wallet right now.

What is Synthetic Identity Fraud?

Synthetic fraud is one of the most difficult types of identity theft to track.

Criminals blend real and fake information—like a stolen Social Security Number paired with a fake name or birthday—to create a new identity. Sometimes they’ll even build a credit history over months or years before “busting out” and vanishing with thousands of dollars.

That’s why federal agencies and cybersecurity experts are urging Americans—including Montanans—to avoid carrying certain high-risk items that make this kind of fraud easier.

Here are five things you should not carry in your wallet anymore:

1. Blank Checks

It may feel old-school, but carrying a check in your wallet is dangerous. It lists your name, address, bank routing number, and checking account number—all things a scammer needs to steal your money or your identity.

2. Your Social Security Card

Unless you’re heading to a government office that specifically requires it, leave your SSN card at home. It’s a golden ticket for identity thieves.

3. Too Many Credit Cards

Stick to just one or two main cards. Carrying a full deck of plastic just increases the fallout if your wallet is lost or stolen.

4. Spare House Keys

It seems convenient, but if your wallet falls into the wrong hands, you’ve just given a stranger your address and a way into your home. Go for a keypad lock or a secured hidden key instead.

5. Old Receipts

You might think a crumpled gas station receipt is harmless, but fraudsters can use them to piece together your spending patterns or even access partial card info for phishing attempts.

Remember...

Just because we live in a state with wide open spaces doesn’t mean we’re safe from modern scams. With more people shopping online, traveling with mobile wallets, and using digital apps, criminals are getting more creative—and more patient.

So do yourself a favor: clean out that wallet. It might just keep your identity—and your peace of mind—safe.