Every year, millions of Americans have their personal information and money stolen. If you've ever been a victim of identity fraud, you might know how difficult it can be to deal with the repercussions.

The first line of defense in preventing theft and fraud is to avoid carrying certain items with you. That way, if your wallet gets stolen, the thieves don't have immediate access to your personal information. Some of the items you should never carry in your wallet include the following:

Social security card. Considered the most vital piece of information for identity thieves, this card can give them easy access to apply for credit cards, claim a tax return, or even apply for a job all while using your information.

Passport or birth certificate. Similar to your social security number, your birth certificate and passport contain vital personal information. If you're traveling overseas, try to leave your passport locked in the hotel safe.

Checks or deposit slips. These items have more personal information on them than you would think. They include your name, address, bank routing number, and account number.

Extra credit cards. While you probably need at least one credit and debit card, you likely don't need additional ones unless you're heading to a particular store and plan to use that store's card. Reducing the number of cards in your wallet can lessen the chance for thieves to go on a spending spree.

Password cheat sheet. If you're a person who writes down your passwords on paper, avoid putting that paper in your wallet. Giving someone access to that information can allow them to easily steal money from your accounts or make purchases in your name.

All of these items are important to have quick access to, but there's just no reason to carry them with you at all times. Make sure you keep them in a safe place to reduce the risk of having your information stolen.

Sources: Gobankingrates.com, Discover.com, Kiplinger.com