For many, our cars have become extensions of our lives—reliable companions for shopping trips, doctor’s appointments, and visits to the grandkids. Like any well-used space, they tend to accumulate evidence of our daily activities.
Those little paper slips from the chemist, Woolworths receipts, and petrol station dockets seem harmless enough tucked into the centre console or glove box. Still, automotive experts warn that this common habit could risk our safety and security.
‘Most people don’t realise that their car interior can become a treasure trove of personal information,’ explained Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts.
‘Every receipt tells a story about where you’ve been, what you’ve purchased, and when—information that can be extremely valuable to the wrong people.’
Let’s explore why those innocent-looking receipts might be more dangerous than you think, and what you can do to protect yourself without adding unnecessary complications to your daily routine.
When receipts pile up in your vehicle, they create multiple security vulnerabilities that most drivers never consider.
These paper trails contain far more sensitive information than people realise, especially in an age where data has become a valuable commodity.
‘Every receipt is essentially a data point,’ said Urbonas.
‘Gas station receipts show your travel patterns and preferred locations. Shopping receipts reveal your spending habits and financial capacity. Even a simple coffee shop receipt can indicate your daily routine.’
This new reality can be particularly concerning for Australians who grew up in an era when privacy was expected rather than something that needed active protection.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Australians over 65 reported losses of over $38 million to scams in 2022 alone, with identity theft being a significant contributor.
A typical receipt might contain more information than you realise:
- Your full name (particularly on credit card receipts)
- The last four digits of your credit card (which hackers can use alongside other information)
- Your shopping habits and regular locations
- Timestamps that reveal when your home might be empty
- Loyalty program numbers that can be used to access accounts
- Signatures that could be forged
‘For criminals looking to build a profile on potential targets, a car full of receipts is like finding a goldmine,’ explained Dr Cassandra Cross, a cybercrime expert from Queensland University of Technology.
‘They don’t need your complete credit card number to cause harm—they just need enough pieces of the puzzle to start impersonating you or predicting your movements.’
When paper and heat don’t mix
While data security is a significant concern, fire risk is an even more immediate danger that’s particularly relevant to Australia’s climate.
We all know how hot it can get inside a car during an Australian summer. But did you know that the temperature inside your car can soar well above 70°C (over 160°F) on a sunny day?
That’s hot enough to turn your dashboard into a mini-oven—and your pile of receipts into a potential fire hazard.
‘Paper begins to degrade and become combustible at surprisingly low temperatures,’ Urbonas warned.
‘When you factor in the confined space of a car interior, the presence of electrical components, and potential heat sources like cigarette lighters or phone chargers, even a small pile of receipts can become a fire hazard.’
Thermal paper receipts (the shiny ones you get from most shops) are especially risky.
Not only can they release toxic fumes if they get too hot, but they can also leave sticky residue on your dashboard or seats, making a mess that’s hard to clean and potentially damaging your car’s interior.
How to keep your car—and your data—safe
The good news? You don’t need to become a neat freak or fear every bit of paper. A few simple habits can make a world of difference:
- Snap a photo, then toss it: Use your smartphone to take a quick picture of any receipt you need for returns, warranties, or tax time. Digital copies are easy to organise and much safer than leaving the originals in your car.
- Regular cleanouts: Make it a habit to clear out your car once a week (or at least every fortnight). This will reduce clutter and help you spot anything vital before it becomes a problem.
- Shred, don’t bin: When you’re ready to get rid of receipts, don’t just throw them in the rubbish. Use a crosscut shredder at home, or take them to a secure document disposal bin (many banks and office supply stores offer this service).
- Be mindful of what you leave behind: If you’ve made a big purchase, don’t leave the receipt—or the item—in your car. Take both inside as soon as you get home.
As Urbonas puts it, ‘The goal isn’t to become paranoid about every piece of paper. It’s about developing awareness of how seemingly innocent items can create unexpected vulnerabilities.’
Modern cars have security features—alarms, immobilisers, even GPS tracking.
But as Urbonas pointed out, ‘People invest in car alarms and steering wheel locks, but they leave detailed records of their lives sitting in plain sight.’
‘The automotive industry has evolved tremendously in terms of digital security for modern vehicles, yet drivers continue to create analog vulnerabilities through simple oversights.’
So next time you’re tempted to stuff that receipt in the glovebox and forget about it, remember—you could be doing yourself a big favour by taking a few extra seconds to deal with it properly.
Have you ever found a mountain of old receipts in your car? Or maybe you’ve had a close call with identity theft or a car fire? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and tricks for keeping your car clutter-free and secure. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: How to avoid getting your car stuck on snowy roads this winter
