One item could pose a if it's left in vehicles, a car expert has warned. Even though it may seem harmless, the piece of rubbish could give out valuable information

Whether it's proof of a or a shopping receipt from a quick errand, seemingly harmless receipts can accumulate over time in cars. But according to Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at used car marketplace , this common habit creates a risk that extends far beyond clutter.

He said: "Most people don't realise that their car interior can become a treasure trove of personal information.

"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. Every receipt is essentially a data point."

receipts show your travel patterns and preferred locations, shopping receipts reveal your spending habits and financial capacity, while a coffee shop receipt could indicate your daily routine.

Urbonas warned that could piece together this information to build detailed profiles of potential targets.

Receipts from expensive purchases could be particularly dangerous, as they can signal to criminals that you have valuable items or significant disposable income.

Beyond data security concerns, paper receipts may also pose a fire risk in vehicles,

"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," he added.

He recommended taking photos of receipts instead, ensuring that you remove all receipts from your vehicle regularly, and shredding receipts with visible information.

"The goal isn't to become paranoid about every piece of paper," noted Urbonas. "It's about developing awareness of how seemingly innocent items can create unexpected vulnerabilities."