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Keep Yourself Safe From Identity Theft by Shredding Your Documents
If you pay any attention to the news, you probably know that identity theft is a problem that’s plaguing our society these days. One of the best ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of this heinous crime is by using a paper shredder to get rid of any documents that contain any amount of personal information. So, what exactly, should you shred? Keep reading to discover some of the items that need to be eaten up by your shredder including bank statements, tax documents, and even papers containing your e-mail address.
- Banking documents. Of course you’re going to want to protect your financial information. Anything from your bank or credit card issuer should be shredded when you don’t longer need it including statements, ATM receipts, canceled checks, and so on. Credit reports should also be destroyed if you no longer use them. If you need to get rid of expired credit/debit cards, there are a number of shredders available that can take care of them for you.
- Tax documents. According to the Internal Revenue Service, you should hold on to tax documents for several years before tossing them. (The specific length of time depends on the type of document.) If the time has come to get rid of them, be sure to run them through your shredders. This will keep your name, address, Social Security number, and other data out of the hands of criminals.
- Anything that has your signature and/or maiden name on it. This covers a variety of documents including contracts, investment paperwork, legal documents, and so on. It’s very easy for someone to forge your signature which can potentially lead to disaster. As far as maiden names go, these are often used by credit card companies as part of their verification process. So make sure you keep that name safe.
- Papers containing passwords, usernames, and e-mail addresses. It seems that every website from banking sites to social networking hubs like Facebook requires a username and password these days. If you’ve been writing your passwords and other online information down, be sure to shred them instead of tossing them straight into the recycling bin. This will help keep your online identity safe. (Possibly your assets as well, if you’ve written down the information associated with your bank account.)
- Certain pieces of mail. If you’re like most people, you receive a lot of unsolicited credit card offers in the mail, along with other junk mail that contains your name and address. All of those items should be shredded so you don’t end up having your identity stolen.
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What Are Useful Theft Prevention Methods Against Identity Theft?
You have undoubtedly already dealt with some of the major credit reporting agencies at some time in your life. They are, after all, the ones that track and monitor your spending habits and let other financial businesses see your credit score.
This credit score influences whether or not a business or financial institution will allow you to have a line of credit, a job or even a place to live. You know that by monitoring these reports you can stop criminals from using your identification. But did you know that there are other theft prevention methods that work?
Tags: internet identity theft, paper shredder, prevention method