Identity theft can be devastating, but there are simple things you can do to catch it early and
prevent it altogether. Actions as easy as checking your credit score and bank statements on a
regular basis and using antivirus software on your computer can keep your identity safe.
One other major component to protecting yourself is shredding important documents. Any
document with your signature, account numbers, or social security number can make you
vulnerable. Any documents with your health information on them can also fall prey to identity
theft. During tax season, tax documents can also expose your personal information. Shredding
these documents is key to ensuring that you won’t be a target for identity theft.
Shredding is good practice not only for individuals but also for businesses. According to the
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACTA, businesses must protect the identities of
their customers by disposing of their information in safe ways. Businesses are also responsible
for protecting the identities of their employees by protecting their tax documentation. Utilizing a
shredding and storage company ensures that these files are properly disposed of and takes the
burden off of you and your company.
To protect yourself, your customers, or your employees, check out this list of documents that
should be shredded:
- ATM receipts
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- Pre-approved credit card offers
- Credit reports and histories
- Cancelled checks
- Pay stubs
- Tax forms
- Medical and dental records
- Insurance forms
- Old bills
- Expired credit cards, passports, or driver’s licenses / IDs
- Any documents with your signature
- Any documents with your name, email addresses, or addresses