It’s obvious that today’s world is becoming increasingly paperless with many companies choosing to store their files and communicate electronically. Identity thieves are focused more on digital crimes than on rummaging through your dumpster looking for paperwork with sensitive information on it, but that doesn’t mean your dumpster is now safe. We recommend not taking any chances and shredding documents before disposal.
Wondering what documents need shredding? You should definitely shred documents containing the following:
- Account numbers (of any kind!)
- Birthdates
- Passwords or PINs
- Social Security numbers*
- Signatures
- Expired identification
- Credit card offers or applications
*Do not destroy your Social Security card. You only get one!
The information above could be seriously abused if it falls into the wrong hands. Account numbers should not be shared with anyone, whether the account is a bank account, your car insurance policy or something else. Signatures can be copied onto other documents and credit card offers can be filled out and returned without your consent. Anything that will help another individual pretend to be you needs to be destroyed.
Some powerful shredders are also capable of shredding thin objects like old credit cards, expired IDs, CDs and more, although sometimes scissors are a better alternative. It is imperative to chop this kind of stuff up before disposing of it. Leaving items like this in one piece can compromise your security even if you shred every bit of paper that comes your way.
To be on the safe side, you should also consider shredding documents if they contain any of these:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Other forms of contact information
- Medical bills
- Private internal company information, such as budgets or customer lists
- Outdated price lists
The less information you provide, the less ammunition identity thieves have. Protect your personal safety and be smart about your document disposal.
Image Source provides document scanning services that eliminate the need for filing cabinets full of paper in your office. We also provide document shredding services because we are committed to protecting your security. If you are transitioning to a paperless office environment, give us a call. We’d love to help.
