simply-org.com Blog

ID theft is big business and one that you want to avoid. It can take up to a year to recover from ID theft with countless hours of time spent reclaiming yourself. One of the best actions you can take to control your private information is shredding. We are not yet a paperless society, so manage the paper that holds your personal information and protect your ID.

Here is a guideline list of documents and mail that you should shred to protect yourself from ID thieves.

(Use a Cross-cut shredder)

* Any paper that has your Social Security Number.
* Credit, Debit or ATM card Offers which are pre-printed with your name and address.
* Old Credit, Debit and ATM card statements.
* Receipts that show your Credit or Debit card number and your signature.
* Bank Statements
* Old Checks
* Investment Statements
* Old Passports
* Medical Statements
* Tax Returns(except any accountant will tell you to keep all your old tax returns forever)

Thieves are looking for two pieces of information: Social Security Number and your name. Add that to any bank, credit or financial statement and you are toast.

When in doubt, use good judgment and stick it in the shredder.