![]() ![]() Be sure to shred anything that contains identifying information about your child, including medical documents, school forms, report cards, and transcripts. When it comes to identity theft, children are extra vulnerable because most parents don’t think to check their child’s credit report, so a lot of financial damage can be done before anyone discovers the crime. Your personal correspondence may include some of this information, and in the wrong hands could be used to attempt to access your accounts, or even set up an account in your name. You know how some financial institutions require you to answer several “security questions” as an additional way to keep your account safe? Questions often involve things like your favorite TV show, high school mascot, first car, childhood pet, etc. Be sure to shred all junk mail to be sure none of it falls into the wrong hands. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and that is certainly the case for unsolicited mail, which can hide a wealth of personal data that can be used to appropriate your identity or open accounts in your name. Make sure any envelope that displays your name and address is shredded for safety. Keep your travel plans away from prying eyes by shredding travel itineraries, boarding passes, and luggage tags. Travel itineraries can tell criminals not only your personal information and payment details, but also the exact dates when you’ll be away from home. That includes receipts and all official documents. SignaturesĪnything with your official signature-even if it’s a birthday card-should be shredded. The ones you get in the newspaper are safe, but the personalized ones sent directly to you from your favorite stores have your name, address, and perhaps other information about you that stores use to track whether sending you a coupon gets you to make a purchase. Some catalogs do that to make it easier for you to place an order, but unfortunately it makes identity theft and fraud easier too. For catalogs, check the interior order form to make sure it hasn’t been preprinted with your name, address, and customer or account number. No, you don’t have to shred the entire thing, but rip off the personalized label before you toss them in the recycle bin. You’d be surprised how much personal information can be retrieved from these items: 1. ![]() You probably know you need to shred any document that contains sensitive personal or financial information such as Social Security number, account numbers, etc.īut there are many other things that shouldn’t be casually thrown away or recycled. Octo10 Surprising Things You Should Be Shredding ![]()
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