Did you know it’s legal to dig into junk and look for emails containing bank statements, credit cards, and other valuable personal information? It is a well-known method of collecting evidence by the police and is also a commonly used method for criminals.
If you throw something in the garbage or put it on the side of the road, throw it in the trash, identifying information about your junk mail and any information you have included in it is about to grab.
Therefore, it’s essential to destroy the files you’re trying to delete by document shredding to protect your privacy and valuable personal and business information.
Do we need to shred documents?
Important files need to be destroyed when they are no longer useful.
Crooks can get information from pre-approved bank statements, invoices, credit card letters, etc., and use their identities to open accounts. ATM receipts and old payment slips must also be destroyed appropriately.
Similarly, businesses hold essential information for their customers and employees that anyone can use to steal their identities, such as addresses, social security numbers, and banking information.
Simple Steps to Reduce Identity Theft with Document Shredding
Let’s discuss the methods to destroy documents beyond everyone’s conscience.
1. Invest in a Personal Shredding Device
Buying a home office shredder, preferably a “cross-cut” shredder, will help you handle incoming and unwanted information. Destroy all sensitive information like unnecessary bank statements and credit cards, duplicate invoices including account information, medical bills, insurance policies, medical records, child and school-related emails, etc. If you cannot shred your credit card with a shredder, cut it and dispose of it.
2. Junk Mail
Letters that are bothersome to open a credit account can be bait for thieves. If they receive an offer letter, the nasty person may get a pre-approved loan or start a line of credit in your name. Instead of protecting yourself by destroying everything in your inbox, you can opt out of spam as directed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Use the Pulping Method
You can use the pulping method if you want to enjoy your paperwork. In this method, the paper is poured with water and bleach into a large trash can or container, and the paper is broken down and crushed with chemicals. Then mash them into a paste. This method prevents anyone from rebuilding sensitive documents and allows the resulting mixture to be thrown into the trash.
Of course, you can always be eco-friendly and turn that old paper into fuel for heating.
4. Burn instead of using document shredding
It is a non-recommended approach. Incinerator is optional, but you should check local laws. Do not burn paper in an indoor fireplace, stove, or wood-burning oven. Documents often contain chemicals that release toxic gases.
5. Use a Document Shredding Service
Proper Shredding of financial, influential, and confidential documents is essential, as criminals can still use undisturbed paper.
A document shredding service is suggested for anyone with a small or large number of files or someone cleaning up a storage cabinet with years of files.
Many local independent companies destroy your files. Ask about their reputation and service before handing over sensitive documents.
If you want to continue your protection, don’t hesitate to contact A-1 Shredding now. Contact us directly or contact our online team. A professional consultant will get back to you at a convenient time.
