Keeping Your ID Safe

When it comes to shredding documents to protect your identity, most of us immediately think about documents that contain financial information like credit card statements, bank account statements, tax documents, etc. But there are several other documents that may seem innocuous but can lead an ID thief right to you. Take a look:

1. Prescription Labels and related documents

Believe it or not, every prescription you fill at the pharmacy holds a bunch of personal information that is valuable to those who wish to steal your identity. Your name, your doctors name and other information is often all that’s needed so it’s important not to just throw away empty RX bottles. You may need to soak the container in warm water to destroy the label, if you are able to remove it, it should be shredded. In addition, the paperwork that often accompanies prescriptions should also be shredded.

2. Boarding Passes

Boarding passes offer information like your name, where you’ve traveled to and when and can give a criminal just enough information to hack your frequent flyer account or other personal accounts.

3. Receipts

If you don’t need to keep a receipt, it’s a good idea to include them in the documents that you are shredding. Receipts for purchases contain the last 4 digits of your debit or credit card and can be enough for an ID thief to hack into your bank or credit card account. Even cash receipts can be risky—so once you do not need them anymore they should be shredded.

4. Outdated Resumes

Resumes provide a wealth of information including your name, address, email, phone number and your employment and educational background. Once you’ve updated your resume, it is important not to throw your old ones into the regular trash or recycling bin.

5. Birth and Death Announcements

The birth of a baby or the loss of a loved one often leads to communication with family and friends announcing the news. These types of announcements can provide ID thieves just enough personal information to hack your identity so it’s important to shred any extra copies. Of course, it’s ok to keep a copy for yourself but if you have numerous extras, it’s best not to throw them away or recycle them. Shred them to ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands.  

Shredding is the best and most secure way to ensure that your personal information is not out in the world circulating for discovery. When collecting all your documents to shred, be sure to include the 5 items above to safeguard your and your family’s identity.

All Points Mobile Shredding provides full service shredding and destruction to residential and business customers throughout South Florida. Give us a call today or fill out this form to set up your shred or to find out more information.