22 Things You Must Shred To Protect Your Identity

Identity Theft is the largest source of consumer fraud in the United States,costing both consumer and business billions of dollars each year in fraudulent activities. Although numerous reports and articles have been written on ways to minimize the threat of identity theft, theft of personal information for illicit gain continues to grow. The Javelin Strategy and Research group reports that in 2008 alone, over 10 million people were victims of some type of personal Identity theft, accounting for $48 billion in losses. Fortunately, the average loss per person fell to $496 a decrease of 31% from the previous year. This decline is in large part due to many consumers detecting fraud faster and thereby mitigating their losses. Additionally, many financial institutions have improved their methods for helping consumers identify ID theft by flagging any unusual activity on a personýs credit accounts.

There is a vast quantity of sensitive financial and personal information contained in the papers that are thrown in the trash. Dumpster Diving is common practice among criminals who steal identities. Be it bulk or junk mail, old records you no longer need, bank statements, or anything else with your name or identifying information on it, you may be throwing away enough information for an identity thief to piece together and steal your identity.

Most people know better than to randomly give personal information over the phone or through an unsecure internet connection, yet many do not give a second thought about throwing out documents in the trash that contain personal identifying information. Carelessness like this can cost a person a bundle.

One of the best ways to decrease the chances of having your identity stolen is to shred all documents that contain any bit of personal information. Shredders are a low-cost solution to a potentially high-cost problem. Unfortunately, this easy method of information disposal is often forgotten about, or not practiced regularly by many people.

If you don't do so already, now is a good time to begin shredding. Shredders are relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased at most department and office supply stores. Cross-shredders cost a little more, but do a much better job of shredding the paper in a manner that makes it difficult - if not impossible - to piece back together.

A general rule of thumb is this: Shred all papers and documents that contain any bit of personal information on it, even if itýs only your name. The less information that ends up in the garbage is that much less for the identity thieves to retrieve for fraudulent use.

Here is a list of 22 documents you should be sure to shred:
ATM Receipts
1. Bank statements
2. Cancelled Checks
3. Credit card statements and receipts
4. Documents with personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, mother's maiden name, etc.
5. Electronic media - Compact Disks, DVDýs, computer magnetic tapes
6. Expired credit and debit cards
7. Expired Drivers Licenses
8. Expired passports
9. Insurance Forms
10. Investment documents
11. Loan Applications
12. Mailing labels from packages, magazines, etc.
13. Medical Records
14. Obsolete Financial Records
15. Online Passwords and account numbers
16. Pay stubs
17. Personal Correspondence
18. Pre-approved credit applications
19. Purchase Receipts
20. Tax Documents
21. Utility Bills

In conclusion, if you donýt currently do it, then now is a good time to begin shredding. Shredding all documents that contain personal information may not totally eliminate the threat of having your identity stolen, but it will go a long way in minimizing that threat. Donýt delay, start shredding today for greater security and peace of mind!

By: Jesse Whitehead

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jesse Whitehead enjoys writing articles on a variety of different subjects. His newest interest is in dangle belly button rings. Come visit his latest website at goldbellybuttonrings.org which provides lots of information about various kinds of belly button rings and navel jewelry.