If you haven’t already been the victim of identity theft, then you probably know of someone who has fallen prey to these thieves. In this day and age, there are multiple easy and accessible avenues for securing someone else’s data and committing the crime of stolen identity. What you may not realize is that identity thieves aren’t just invading your passwords and accounts online. These criminals also sort through old garbage looking for trashed personal documents and financial statements. If you have given any thought at all to shredding documents and then brushed it off as not necessary, you are risking your privacy and financial security. Shredding is a good idea for every household’s documents as well as old electronics.

Documents that should always be shredded

Credit card statements
Tax returns that are at least 3-7 years old. (Tax records should be kept for at least 3 years.)
Credit Card invitations
Bank account statements
ATM receipts
Healthcare/Insurance statements and bills
Utility bills
Anything with your address, name, or social security number

Electronics that should always be shredded

Hard drives
Cellphones
Flash drives
Floppy disks
Game systems
Any other electronics containing personal information including old cassettes and cd’s

If you haven’t already looked into shredding these documents and electronics it is affordable and will save you money and hassle in the long run. You could purchase your own paper shredder, but most personal shredders don’t dispose of documents in small enough pieces making it easy to put them back together. Clearing a hard drive or factory resetting a phone can still leave easily obtained information up for grabs by thieves. To adequately shred documents and electronics, let a professional who knows what they are doing destroy sensitive and secure information for you. Shred With Us is a professional shredding company with multiple service options including one time drop off shredding. Don’t risk your security any longer, give Shred With Us a call today.