Let’s break this down as simple as possible. Your identity is one of your most valuable possessions. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself, your employees, and your loved ones and keep your (and their) identity yours (or theirs).

Any documents containing confidential information, such as your social security number, bank account numbers, even your birthday are documents that should be properly destroyed if not using or safe from harms way. Those are just a few examples, but basically any documents containing confidential information can be used by identity thieves to commit fraud.

There are many types of identity theft security and monitoring systems, but some of the easiest measures you can take to protect yourself include proper document disposal. Thieves are constantly coming up with new ways to steal your identity. A common practice, as simple as it sounds, it dumpster diving. Once your trash hits the curb it’s fair game for anyone to rummage through. Additional ways of getting your personal information include:

·       Mailbox raiding

·       Medical Benefits fraud

·       Phishing and spywear

·       Social Networking websites

·       Child and Senior identity theft

·       And many more

Stay out of harms way and shed confidential documents. Also ensure any hard drives on old computers or phones are completely erased before disposing of (see our partnership with Blue Star Recyclers here). Take precautions and help keep yourself safe.