A List of Documents You Should Always Shred

Are y’all having trouble deciding which sensitive documents should go in the shredder? When I think about the frequency of identity theft and tax fraud, I worry that I could be next!

That’s why I decided to take the power into my own hands, and y’all should, too. Here’s a list of the documents you should always shred.

Credit Card Offers

Unsolicited credit card offers often arrive in the mail and can pose a risk to personal security if not properly disposed of. These offers often contain personal information, such as one’s name and address, and sometimes even pre-filled credit card numbers. Fraudulent individuals can exploit this information to apply for credit in a person’s name.

I like to eliminate the potential consequences of improper data destruction by shredding each of the credit card offers I receive in the mail. It removes clutter while protecting my identity.

Old Identification Cards and Passports

Old identification cards may seem harmless at first glance. Whether they are expired driver’s licenses, membership cards, work IDs, or passports, they can provide a wealth of information to identity thieves.

These cards contain sensitive details, from full names to addresses. In the wrong hands, an old ID can become a tool for impersonation or fraud. Shredding these old cards will keep your sensitive information safe.

Bank Statements and Pay Stubs

Bank statements and pay stubs are a goldmine of personal information for fraudulent individuals. My documents include information like my full name, address, routing and account number, income details, and sometimes my social security number.

I never want to risk any of this private information falling into the wrong hands. If I toss them in the trash rather than shred them, they could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or even tax fraud.

Expired Credit Cards

I used to hold onto expired credit cards because I wasn’t sure what to do with them. While they seemed useless, tossing them away could easily give my information to potential threats.

Instead of merely throwing them in the trash, you should shred or cut up expired credit cards to render all sensitive data unreadable. You must destroy both the magnetic strip and chip, as they both contain data.

Utility Bills

I often leave unnecessary utility bills on the counter. They pile up until they fall over and become a disorganized mess.

If y’all have this problem, too, you need to take those utility bills to the shredder. These items may seem insignificant, but they contain one’s full name, address, and potentially more.

Remember this list and keep sensitive information safe. Paying close attention to the documents to always shred will ensure protected identity and financial information.

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