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FYI Topic -- Identity Theft



To help prevent identity theft, shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, credit offers you get in the mail, and any paper that has personal information on it.

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The last thing you want to happen when you are clearing away your paper clutter is to have your identity stolen.

You can safely get rid of those papers that have personal information (like social security numbers, account numbers, or your address) by shredding. Here are some tips to make shredding easier.
  1. Invest in a good shredder. I describe it as an investment, because the total cost is more than just the purchase price. I factor in decreased frustration time and increased reliability. I prefer Fellowes and recommend at least a medium or moderate duty rating. A shredder that does a cross cut or confetti cut is a must have. Don't bother getting one that just cuts the paper in strips. I also prefer a machine that can handle staples (saves time) but I don't need one that shreds credit cards or CDs.
  2. Place the shredder where its handy. Place it where you go through your mail or next to your files so you can shred as you go.
  3. Shred in small blocks of time. If you are already caught up with your paper clutter, then shred as you go. If you have a stack to shred then do it in small blocks of time. Remember even a medium duty shredder isn't supposed to be operated for more than about 12 minutes at a time.
  4. Get rid of your shredded paper. You can bag it up and throw it away, but now I compost my shredded paper. I got the idea from a composting brochure from Recycle Hawaii. What better way to ensure the final secure disposal of my shredded information than in a pile of wet coffee grounds and papaya skins. It really does compost well in East Hawaii.
 

Here are two sites from the federal government for more information on identity theft and what you can do to protect yourself.
 
Fighting Back Against Identity Theft - Federal Trade Commission
Deter. Detect. Defend. www.ftc.gov/idtheft
 
Protect your Social Security number

Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your Social Security number as your policy number.

Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:

  • Why do you need my Social Security number?
  • How will my Social Security number be used?
  • How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
  • What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number?

If you don't provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.


Treat your trash and mail carefully

To thwart an identity thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, always shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.

To opt out of receiving pre-screened offers of credit in the mail, call: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). Note: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.

Deposit your outgoing mail containing personally identifying information in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 or online at www.usps.gov, to request a vacation hold. The Postal Service will hold your mail at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it.