As the world goes digital, we can sometimes forget that paper documents are one of the most common sources for identity theft. Mailed statements and hard copies of sensitive documents can offer a wealth of information to thieves.
This makes sensitive paper shredding crucial to personal safety and peace of mind. Secure document destruction in Melbourne can help you to rest easier knowing you are not at risk. A common query is often, “What documents should I shred?” The following 10 sensitive documents should be high on your list for immediate confidential document destruction:
1. Statements from Financial Institutions. Bank statements should be shredded as soon as the necessary information has been gleaned. Secure shredding applies to documents related to stocks and investments as well. Other bank documents like ATM receipts as well as deposit and withdrawal slips should also be destroyed.
2. Credit Card Statements. Paper credit card statements contain key personal information about your accounts, identity and spending habits. Once they have been viewed for accuracy and used in bookkeeping, credit card statements should be shredded.
3. Pay Stubs. Pay stubs can contain sensitive data about employment, income, taxes, banking and health care. To ensure security, they should be shredded after the information on them has been verified.
4. Junk Mail. Junk mail can include courtesy checks, preapproved loans and credit card applications. These mailings can leave you open to fraud from criminals who sign up for them on your behalf. A policy of using confidential document destruction for all junk mail can eliminate this risk.
5. Old Tax Returns. Tax returns should be saved for at least five years; however, after this time it is prudent to shred them and ensure security from identity theft.
6. Outdated Medical Records. Personal medical records should be destroyed once the information becomes outdated or is no longer required. This includes bills and receipts as well as lab and test results.
7. Insurance records. Insurance documents are another potential goldmine of information for identity thieves. Be discerning about which documents you keep on file, and shred the rest.
8. Boarding Passes. Old airplane boarding passes are also strong candidates for secure document destruction. They often contain key information such as your birth date, nationality and your passport number.
9. Expired Passports and IDs. It may be tempting to hold on to these as keepsakes, but losing track of old passports and identification cards can be dangerous when it comes to protecting your identity.
10. Centrelink Statements. If you receive benefit statements from the Government, be sure to properly dispose of old statements with secure document destruction. These statements can be for Pensions, Family Tax Benefit statements, Youth Allowances, Subsidised Housing Benefits, or Income Allowance Statements. All contain crucial personal information that you cannot allow to fall into the wrong hands.
Identity theft is a major concern in today’s data-driven world; however, confidential document destruction in Melbourne can substantially reduce your risk. Shred on Site uses an extremely effective “pierce and tear” secure document destruction method as opposed to shredding in straight lines. This makes it virtually impossible to reassemble the shredded files and letters. Trust Shred on Site for all your sensitive paper shredding needs. Apparel destruction services are also available.
