Which Documents Should You Shred In 2019?
Paper shredding should not be seen as an optional extra. One of the areas where you’re most at risk for identity theft is right in sight—your paper mail, most of which is mail you should shred. More than 1.8 billion parcels and 14 billion letters are delivered every year by the Royal Mail every year, and much of that mail contains identifying personal information that can be used to steal your identity. Here’s a list of the type of mail you should shred before throwing out.
Documents Containing Personal Information
Your personal information is what identity thieves are after. Your date of birth and National Insurance number are especially vulnerable; so make sure anything that contains that information goes through the shredder. Other information to be wary of is your full name, address, home or work telephone numbers, and driver’s license number.
For example, mail you receive from HMRC, the council, and employment-related mail containing your personal information should be shredded. Travel-related documents—besides your passport—contain personally identifiable information, such as your full name, itineraries, and other data that identity thieves might find useful.
Documents Containing Financial Information
Anything that comes from a financial institution could potentially be used by an identity thief. Sure, you have to keep copies of bank and credit card statements for record-keeping purposes, but only for three years. Anything older than that should be shredded. In addition, shred cancelled checks, voided checks, and any online purchase orders that contain your bank account or billing information.
Documents Containing Account Information
Don’t put your identifying account information at risk. Account numbers, usernames, and passwords are key pieces of information that identity thieves try to capture. You should shred any mail printed with this information, such as credit card statements, personal and real property tax statements, and bills. This means you should also shred mail that contains information about your utility accounts, phone, and internet bills, as well as similar bills you might receive concerning other properties you own, such as rentals or vacation property.
Junk Mail
Junk mail can be dangerous. Most people don’t realize it, but junk mail usually has a computer barcode on the front that can sometimes contain personally identifying information. This includes so-called pre-authorized credit card offers, mail from insurance companies and lenders, and even mail from associations, such as the AARP or other membership organisations that may have access to your personal information. Companies market to certain demographics, often based on your age group, occupation, or purchasing habits. So you should shred all of your junk mail, including the return envelopes provided with it.
Child and School-Related Mail
Identity thieves don’t discriminate and they aren’t known for their compassion; so they won’t care if they steal information belonging to a child. Therefore, the mail you receive concerning your children, their medical records, and school information goes into the shred pile. If you received copies of your children’s birth certificates, shred them. Likewise, any mail containing your authorization for school field trips, school applications, and report cards also go into the shred pile.
