Strip Shredders NOT Good Enough!
To protect themselves from identity theft, many consumers have purchased paper shredders to destroy their personal information before discarding it in their trash. While it’s better than just throwing offers of credit correspondence away, it may not be enough.
By watching any one of the numerous crime shows on TV, you’ll discover that strip shredded documents can be reconstructed by anyone with the patience and motivation to do so. I’ve also read some articles recently where the author has described credit applications that have been torn up, taped back together, filled out and mailed in to the creditor. The creditor, despite the questionable condition of the application has mailed the “applicant” a credit card.
Credit card companies, etc. buy your personal data from the credit bureaus, mail you an offer of pre-approved credit, and try to sell you something, namely their services. If they’ve spend time and money to attempt to get you as a customer, they may not be conscientious about ensuring their “services” are extended to the right person as long as they sell their services.
The simple solution is to replace your strip shredder with a cross-cut one. If you don’t own a shredder, buy one. You can buy one at any office supply store, Target, Wal-mart, K-Mart and numerous other retailers. There are many inexpensive types available. Protect yourself and your family by shredding all documents that have personal data on them and any credit applications that arrive in the mail.
Remember: Identity theft is what you may experience because of a lack of diligence to do these things. Consider it preventative medicine and be diligent about protecting your credit from thieves by cross-cut shredding your documents.