Safety First
By Fishmomma
@Fishmomma (11377)
United States
April 30, 2013 5:18am CST
There are many ways to be safer and we all know to look both ways before crossing the street. I know that people do look behind them and around before using bank machines. The one thing I'm concerned with is how many people shred all papers that have information that others shouldn't see like bank account numbers, credit card receipts and statements, applications, tax papers and other legal documents?
We hear so much about identify theft and according to the newsletter I received from the city I'm living in now that 10 million people a year are affected.
My city is having a secure paper shredding truck at our community center and 6 boxes can be shredded for free. Check your cities to see if they are having a free shredding day. I have a shredder at home, but wanted others to be safe also.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
1 May 13
I can understand that having the bank shred could make your shredder at home last longer. I know that nothing lasts forever. I'm considering getting a shredder that shreds credit cards. Thanks for posting.
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
1 May 13
I did an article about shredders awhile back and I was amazed at all the different types. I figure the ones they are using is much better tahn what mine does. There are some papers that I prefer to be shredded real good. Mine will shred credit cards and I find that handy.
@Hopefull90 (921)
• United States
30 Apr 13
We have a shredder so every year when I throw out the old records I either shred them or burn them in my fire place. I even cut up credit cards and put the pieces in different trash cans.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
30 Apr 13
I cut up credits and put them in different trash bags also. The last one I cut part of the card went out that weeks trash and the rest the next week. I'm trying to do everything I can to not have any trouble again. Thanks for posting.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
30 Apr 13
I remember the days when we'd just throw those things in the trash without a second thought and no one was endangered by it. Ah, those were good days!
I was going through stuff yesterday in anticipation of selling my house. I got a bite on it recently but no sale and it got me thinking how I'm really not prepared to move so I was cleaning out my desk and files. I was surprised how many papers would be of a sensitive nature and endanger my financial security if I wasn't careful disposing of them. So I'll have to spend a couple of hours going through them and cutting off the info. We don't have shred days here and it's only once a year (already past) that a city 25 miles away sponsors one.
I sure wish I had a burn barrel so I could just burn it all and use the ashes to fertilize the flowers!
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
30 Apr 13
Sadly, the days of tossing it in the trash not shredded are over. We know there are people out there that will do terrible things with the information and don't care what it does to each of us. Thanks for posting.
@extremefun4fun (2908)
• India
30 Apr 13
that what you have mentioned is the best way of safety.. losing documents is a big problem for each of us if once it will happen.. i keep my documents at home... but no safety at all...
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
30 Apr 13
I was a victim several years ago and it was a long process to fix my credit card. Now I'm really careful and tell everyone I know to be careful. Its safe to know that people have to be more careful today. Thanks for posting.
