One of the tried and true ways that fraudsters get hold of your sensitive information is through dumpster diving. That’s right -- crooks will pick through your trash to find bank statements and other information as a way to steal your identity.
What You Should Know:
You can protect yourself by shredding papers that contain sensitive information. Consider buying a small paper shredder for home use, but make sure it’s a “micro-cut” or “cross-cut” model. This month you can also stop in at an AARP shredding event to safely dispose of sensitive documents. Click here for locations.
What You Should Do:
When you’re ready to trash sensitive documents, shred them first. These include bank and credit card statements, ATM receipts, canceled checks, and even utility bills.
Don’t press 1 to speak to the operator; this puts you at risk for receiving more calls.
Shred credit card offers - it’s too easy for a dumpster diver to fill out the form and mail it in with an address correction to get a credit card in your name.
Be sure to share this Watch Dog Alert with friends and family to help protect them from identity theft, too!.
Sincerely,
Kristin Keckeisen Fraud Watch Network
P.S. Think your identity won't be stolen? Neither did the staggering number of people who had their identity stolen last year. Watch and learn more here.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
