Tired of those towering piles of old papers taking over your spring cleaning? Here’s a simple trick to feeling safer and more organized: shredding! As a NAID AAA-Certified company, Assured Document Destruction Tucson understands the importance of secure information destruction. Millions of people fall victim to identity theft every year, and sometimes, all it takes is a lost document with your personal information. This post will show you exactly what documents to shred and how it can give you peace of mind this spring cleaning season.
While seemingly harmless, old documents like bank statements, utility bills, and expired IDs can be a goldmine for identity thieves. These documents often contain sensitive details like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and account information. When improperly disposed of, they can be easily retrieved from the trash and misused for fraudulent purposes.
Verizon’s data breach report revealed a startling fact: human involvement played a role in a whopping 85% of breaches. This emphasizes the critical need to safeguard personal information.
The Secure Shredding Solution
Secure document shredding offers a reliable solution to mitigate identity theft risks. By shredding these documents into unreadable confetti-like pieces, you significantly reduce the chance of information retrieval and misuse. This practice aligns with data privacy regulations set forth by organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which outline proper disposal methods for sensitive information.
Shred Like A Pro: Your Spring Cleaning Hit List
Conquering that paper mountain during spring cleaning? Don’t forget to shred those documents that could put your identity at risk! Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to send through the shredder for ultimate peace of mind:
Financial Paperwork:
- Expired Bank Statements: Once you’ve reconciled your accounts and ensured everything matches, shred those old statements (check your bank’s guidelines for record-keeping).
- Tax Returns: Shred past tax returns after following the IRS’s retention recommendations.
- Pay Stubs: Once you’ve verified your pay is accurate, consider shredding pay stubs after a year (check your employer’s policies for any specific requirements).
- Credit Card Receipts: After you’ve reviewed and reconciled your credit card statements, shred those receipts.
Medical Documents:
- Old Medical Bills & Explanations of Benefits (EOBs): Shred these once you’ve confirmed payment and ensured everything is accurate (keep copies for current insurance needs).
- Lab Results (except for ongoing conditions): Shred past lab results unless they’re relevant to a current medical issue.
- Doctor’s Appointments: Shred paperwork from past appointments you no longer need.
Personal Information:
- Expired Passports & Driver’s Licenses: Shred these once they’re no longer valid (never shred originals like birth certificates or Social Security cards!).
- Old Insurance Policies: Shred expired or inactive insurance policies.
- Membership Applications & Utility Bills (after switching providers): If you’ve switched providers, shred old utility bills and applications for memberships you no longer hold.
Shredding Options: Professional Vs. Personal
For ultimate security and convenience, consider partnering with a professional shredding service like Assured Document Destruction Tucson. Our industrial-grade shredders ensure documents are turned into unrecognizable particles, minimizing the risk of identity theft.
However, if you have a smaller volume of documents to shred, personal shredders can also be an effective solution. Choose a cross-cut shredder that cuts documents into confetti-like pieces for enhanced security. Remember, while personal shredders offer a convenient option, they may not be suitable for large shredding jobs and have limitations on sheet capacity and shredding power.
Assured Document Destruction Tucson: Your Secure Shredding Partner
At Assured Document Destruction Tucson, we prioritize your privacy. We provide secure shredding services tailored for both businesses and residents in the Tucson area. Our services include on-site shredding at your location or secure drop-off options at our facility.
Contact Us Today!
Experience a secure and worry-free spring cleaning. Call us today at 520-352-7346 or visit our website for a free quote. We’re here to help you shred your way to peace of mind this season!
