With identity theft rampant, the average person probably realizes that they should shred sensitive papers. The problem is you're probably not shredding several documents that are just as important to shred as well-known papers like bank statements.

Items That Must Also Be Shredded

1. Receipts
Do you just trash receipts without thinking? That's a mistake. Even receipts for a cash purchase can have information that's important to protect. If it's a debit or credit card receipt, that's even more important because it shows the last four digits of the card used. That can be leveraged by identity thieves – especially if the receipt shows your signature.
2. Prescription Labels & Documentation
Why bother to remove and shred labels from prescriptions and any accompanying paperwork and receipts? A thief could use that information to illegally get refills intended for you so they can refill them. That's not just a risk for opioids. Insulin and many other drugs are highly desirable. Prescription labels and paperwork with side effects and directions list your doctor's name and additional sensitive information that someone could use for identity theft and/or prescription or health insurance fraud.
3. Airline Boarding Passes
These travel documents contain information that a potential thief can use for identity theft. These documents can also be used to access and steal your frequent flyer miles.
4. Return Labels
Just tossing or recycling boxes as they are when you get a package is a mistake. The information on the return address label can be used for identity theft, especially when combined with what a thief could find out about you on social media. Always remove the shipping and return address on any packages you receive and shred them along with any stationary or envelopes you have with your return address on them. Bonus tip: Only use your address on envelopes or return address labels, skip your name.
5. Leftover Birth Announcements
Children are a major target of identity thieves because it's much more likely to go unnoticed for a while. Keeping one birth announcement for a scrapbook or similar remembrance project is fine, but shred the rest, so your child doesn't start life with identity theft problems.

Do I Need to Shred Bank Statements?

Bank statements should always be shredded when no longer needed because of the sensitive information they contain. Some experts say only to keep them for a year while others say three years. Regardless of the time frame, shred physical copies when no longer needed.

Should I Shred an Old Driver's License?

Yes – expired driver's licenses are a gold mine for identity thieves, so they should always be shredded. Keeping one around can be a security risk. Either shred it or turn it into your local DMV.

What Paperwork Do I Need to Shred?

Any old or unnecessary paperwork that contains personal identifying information should be shredded. That includes, but isn't limited to:

• Old tax returns
• Other tax documents, like property tax receipts
• Credit card statements
• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Checks
• Investment and retirement statements
• Pay stubs
• Insurance papers

The amount of time to keep the documents and conditions for keeping or shredding them varies by the document. The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information division has guidance for those specifics.

Document shredding is a crucial defense against identity theft. Here at Storage Quarters, we have various options, including mobile shredding, where we come to you.

Protect Your Data with Storage Quarters

Good data management and destruction are essential to prevent breaches and identity theft. The data and document experts at Storage Quarters can help with all aspects of storing and shredding your sensitive information. Storage Quarters will keep your vital records safe and secure. To get a free quote or book our services, contact Storage Quarters today by calling (516) 794-7300 or emailing us.