Data breaches and identity theft are on the rise, making it increasingly important to protect yourself against potential fraud. One of the ways you can do this is by shredding documents that contain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, credit card statements, bank statements, and other personal papers. In this blog post, we’ll explain what document shredding is and provide a list of the types of documents you should consider shredding.
Overview Of Document Shredding – Benefits And Best Practices
In document management, shredding is one of the most important steps to ensure the safety and security of sensitive information. But have you ever stopped to consider the benefits of document shredding beyond just protecting confidential data? Destroying documents that are no longer necessary can actually have a positive impact on the environment by reducing paper waste.
Document shredding best practices go beyond just tossing documents into a shredder. Proper storage, timely destruction, and careful disposal should all be taken into consideration to ensure the process is secure and efficient. So next time you’re faced with a pile of unneeded documents, remember the benefits of responsible shredding and take steps to safeguard your information and the planet.
Types Of Documents You Should Shred For Security Purposes
Here are some examples of documents that should be shredded rather than thrown away:
- Financial Statements: Banks, credit card companies, and investment firms send monthly statements containing sensitive data. Shred these documents to prevent your account details from falling into the wrong hands.
- Credit Card Offers: The credit card offers, and reports often contain personal information that identity thieves could use. Shredding them ensures your data remains secure.
- Tax Records: These are often full of personal information. Keep them for seven years as required by law, then shred them.
- Medical Records: These contain sensitive health information that should always remain confidential. Always shred these documents after use.
- Old IDs: Expired passports, driver’s licenses, or other forms of identification can be used in identity theft. Shred these when they’re no longer needed.
- Pay Stubs: Pay stubs contain your name, address, and social security number. Shred them after you’ve used them for your reference.
- Old Credit and Debit Cards: Even when expired, old cards can still contain sensitive data. Shred them to prevent fraud.
- Used Airline Tickets: These contain your name, travel plans, and additional personal information. Always shred these once your trip is complete.
- Legal Documents: Wills, contracts, and legal correspondence often contain sensitive information. Shred these if they’re no longer needed or are outdated.
- Utility Bills: These seemingly harmless documents carry personal information that identity thieves could use. Shred these after you’ve paid your bill and recorded the payment.
- Spam Mail: While it might seem harmless, spam mail can often contain enough information for identity thieves to begin piecing together your profile. Shred these documents to keep your personal details secure.
Tips On Finding A Professional Document Shredding Service
When it comes to disposing of sensitive documents, it’s essential to find a professional paper shredding service that you can trust. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. One tip is to look for a certified company that follows strict industry standards for document destruction.
Additionally, check for reviews and feedback from previous customers to ensure their satisfaction with the service. It’s also important to consider the level of security offered by the shredding service, such as on-site shredding or secure transportation of documents. By researching and choosing a trusted professional, you can have peace of mind knowing your confidential documents are being disposed of properly.
Conclusion
Shredding sensitive documents is not just a matter of security but also a legal requirement for businesses dealing with personal data. It’s a practice that safeguards against identity theft, protects our environment, and clears out unnecessary clutter.
When it comes to professional document shredding services, Choose American Document Services for reliable, secure, and eco-friendly document shredding solutions. With our industry certifications and commitment to strict standards, we ensure that all your sensitive documents are destroyed safely, securely, and responsibly. Contact us today to learn more about our document shredding services.
