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Important Documents You Should Shred

When most people think about the phrase “shredded documents,” they probably think of spy movies or criminals trying to cover their tracks. But there are many other reasons you might want to shred your documents – and not just because you’re up to no good. Here are some essential reasons why you should shred your documents regularly.

Bank statements

Bank statements are one of the most important documents you should shred. They contain your personal information, account numbers, and balances. If these fall into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft or fraud. Some people keep their bank statements for a certain period, but it’s ultimately up to you. If you don’t feel comfortable shredding them, you can always ask your bank if they offer statement storage. Most banks will be happy to comply.

Another reason why you should shred your bank statements is that they can be used to track your spending habits. If you’re trying to save money or get out of debt, keeping track of where your money is going is essential. Shredding your statements will help you stay on track by preventing you from looking back at old spending habits.

Canceled checks

If you have a checkbook, then you have canceled checks. Most people don’t think twice about what to do with old canceled checks, but there are some important reasons to shred them. First of all, canceled checks contain your bank account number and the bank’s routing number. Identity thieves could use this information to drain your account. In addition, canceled checks may contain your signature, which could be utilized as a forgery.

Finally, many canceled checks contain sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number or driver’s license number. For these reasons, it’s best to shred any canceled checks that you no longer need. You can help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with a little effort.

Credit card statements

One of the most important documents you should shred is your credit card statement. This document includes your account number, balance, and credit limit. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to open a new account in your name and rack up a huge bill. Additionally, many credit card companies now offer online access to statements. This means you can view and download your statement without waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

As a result, there is no need to keep a paper copy on hand. So be sure to shred old credit card statements before throwing them away. Most importantly, don’t forget to shred any pre-approved credit card offers that you receive in the mail. These often contain your account number and other sensitive information.

Old tax returns

One of the most important documents you should shred is old tax returns. Although you may not need them now, getting rid of them is essential so that no one can access your personal information. If your tax returns are more than seven years old, the IRS likely won’t need them so you can shred them.

However, keep any records related to a business or rental property for as long as they’re active and any records related to major purchases, such as a home or a car. You should also shred any medical records that you don’t need. Although you may think that keeping old medical records is a good idea, eliminating them is best. That way, no one can access your personal health information.

Utility bills

Many believe that if they keep their important documents locked up in a safe place, their identities will be protected from theft. However, this is not always the case. Even something as innocuous as an old utility bill can be used to steal your identity. This is because utility bills often contain your full name, address, and account number.

While you may not think twice about throwing out an old utility bill, a skilled identity thief can use this information to open new accounts in your name and rack up large amounts of debt. To protect yourself, it is important to shred any document that contains personal information before disposing of it. By taking this simple step, you can help to protect yourself from identity theft.

Receipts for expensive purchases

Whenever you make a large purchase, it’s essential to keep the receipt in case you need to return the item or file for insurance. However, once you’re sure you won’t need the receipt any longer, it’s best to shred it. That’s because receipts contain much personal information, including your name, address, and credit card number.

If these receipts fall into the wrong hands, identity thieves could easily use this information to commit fraud. So, whenever you have an old receipt that you don’t need anymore, be sure to shred it before throwing it away. That way, you can help protect yourself from identity theft and other types of fraud.

Identification and images

In today’s world, keeping your personal information safe is more important than ever. One way to do this is to shred any documents that contain sensitive data before disposing of them. This includes old bank statements, credit card bills, and tax returns. Another item to shred is any mail that includes your name and address. This may seem common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook this step and steal their identity.

Finally, don’t forget to shred any photos or documents that include your image. Even if these items don’t contain personal information, they could be used by someone else to create a fake ID. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of fraud.

Summary

When protecting your personal information, shredding essential documents is a critical step. Papers containing sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account can be easily stolen from the trash. Once in the wrong hands, this information can be used to commit identity theft or fraud. That’s why it’s important to shred any document that includes your personal information before throwing it away. At Chicagoland Shredding Services, we offer on-site and off-site document shredding services to help you keep your personal information safe. Contact us today to learn more about our services!