Operation Stop Scams events are being held across New York State, find one near you below. And for those consumers who use a home shredder, experts also recommend the use of a micro-cut model. Tests have shown that the scraps of paper from a straight or cross-cut shredder can be reassembled by identity thieves. With a micro-cut shredder, the paper is rendered into impossible-to-reassemble debris.
To avoid having your sensitive information compromised, security experts recommend shredding of the following types of materials:
Old documents: Papers that carry your Social Security number, birth date, signature, account numbers, passwords or PINs.
Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips and ATM and credit card receipts, once you receive your monthly statements.
Credit Cards: Preapproved credit card applications and incentive/gift checks from credit card companies.
Medical: unneeded medical bills.
Investments: Investment account statements.
Obsolete ID cards: Expired driver’s licenses, medical insurance cards, and passports.