Can My Trash Lead to My Identity Being Stolen?

Your trash is a very easy way to get tools for identity theft. Using trash and your mailbox your identity could be stolen be even the most amateur of identity theft artists. Ripping and shredding sometimes aren’t even enough as they can be put back together and used against you. There are a couple ways to get around this however.

Buy a Shredder

First and most importantly is you need to buy a cross shredding machine. They go for around 40 dollars and makes it a nightmare to try and put anything that could be used against you back together. Make sure you shred anything that is pre approved or any billing statements that you do not need. As well as anything to deal with DMV or other official government documents, as well as any bank statements you are getting rid of. All of these can help contribute to your identity being stolen.

Opt Out of Pre-Approved Credit Cards

Another option is to use the credit bureaus opt out line, call 888 567-8688 and about 30 seconds later you’ll be mailed a small form that you fill out and will become immune to those pre approved credit cards that identity thefts can use to steal thousands of dollars from you and ruin your credit at the same time. Most identity theft can be prevented from just using this step. And if you ever want to receive the pre approved credit options a simple phone call can put you back on the list with all your favorite credit card companies.

Lock Up Your Mailbox

Securing your mailbox with some kind of lock should be essential to everyone. Because anyone can walk up and just steal your mail from your front door. A lock costs less than ten dollars and can prevent thousands of dollars of credit theft. If you live in an apartment complex its possible for a theft to use the key the postal office uses and have access to all of the boxes in the complex. For this reason its important to either opt out using the credit bureaus opt out line and have another way in which to receive mail that could cause your identity to be stolen.

If you think you have become a victim of identify theft its imperative that you contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and report the situation online or by telephone toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 202-326-2502, or by mail to Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.