Stay Vigilant: It’s Identity Theft Awareness Month

Identity theft can strike anyone, anywhere, and at any time. During Identity Theft Awareness Month, we’re reminded of the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to protecting personal, financial, and business information. To help you stay one step ahead of identity thieves, we’ve compiled actionable tips that make safeguarding your sensitive data simple and effective.

1. Protect Your Financial Information

Your financial data is one of the most common targets for thieves. Here’s how to keep it safe:

• Carry Only the Essentials
  When shopping or traveling, limit the number of cards you bring. Stick to just one or two necessary ones. Using mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay adds an extra layer of security.
• Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements
  Review your statements regularly to spot unauthorized transactions. Early detection minimizes potential damage. Many banks offer real-time alerts for purchases, so take advantage of these features.
• Inspect for Card Skimmers
  Always check ATMs and card readers for signs of tampering or unusual attachments. If something doesn’t look right, use a different machine or pay with cash.
• Shred Paper Financial Documents
  Don’t toss out bank statements or credit card offers; shred them instead. Even partially discarded information can be pieced together by criminals. Use a professional shredding service for bulk destruction, especially if you handle a large volume of documents regularly. Look for NAID AAA Certified shredding companies to ensure the highest security standards.

2. Protect Your Personal Identity

Your identity is more than just your Social Security Number; it includes every piece of personal information you share. Be cautious about how and where you share it:

• Leave Your Social Security Card at Home
  Only carry it when absolutely necessary. The same goes for documents that display your Social Security Number.
• Limit the IDs You Carry
  Stick to just your driver’s license or state ID when possible. Work IDs, membership cards, and other unnecessary items can stay at home.
• Beware of Phishing Attempts
  Scammers often disguise themselves as legitimate contacts. Verify requests for personal information by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
• Control Social Media Privacy Settings
  Oversharing on social media can expose you to risks. Avoid posting your address, birthday, or travel plans publicly. Adjust privacy settings to restrict who can view your information.
• Shred Expired IDs and Sensitive Documents
  Even outdated documents can be used to steal your identity. Use a shredding service to dispose of old IDs, tax returns, and medical bills securely.

3. Protect Confidential Documents

Your documents, whether personal or business-related, are treasure troves of information for identity thieves. Don’t give them an opportunity.

• Adopt a Shred-All Policy
  Instead of deciding what to shred, shred everything containing personally identifiable information (PII). This includes utility bills, medical records, and junk mail.
• Use NAID AAA Certified Shredding Services
  Professional shredding services destroy documents securely and recycle the remains responsibly. These services are ideal for both businesses and individuals with any volume of paperwork.

4. Secure Your Digital Information

Identity theft isn’t limited to paper documents. Thieves can recover deleted data from your old devices. Protect your digital footprint with these tips:

• Securely Dispose of Old Electronics
  Before discarding computers, smartphones, or hard drives, ensure all data is wiped using specialized software. If you want absolute security, use a shredding service that specializes in electronic media destruction.
• Understand Data Recovery Risks
  Deleting files doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Thieves can retrieve data using advanced recovery tools. Physical destruction, like hard drive shredding, is the only guaranteed method of ensuring your digital information is unrecoverable.
• Choose Environmentally-Friendly Destruction Services
  Look for companies that recycle shredded paper and electronics. This not only protects your data but also supports a greener planet.

Protect Yourself Today

This Identity Theft Awareness Month, take action to protect your personal, financial, and digital data. At ShredPro Secure, we’re committed to helping you stay vigilant. Whether you need to securely shred paper documents or destroy electronic media, our NAID AAA Certified services ensure your information is completely and securely destroyed.

Call us at 865-986-5444 or complete the form on this page to learn how we can help protect your sensitive information today.