Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Misuse of your personal documents and licenses like social security number, checks, credit cards, drivers license is classified as Identity Theft.
Luckily, you can take many precautions to keep yourself more secure. Do not presume them to be completely effective. But you can expect a fair amount of protection from being a random victim.
Documents are the biggest problem for most people. From bank statements to medical bills, you get mail constantly that is full of your personal information.
Paper less world is still a distant reality even with all the technological progerss made by us.
Until then, make sure you shred everything that has your personal information on it. This can be a daunting task to do by hand so an electric shredder is the best way to go. A little common sense and knowledge can go a long way in protecting you from identity theft.
You can put the shredded stuff to good use also, like bedding for pets.
There is much more to identity sensitive information than just medical documents and bank statements. Avoid keeping your checkbook, birth certificate, or social security card in your wallet or purse.
Your top most worry is checks.
They not only have your personal information, they have your bank account number and routing number right there. Some people even put their social security number right on the check!! AVOID such things.
Protect yourself from identity theft, get more information here - legal issues of identity theft and electric utilities and identity theft red flags.