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Shred Your Trash
Sensitive documents that include any personal information should be shredded. Cross-shredders that reduce the input into confetti-like pieces rather than strips do the best job to ensure that your information cannot be pieced together. Some shredders have the ability to shred credit cards, as well as paper. If you have one that does not, make sure to cut your credit cards up into tiny pieces with a pair of scissors. Going through your trash, or “dumpster diving”, as it is known, is a very popular method for thieves to obtain your personal information. If you do not take a few simple precautions, thieves can get whatever they need just from your garbage.
Secure Your Home
Store documents containing personal information in a locking cabinet or safe, not in a drawer, or even worse, laid out on a counter or table where they are conspicuous. Your home is a prime target for anyone wishing to steal your personal information. Make sure your doors are locked with deadbolts and that you close and lock your windows when you are not home. As an extra precaution, you may want to install a home security system for additional protection.
For more prevention tips, please refer to the following sections:
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