Dumpster Diving and Identity Theft: What You Need to Know

Now that we are settling in 2017, perhaps you’ve noticed that you need to make more room for exciting new business opportunities; so where do you start? Are your cabinets and employee desks cleaned out and free of old records? Unless you’ve completed a major cleanout already, now is the time to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Most critically, it’s important to do this safely with the security of your privacy in mind.

While revisiting your cabinets and organizing your business documents is a large component in maintaining a clutter-free office, it’s crucial that your old contracts, budgets, marketing plans, and customer lists are kept well protected at all times. Trash bins throughout your office need to remain free of any record deemed private or containing confidential business matters. You are obligated by law to safeguard these details and failing to do so could result in exposing employee and/or client information.

It is likely that every company in Columbus has at one point or another mistakenly tossed away a pricing list, or a confidential email, not thinking about the potential consequences. We’re all human and while it’s easy for this to happen, it’s a mistake that could be very costly. Your trash bin may seem like the best solution because of its proximity to your desk and general convenience, but it’s imperative that these unwanted records are disposed of in a lockable collection container instead. If old content is tossed away in a garbage bin it could be collected by the wrong person in an effort to carry out a criminal act.  Dumpster diving is real, and it does occur more than we want to believe. Even with the smallest tidbit of personal details, a determined individual could do some significant damage to your wallet, and do so fairly easily.

dumpster diving

What is Considered “Trash” to You, Could be a “Gold Mine” to Somebody Else

Perhaps you think that nobody will take the time and dedication to sort through your garbage? Sadly the opposite is quite true. If there is enough intent there, a Columbus resident will take the time and effort that’s required to locate juicy information that can be used to their advantage. Usually, it’s those documents that you thought were safe to toss away that wind up providing the fuel a criminal needs, to build their case. Next thing you know, your bank account may get hacked and suddenly there are new credit cards present under your name. Not a good situation to be in!

The alarming aspect is that so many of those credit card approval letters we loathe receiving through the mail are discovered by criminals because they are not securely shredded prior to disposal. If and when this occurs, it’s extremely easy to respond to the letter with a new address. When all is said and done, if you are a resident or operate a business in Columbus, and you’re knowingly throwing away sensitive material without shredding, this is putting an immediate target on your back. Always remember that while it may seem cliché, it’s absolutely true; what is “trash” to you might be a “gold mine” to somebody else.

Deter Identity Theft with These Helpful Recommendations

  • Never throw out records containing financial information about your business, or any documentation that reveals your social security number, bank account number, driver’s license number, or your address.
  • Securely shred paperwork that covers private business matters to guarantee that nothing is legible
  • Partner with a professional shredding provider like Shred A Way, to look after your shredding requirements.  We’ll guarantee that your documents are disposed of properly so that your privacy is never compromised.

Shred A Way, will happily look after your records in a manner that ensures your sensitive business matters are thoroughly destroyed with no chance of recovery.  Our paper shredding process reflects strict guidelines which contribute to keeping your organization, customers, and employees, protected from collection, through until destruction. Shred A Way offers both onsite mobile based shredding services, and off-site document destruction services carried out at our facility. Both solutions are performed with the highest level of security and professionalism; you choose which option is best for you based on your specific needs, and we’ll make sure it happens.

Get in touch with our team for a free quote, or to speak to one of our experts in regards to a document shredding schedule that’s appropriate for your organization. Being pro-active is the best step towards fighting identity theft! When in doubt, turn to Shred A Way to shred your sensitive records!

Contact our team in Columbus at 705-577-9668.

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