| Everyone at one time or another has either joked | | | | number on the memo line of your check. Only put |
| about or heard a joke about "Dumpster Diving." | | | | the last 4 digits, that's all that is required, the |
| Usually it refers to someone scavenging for food | | | | company knows the rest of the numbers. It's |
| or behind a store to see what they have thrown | | | | just a precautionary move on your part. |
| out. And everyone has heard of someone finding | | | | · Destroy your cancelled check when it is |
| something of real value in the trash. Personally | | | | returned from the bank. Most banks don't return |
| I've seen someone on the Antique Road Show | | | | cancelled checks anymore, there was a time they |
| showing off a painting they found this way, only | | | | did and if you bank with one of those who still do |
| to be told it's worth some extraordinary amount | | | | its best to shred them as a precaution. This will |
| of money. | | | | prevent anyone from knowing your bank account |
| This article is not about that kind of buried | | | | number. |
| treasure but another kind that most people have | | | | Monthly Checking Account Statements |
| been guilty of throwing out; the most personal | | | | The account information on your monthly |
| things that contain information about you - that in | | | | statement can be used to print counterfeit |
| the wrong hands can cause you an awful | | | | checks to drain your account. Identity theft is so |
| headache, otherwise known as Identity Theft. | | | | common that a smart thief can make an identity |
| >b>Identity theft is the fastest growing crime | | | | card with your name and address and their |
| wave in the United States according to the FBI | | | | picture and use that to open a bank account and |
| and the US Postal Service. The US Postal Service | | | | write bad checks on the account. Because your |
| says on their site that identity theft from stealing | | | | name is the one on the check it will appear that |
| mail from your mailbox is not a big problem but it | | | | you are the one writing the check. You may not |
| does happen. So if you have something to mail | | | | find out about it until you try to write a check at |
| that contains your SS number or a credit card bill | | | | the grocery store and are told that they won't |
| that has your number on it, they recommend | | | | accept your check. |
| that you take it to the Post Office and put it in a | | | | Stores use a check-guarantee company to get |
| secure box. | | | | reports on checks that a bank sends back |
| Following is a list of items that should NEVER be | | | | stamped NSF. This service helps merchants |
| thrown away! Instead shred them, or better yet - | | | | identify customers who are passing bad checks |
| if your office is like the one I work in, there | | | | and minimize their losses. |
| should be a trash bin dedicated to sensitive | | | | The check-guarantee companies also protect the |
| material that is taken away and shredded each | | | | customer. When you notify the bank of stolen |
| month - take your sensitive items there and | | | | checks they alert retailers for you. |
| throw them away. | | | | Utility Bills |
| Monthly Credit Card Statements | | | | One of the things a "dumpster diving thief" will |
| You are probably thinking, why would anyone go | | | | look for is the bottom portion of your utility bills |
| through someone's stinky garbage? It's what they | | | | that says "Retain for your records". This part of |
| find if they go through enough garbage that | | | | the bill will have your name, address and account |
| keeps them coming back. If they find your | | | | number. Utility bills, telephone water, garbage and |
| personal information that is legible enough to read, | | | | electric bills are used as proof of an address when |
| that's reason enough. If they get lucky enough to | | | | opening a bank account. The identity thief can put |
| find your credit card statement that will give | | | | all these to good use. Be sure to shred them |
| them enough information to re-invent you for | | | | before discarding them. |
| their own usage or sell it to someone else. | | | | Cell Phone Bills |
| One credit card statement is worth more than | | | | A cell phone bill can be used the same way as a |
| gold. With this information they can buy anything | | | | utility bill for opening a bank account. The bottom |
| they desire. And best of all, they will never have | | | | portion has your name and address plus your cell |
| to pay for it. In most states, you are not | | | | phone number. Most people discard these after |
| responsible for fraudulent charges to your card | | | | paying the amount owed but should shred them. |
| provided you report it immediately when you | | | | In the wrong hands they can cause a lot of |
| receive your receipt. | | | | headaches. |
| Before you discard your statements here some | | | | Remember: If you don't shred, it isn't dead! If you |
| tips to protect your credit from thieves. | | | | are careful not to leave anything lying around you |
| · When you write your checks for payment | | | | can't be hurt. Everybody is vulnerable. |
| to the CC company don't write the full account | | | | |