**Beware** - Identity Theft Is Rising Fast

[IAmAMoron]

Link

 

[FelixDeCat]

You really have to work to protect your self from this crap.

Some personal advice:

1) Before you throw something away, look for sensitive info - tear it out and put in a separate container.

2) Ask to have your SS number removed from correspondence. Usually paychecks have this on them, including your address, which is all that is needed for ID theft. Vanguard (mutual funds) is notorious for putting SS numbers on letters.

3) Do not carry your SS card.

4) Check to see if your medical insurance card has your SS number on it. Usually they assign it as your member number. Obscure this number from the card.

 

[kikokam]

what i do usually is shred all those sensitive info instead of just putting them into the recycling bin.... nowadays i even shred my name and address on the envelops... these things can really come on too fast if you don't be aware of them
when i don't have a shredder, i stack them up; and then give them to my little siblings for them to cut.... now you can tell what kind of a life i live by what can i say, they enjoy cutting stuff up, they think it's a game

 

[FrysInsider]

invest in a cross cut shredder...

protect your SS number like your anandtech password