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Identity thieves need a few pieces of information to perform their nasty deed. Any time your throw away a letter, or piece of your personal information, you face the risk that someone is digging through your trash for access to that information.

The key pieces of information that an identity thief needs to operate:

1. Social Security Number
2. Birthday
3. Account Numbers

4. Credit Card Expiration Dates
5. PIN Numbers
6. Signature

Without exception, you MUST shred any and all documents that bear these pieces of information before you throw them away. You might be surprised by the types of mail that provide information.

BIRTHDAY CARDS

A thief would be able to learn your birthday by examining a birthday card or any document that pertains to your birth.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS AND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINES

High-school reunion coming up? SHRED THE INVITATION. It might be possible to obtain your high-school transcripts without your permission. All they have to do is call the school and request. Your birthday and SSN# may even be listed on the transcript.

With alumni magazines, the identity thief would be able to provide more background information for any other purpose.

CREDIT CARD OFFERS

If you have any credit card offers, pre-approved, shred those solicitations! Once the thief has your personal information, it wouldn't be difficult to open up a line of credit in your name with those offers.

TAX NOTES

If you're scribbling information about your taxes in the margins of the tax booklet, beware! Any and all information about your income or finances can be used as a tool. Remember to shred anything that you have written on.

CREDIT CARD PURCHASE RECEIPTS

You may think that receipts with the XXX-XX-XX-XXXX-1234 are secure, but what about the ones that bear your signature or an impression of your signature? It's not hard to pull that old detective trick and use graphite to see the impression of writing. Once someone has your signature, with enough practice, they can forge your signature and fool experts.

To summarize:

All this information may seem a bit paranoid, but try talking to someone who has gone through identity theft. They feel out of control, they may be filled with rage, they may have a difficult time trusting other people!

Taking the time to do a thorough job of shredding documents will let you sleep a little more soundly at night. Think of it this way: better safe than sorry.

Learn more about this author, Aster C. Lilly.
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