We’ve all heard terrible stories about identity theft
– stolen credit card numbers, collection agencies calling about an account you
never opened – the list goes on and on. When even the Supreme Court has deemed
that there’s
nothing illegal about dumpster diving for Personally
Identifiable Information (PII), how can you protect yourself?
The answer is simple, and that’s to shred anything
that may have a signature, account number, social security number, or medical
or legal information before throwing it away. We’ve compiled a list of a few
common papers and documents you may have laying around the house, and how you
should properly dispose of them.
- Plastic
Cards – When your credit or debit card expires, shred it
before throwing it away.
- ATM
Receipts – Don’t just crumple it up and leave it for the next
person to find! Shred them after comparing with your statement.
- Tax
Returns – The IRS recommends keeping your tax returns for
anywhere from three to seven years. Visit the IRS website for a specific
timeframe.
- Monthly
Account Statements – Just like your tax returns, any kind of
monthly financial statements should be kept for at least three years.
- Loan
Information – Anything including your loan number,
address, Social Security Number, or any other form of PII should be shredded
when it is no longer needed.
- Insurance
Policies, Claims & Payment Information – As long as you
have your policy, any information relevant towards that should be kept. Ask
your broker for specific documents.
- Paycheck Stubs – It’s recommended that you keep one month’s worth of paycheck stubs if you’re planning on applying for any loans. Otherwise, you can shred.
While these situations vary based on the time
sensitivity of the information and content itself, it all boils down to a
simple rule. If the document has any form of personal financial information,
shredding will help protect you and your identity.
For more topics like this, check out our radio show
“Retirement Plain and Simple” every Saturday morning at 8 on WNPV 1440 AM
and like
us on
Facebook!
Securities and investment advisory services offered
through National Planning Corporation (NPC), NPC of America in FL & NY,
Member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered
Investment Adviser. Registered Representatives of NPC may transact
securities business in a particular state only if first registered, excluded or
exempted from Broker-Dealer, agent or Investment Adviser Representative
requirements. In addition, follow-up conversations or meetings with
individuals in a particular state that involve either the effecting or
attempting to effect transaction in securities, or the rendering of
personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made absent
compliance with state Broker-Dealer, agent or Investment Adviser Representative
registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. Securities
and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC),
Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Kemp Harvest Financial
Group® and NPC are separate and unaffiliated companies and are independently
owned and operated. NPC does not render tax or legal advice. NPC
PRIVACY POLICY. NPC# 103847
01/18
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