Originally published February 26 2006
Shredstation.com offers resolutions to reduce ID theft in 2006
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
ID theft has affected more than 54 million people in the United States, so here are a few steps a popular shredding company has offered to ensure you do not become a victim in 2006.
Most people are unaware that the paper trail - a receipt at the ATM, bank statements or credit card offers in the trash - makes their identity and financial well-being vulnerable to thieves.
Resolution 1 - I will keep my identity out of the hands of dumpster divers.
Shred all documents that contain personal information (bank statements, credit card applications, or documents containing bar codes) before you dispose of them.
Resolution 2 - I will shred my receipts when I don't need them anymore.
Always retrieve your receipt from the ATM or a purchase and do not throw it away in a public place where others can access it.
Be aware of your purse or wallet at all times.
Although identity theft has become more high-tech in the recent years, pickpockets are still around searching for a loosely guarded wallet or handbag to snatch.
Shoulder surfers are people who either purposely overhear conversations or look over shoulders in order to steal sensitive information.
When making purchases or at an ATM, be sure your credit cards, bank cards, driver's license, and checks cannot be easily viewed by others.
Make sure you can see your credit cards at all times and do not allow yourself to be distracted from the transaction.
Resolution 6 - I will only use secure ATMs.
"More than 54 million people have been victims of identity theft or fraud," said Al Villamil, President, ShredStation.
According to a recent survey from the Better Business Bureau, 9.3 million American adults were victims of identity fraud in 2004, at a cost of $56.2 billion.
By the first quarter of 2006, ShredStation Boxes will be available to consumers in a variety of retail and small business locations in Arizona, Florida, California, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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