Why Should I Shred Junk Mail?

Once you take your name and address off of your junk mail, you can throw it right into your recycling without any worry that your identity could be stolen, right? Not quite.

“Most people don’t realize it, but junk mail usually has a computer bar code on the front that can sometimes contain personally identifying information. 

This includes so-called pre-authorized credit card offers, mail from insurance companies and lenders, and even mail from associations such as the AARP and other membership organizations who may have access to your personal information.

Companies market to certain demographics, often based on your age group, occupation, or purchasing habits.”

Credit card solicitations could essentially be sent in with a few additional key pieces of information and you’ve got a nightmare on your hands.

Whether you receive junk mail from credit card companies or insurance companies or places that may seem harmless like car dealerships or home improvement places, your best assurance against these pieces of mail ever coming back to haunt you is to shred them.

If you don’t have a personal shredding machine, consider a certified professional document destruction service. They’re usually relatively inexpensive and worth every penny (and then some) since your protection is guaranteed.

For more information on document destruction visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.

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