I have an ancient shredder at home. But it clogs if you try to shred more than three, perfectly flat pages at once. So when I have sensitive documents I can't just recycle, I usually shred them at work or rip them up and stuff them in the trash near yucky food or dirty diapers. If you're that desperate, Mr. and Mrs. Crookster, be my guest.
While I can be flippant about ID theft, ask anyone who has had to deal with it about the hassle and worry and you'll quickly see isn't to be taken lightly.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, close to 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft fraud in 2008, involving billions of dollars.
Problem is, consumers just can't control who has their data. The threat is not just online - it's everywhere. Payroll companies, employees in your workplace, important letters in your mailbox. It's common for identities to be stolen by people you know.
But shredding is one safeguard. As part of Protect Your Identity Week (Oct. 17th - 23rd) the document management and shredding company Cintas worked with the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to put together free shredding events around the country.
There's only one in Minnesota. But if you're near the credit counseling agency Family Means' Stillwater headquarters on Sat. Oct. 23 between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., bring your sensitive documents to get chewed.
For a list of nationwide locations, check out protectyouridnow.org.
You can also take the ID Theft quiz to learn if you're at high, medium or low risk for theft.
