Identity Theft through Dumpster Diving

Dumpster diving isn't the most advanced technique used by thieves, but it certainly is effective!

You must remember that these people have no problems rooting through trash looking for anything you may have thrown away that could contain useful data they can exploit. It's more commonly known as 'Dumpster Diving' and although it's quite a disgusting hobby, it's an easy way for thieves to steal your details from right under your nose!

Let's face it, if you were a criminal looking to get your hands on other people’s trash, would you wear a mask and carry a loot bag in public? Definitely not!

Luckily for us there is a very simple way to prevent identity thieves from using this method. By shredding your personal and private mail you will prevent your details from falling into the wrong hands (or at least make it extremely difficult for them!). Although shredders are useful tools in the fight against identity theft, they aren't perfect.

If you want to be extra secure with your waste, use a cross cut shredder. They not only shred the paper into strips but also shred the strips horizontally, making it virtually impossible to piece the document back together into a readable format. You can pick these up at most office supply stores and they have quite reasonable price tags, too. Look for a cross cut shredder that can also shred credit cards! This will allow you to safely dispose of old cards.

Try and get into the habit of shredding your mail daily. If you're too busy, think about piling it up somewhere safe and shredding it all together, maybe once per week? A simple routine like this will seriously bolster the security of your personal and private data.

Defensive Tip

Another must-do tip is to opt out of pre-approved credit offers. These offers come in the mail often and work by pre-screening your details for a financial product, then sending you the offer. These potentially reveal a substantial amount of information about your credit status, your financial standing and may even contain your personal details.

If you reside outside of the United States, call your credit card companies and make the opt-out request.

In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission allows you to opt out of all pre-screened credit and insurance offers. Later we will tell you about LifeLock. If you decide to use LifeLock, they will automatically opt you out of these offers!

To do it yourself, you can choose whether you want to opt out permanently or for 5 years. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visit OptOutPrescreen for more information.

Additionally, this information can be found at the FTC's website.

Dumpster Diving Defensive Techniques