Financial Wellness Minute: Identity Theft Protection by Shredding

One of the easiest things you can do to protect your private information from "bad guys" is to shred paper documents you no longer need or are required to keep that contain your signature, account number, social security number, or medical or legal information. Here's three good reasons to shred these documents:

• As I mentioned, it protects you and others listed on these materials from identity theft. Criminals are still rummaging through trash cans and waste bins to find boxes with any personal information they can get their hands on.
• You can save storage space. Piles of unnecessary papers and documents can cause clutter in the workplace or home.
• It is good for our environment. The paper that is shredded is recycled to make more paper and for composting.

Watch for local shred or community clean up events or invest in a personal shredder. Mid Minnesota and Paper Storm host free community shred days annually in late spring/early summer. Check out dates for 2023 here. Going forward you can also consider having documents sent to you electronically rather than by paper. Want to know more about protecting your identity or have a weekly financial wellness tip sent to you? Sign up below or, contact your local Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Office. Sign Up for a Weekly Financial Wellness Tip Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and we are an Equal Housing Lender.