A Senior’s Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of Document Shredding

In today’s digital world, seniors are increasingly targeted by identity thieves and scammers. One way to protect yourself from these threats is by properly disposing of personal documents. Wiggins Shredding is here to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of document shredding, ensuring your sensitive information remains secure.

The Importance of Document Shredding

Identity theft affects millions of people every year, and seniors are particularly vulnerable. Thieves can use information from discarded documents to open fraudulent accounts, access financial records, and commit other crimes. Shredding documents containing personal information is a critical step in protecting yourself from these risks.

Do’s of Document Shredding

Do Shred Sensitive Documents

Shred any documents containing personal, financial, or medical information. This includes:

• Bank Statements: Shred monthly statements and canceled checks.
• Credit Card Statements: Destroy old statements and any pre-approved credit offers.
• Medical Records: Shred outdated medical bills and records.
• Tax Documents: Shred old tax returns
• Personal Information: Destroy anything with your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or other sensitive details.

Do Keep a Shredding Schedule

Establish a regular shredding routine to manage document disposal efficiently. Set aside time each month to go through your documents and shred anything that is no longer needed. This will prevent a buildup of paperwork and ensure that sensitive information is regularly destroyed.

Do Consider Professional Shredding Services

For large quantities of documents or items that are difficult to shred at home, consider using a professional shredding service like Wiggins Shredding. Our services ensure that your documents are securely and thoroughly destroyed, giving you peace of mind.

Do Recycle Shredded Paper

Wiggins Shredding recycles the shredded paper. We care about the environment. We recycle all shredded materials to contribute to a greener planet

Don’t Shred Everything

Not all documents need to be shredded. Keep important records such as:

• Birth Certificates and Social Security Cards: Store these in a safe place, such as a lockbox or safe.
• Marriage and Divorce Papers: Keep these documents permanently.
• Wills and Powers of Attorney: These should be kept in a secure location where they can be easily accessed by your family or legal representative.

Don’t Ignore Digital Records

Digital records also contain sensitive information and should be securely disposed of when no longer needed. Use software to permanently delete files and consider professional hard drive destruction services, such as those offered by Wiggins Shredding, to ensure complete data destruction.

Wiggins Shredding: Your Partner in Security

Wiggins Shredding is dedicated to helping seniors protect their sensitive information through secure document shredding services. Whether you have a small pile of documents at home or large quantities from years of paperwork, our professional team can handle it all. We offer both on-site and off-site shredding options to suit your needs.

Our Services Include:

• One-Time Purge Shredding: Ideal for large cleanouts, we come to your location and securely shred your documents.
• Scheduled Shredding: Regularly scheduled shredding services to keep your document disposal routine on track.

Hard Drive Destruction: Ensuring that digital records are completely destroyed, protecting you from data breaches.

Conclusion

Protecting your personal information is crucial, especially in today’s world where identity theft is rampant. By following the do’s and don’ts of document shredding, you can safeguard your sensitive information and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Trust Wiggins Shredding to provide professional, reliable shredding services tailored to meet your needs.

For more information about our services or to schedule a shredding appointment, contact Wiggins Shredding today. Let us help you keep your information secure and give you peace of mind.