safesearchkids.com

PSA: A paper shredder might be the easiest identity theft protection you're not using Everyone talks about data breaches and hacking, but here's the thing nobody mentions. Your recycling bin might be a bigger threat than any hacker. Think about it: recycled paper gets sorted by workers at a facility. It takes literally one second for someone to pocket a piece of mail with your name, address, and account number on it. That's all a thief needs to open a credit card or take out a loan in your name. And it's not just your obvious stuff like bank statements. Pre-approved credit card offers, health insurance EOBs, even plain junk mail addressed to you. All are fair game. The part that got me: \*\*[kids and seniors are targeted most](https://www.safesearchkids.com/one-simple-step-to-protect-your-family-from-identity-theft/)\*\* for one very obvious reason. Simple rule of thumb from the article: if it has your name and address on it, shred it. If it has any account or policy number, definitely shred it. And a child's Social Security number can be misused for years before anyone notices, often not until they apply for their first credit card or student loan.