Paper Shredders Info

The hard statistics on identity theft are well-known, but how do Americans perceive the crime, and how knowledgeable are we on ways to safeguard ourselves from identity thieves?

According to a national survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center and Fellowes, Inc., the leading shredder manufacturer, 81 percent of Americans are aware that identity theft can happen at any time and 65 percent are using tools to protect themselves. Despite this awareness, Americans do not feel secure. Consistent misperceptions about identity theft crimes and victims cause 50 percent of Americans to feel vulnerable.

The biggest misperception is that Americans believe technology makes them more vulnerable to identity fraud, as nearly 40 percent of respondents said identity theft is most likely to occur through online exchanges. In reality, online exchanges only represent 9 percent of the crime, whereas the majority of identity fraud occurs through paper documents and stolen information 1. Experts are concerned about the ongoing confusion.

"The fact that consumers are taking precautions is a good sign, but awareness does not mean much if consumers are confused about how to protect themselves," said Jay Foley, executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "It's alarming to see so much confusion surrounding the crime, especially disposal of personal information. The first thing I always say is that the easiest way to protect yourself is to shred all personal documents with a confetti-cut shredder, including information you don't believe can be used to steal your identity."

The Myths and Facts:
In addition to the misperception of technology's role in identity theft crimes, respondents also are confused about protection from the crime, those at risk, and how often the crime occurs:
- Americans vastly overestimate the risk to the elderly and vastly underestimate the risk to the young, as respondents believe that those 60 years and older are most vulnerable to the crime. In reality, 8 percent of the crime involves senior citizens, and the most vulnerable group is actually 18-29 year olds 2.

- Less than one-fifth of Americans believe identity theft is most likely to occur through stolen personal items such as credit cards or wallets that contain personal financial information, when it is actually the most common form of identity fraud nationwide 1.

- Less than half of Americans order a current credit report at least once every two years, despite the fact that this is one of the most effective ways to ensure that no one is misusing your credit .

- Nearly half of respondents believe there are fewer than 10,000 cases of identity theft reported each day in the U.S. The fact: there are more than 24,000 reports of identity fraud every day 1 .

www.IDconfidence.org Provides Personalized Tips
Everyday, simple actions from throwing away "garbage" to carrying personal information in a wallet can have a profound impact on how vulnerable you may be making yourself to identity theft. Similarly, misperceptions of the crime or one's level of vulnerability only add to the threat, making self-education an important crime fighting component.

A new Web site, www.IDconfidence.org, offers a unique quiz that tallies a vulnerability score and personalizes protection tips based on the user's responses. For each answer, a tip will be provided on why respondents are vulnerable and tailored suggestions on how to change their habits. Additionally, users will see how they match up against the national average of vulnerability scores, and find information on the myths and realities of identity theft, what to shred or keep, and links to key identity theft organizations. There are also opportunities to win personal shredders from Fellowes, Inc.

Identity Confidence Index: A Barometer on Americans' Identity Theft Concerns
The new identity theft research and survey begin a long-term awareness initiative called Americans' Identity Confidence Index. The index is developed to regularly gauge Americans' perceptions of identity theft and determine if collective opinions of the crime change over time. Fellowes and the ITRC will regularly survey respondents on five questions pertaining to vulnerability, and report on changes to the scale.

Based on the inaugural data, future research surveys will determine if the public's general awareness of the crime and specific preemptive behaviors change over time.

"Currently, information doesn't exist to regularly monitor Americans' perception of identity theft compared to the rise or decline of the crime,"; said Jude Rake, president of Fellowes, Inc., the leading shredder manufacturer. "Identity theft is not going away, so it will be important to continue to educate consumers on how to protect themselves in the years to come."

About Identity Theft Resource Center
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization that focuses exclusively on identity theft. ITRC was founded in December 1999 by Linda and Jay Foley. The seed of ITRC was planted in 1997 when Linda's then employer used the information on her tax forms to get credit cards and a cell phone. At that time, there was little information for victims to use and no network of people with whom to talk. At first, Linda volunteered with another program that had done some work in victim assistance for this crime. Very quickly, however, it became apparent that a specialized program was needed, focusing on victim assistance and serving as a clearinghouse of information.

The ITRC has received numerous accolades for its work by victims, law enforcement, businesses, legislators and governmental officials, and is a major player in the war against this crime. The national office is based in San Diego, Calif., with ITRC representatives working throughout the United States.

About Fellowes
Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., Fellowes, Inc. offers an impressive range of products to equip the workspace, including paper shredders, binders and laminators, desktop accessories and record storage solutions. Fellowes, Inc. owns and operates subsidiaries in Canada, United Kingdom, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Singapore, Japan, Korea, China and Australia. The company employs more than 1,200 people throughout the world and expects global sales in excess of $700 million this year. For more information, visit www.fellowes.com.

Paper Shredder

The statistics are familiar, but still frightening: identity theft is America's fastest growing crime, with nearly nine million victims of the crime in 2005 1 . We may know the hard facts, but what do Americans really think about identity theft? Do we feel vulnerable? Do we understand what makes us vulnerable? Are we taking the right precautions?

A national survey sponsored by the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center and Fellowes, Inc. set out to understand the perceptions, confusion and behaviors of Americans as it relates to protecting themselves from identity theft.

The result: Americans are keenly aware of and concerned about identity theft, but they have tremendous uncertainty and misunderstandings regarding the crime. This confusion ultimately leads to the feeling of vulnerability to identity theft. Below is a snapshot of the research findings:

Americans are aware of the problem and taking precautions:

• The problem of identity theft is well known, with 81 percent of Americans agreeing that identity theft can happen at any time
• Half of Americans feel vulnerable to identity theft
• Two-thirds of Americans say they are currently using tools or solutions to protect themselves from identity theft
• Seventy-three percent of Americans say they shred documents that may have personal information on it
• Eighty-two percent regularly monitor bank accounts and credit card statements

The Myths and Facts:

How does identity theft happen?
Nearly 40 percent believe identity theft is most likely to occur through online exchanges, when in reality, online exchanges only represent nine percent of the crime 1 . The majority of identity theft crimes occur through paper documents and stolen information

Less than one-fifth of Americans believe identity theft is most likely to occur through stolen personal items such as credit cards or wallets that contain personal financial information, when it is actually the most common form of identity fraud nationwide 1

Is there a threat from within? National statistics show that 15 percent of identity fraud cases involve family and friends, yet only 6 percent of the American public believes family and friends are likely to steal identities.

Who is most vulnerable?
Americans vastly overestimate the risk to the elderly and vastly underestimate the risk to the young, as respondents believe that those 60 years and older are most vulnerable to the crime. In reality, 8 percent of the crime involves senior citizens, and the most vulnerable group is actually 18-29 year olds 2 .

How often does the crime occur?
Nearly half of respondents believe there are less than 10,000 cases of identity theft reported each day in the United States. The fact: there are more than 24,000 reports of identity fraud every day 1

Are we doing all we can to prevent the crime?
Less than half of Americans order a current credit report at least once every two years, despite the fact that this is one of the most effective ways to ensure that no one is misusing your credit .

Responses showed similar confusion when it came to the terms of "tearing up by hand" and "shredding" for document disposal -- respondents felt safe with just tearing up personal information as a way to safeguard themselves, when in reality the only true way to keep personal documentation out of the hands of would-be identity thieves is to destroy all information with a confetti-cut shredder

Age, Gender and Education

He said, she said
Women are more likely than men to agree that identity theft can happen at anytime

Women are more likely than men to agree that they shred unsolicited credit card offers before they throw them in the trash

Education equals concern?
Americans with a high school education or less are more likely to agree that identity theft will never happen to them (44 percent) than adults with some college education or more (24 percent)

Americans with more education and higher income were more likely to shred their documents (80 percent)

College graduates are more likely to order credit reports at least every two years (55 percent) than high school graduates and those that have attended college but did not graduate (44 percent)

Age and technology
Adults ages 18-24 are more likely to say that identity theft is most likely to occur through online exchanges (48 percent)

###
Sources
1 . Source: Javelin Strategy and Research, 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report
2 . Source: Federal Trade Commissions Top 10 Consumer Fraud Complaint Report

*The survey interviewed 1000 random citizens living in the United States during a two-week period in early June 2006. Phone interviews were conducted via KRC Research, a leader in market and opinion research. The results have a margin of error of ± 3.1 percent.

Buy a Paper Shredder

- Shred personal financial information with a confetti-cut shredder. Sixty-nine percent of respondents in a recent survey said they tear up personal information by hand, but it's important to remember that tearing and shredding are not the same thing, as only shredding ensures private information is destroyed into unidentifiable pieces.

- Shred ALL unsolicited, pre-approved credit card offers with a confetti-cut shredder. Treat these documents the same as personal financial information, as thieves can easily fill out the information, change addresses and receive a credit card in your name.

- Check your credit report annually. Only 48 percent of Americans order a credit report at least once every two years, which puts them at risk for not catching discrepancies in their credit history. In addition, credit monitoring services are available to consumers and some states also allow consumers to place credit freezes on their files to proactively protect themselves against identity fraud.

- Review your monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

- Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail. Thieves will steal mail straight from your unlocked mailbox.

- Don't keep your Social Security card and any information that includes your Social Security number in your wallet or purse.

- When possible, limit what you carry. If you have your wallet or purse lost or stolen, it's easier to track fewer credit cards.

- Never give out your credit card or other personal information such as a Social Security number over the telephone unless you are the one that originated the call.

- Reduce the number of preapproved credit card offers you receive by calling 1-888-5OPT OUT.

- Do not download internet files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you don't know.

- Use updated anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software on your computer to protect against online scammers. Before disposing an old computer, use electronic file shredder software to remove personal data from the computer's hard drive.

- Delete any suspicious and unsolicited e-mail requests without replying to them, as "phishers" will use bank logos and templates to make emails look like a bank inquiry. Be sure to notify your financial institution if you receive these types of e-mails.

- Use a secure and up-to-date Web browser that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information you send over the Internet.

- Be aware of your surroundings -- thieves may eavesdrop and overhear the information you give out orally, or will even use a camera phone or other technologies to steal your information.

- Be careful with all of your personal information in your home as well, by putting all personal information in a lock-box. Unfortunately, 15 percent of those filing internet fraud complaints in 2005 were victimized by family members, friends or acquaintances.

Martin Yale 2000CC CD Shredder
This new data shredder is designed for small office use. It is a versatile shredder that handles paper, CD's, credit cards, paper clips and staples. The Martin Yale 2000CC offers performance and security standards, which normally can only be found in high-end shredders. It features a separate slot for credit card and CD shredding, for increased safety. An LED light indicates "stand-by", "paper jams", and "motor overheat". The dustproof, enclosed waste basket has a window, so you know when the bin is full. Its easy to empty too. Just slide out the waste basket from the front, by pulling on the convenient handle. Position this shredder where you want it using the four locking casters, or move it around easily when you need to.

The Martin Yale 2000CC Shredder is a great value for the price. It can shed up to ten sheets of paper at once and operates at a speed of 153 feet per minute. This CD Shredder has a 9" throat and an 8.5 gallon waste container. Because it is a cross cut model, it shreds paper, CD's and credit cards into 5/32" x 1 7/8" scraps. With all of it's capabilities, this versatile shredder would make a great addition to any office. More Info

Martin Yale 2000CC Shredder

Choosing a paper shredder can be complicated enough with the hundreds of models to choose from, but throw in paper shredder lingo and the process becomes even more frustrating. The following terms cover everything from what a paper shredder is to the definition of the recent laws that are making paper shredders more and more of a necessity.

Auto On/Off – A standby mode allowing the shredding mechanism to activate when paper passes through the feed entry and stop when the document has been completely shredded.

Auto Reverse – Allows a paper shredder to automatically reverse the direction of the cutting head when a jam occurs.

Baler – A mechanism for collecting, compressing and securing, with string or wire, shred waste into compact bales. Available on some industrial paper shredders, balers greatly reduce the volume of shredded waste.

Capacity – The amount of 8 ½” x 11” 20 lb bond paper that a paper shredder can shred at one time.

Chad – The small strips, pieces of paper or shred waste that remain of the documents fed through a paper shredder.

Continuous Duty – A rating applied to motors that continue to operate after reaching the normal operating temperature without the need for a cool down period.

Conveyor Belt – A moving belt designed to efficiently feed paper products into an industrial shredder.

Cross Cut or Confetti Cut – Cutting method that cuts documents horizontally and vertically to produce a 5/16” x 3” to 1/32” x 3/16” shred size.

Cutting Head – The cutting assembly inside a shredder that cuts paper into small pieces.

FACTA – Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act – Enacted by the Federal Trade Commission on June 1, 2005, the Disposal Rule section of FACTA requires any person who possesses the personal information of employees and/or consumers to follow high standards when disposing of the information. Designed to reduce the incidence of identity theft, FACTA requires employers to take “reasonable measure” to protect the personal information in their possession by burning, pulverizing or shredding paper documents and by erasing or destroying electronic media.

Feed Throat or Feed Entry – The opening through which paper is fed into a shredder. The width of the throat typically varies from 9” to 16” or larger.

Forms Rack – An optional rack available on some paper shredders, designed to hold a stack of continuous computer paper as it feeds through the shredder.

High Security – High security shredders are paper shredders that meet or exceed the Level 5 security criteria.

HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – Enacted in 2003 by Congress in order to protect the privacy of health related information. HIPAA requires all healthcare providers and businesses that contract with such providers to follow strict standards when transferring patient records between parties and when disposing of such records.

Hopper – A receptacle positioned over the cutting head of a paper shredder, designed to accept bulky material such as crumpled paper. Paper products and other accepted media are pushed into the cutting head with paddles. Available on some commercial and industrial paper shredders.

Level 5 – Paper shredders are given a security level rating based on their shred size. Level 5 is considered suitable for Top Secret or Classified documents with a maximum shred size of 0.8mm x 12mm (1/32” x 15/32”).

Level 6 - Paper shredders are given a security level rating based on their shred size. Level 6 is the highest security level with a maximum shred size of 0.8mm x 4mm (1/32” x 5/32”). Level 6 shredding is approved by the NSA, CSS and DOD for the shredding of top secret and classified documents.

Paper Shredder – A machine designed to cut paper into strips or small pieces for the purpose of making documents containing sensitive or personal information unreadable.

Photo Eye – An electronic sensor that detects the presence of paper and automatically activates the cutting heads of a paper shredder.

Reverse Switch (Manual) – A manual reverse switch that allows the user to put the shredder in reverse to release jammed paper from the cutting head.

Shred Size – The size of the paper pieces or chads remaining after a document has been shredded.

Shredder Oil – Specially formulated oil designed to lubricate and free paper dust from the cutting head of a paper shredder.

Strip Cut – Cutting method that cuts documents into long strips the length of the document and from 3/32” to ½” wide.

Thermal Protection Cut-Off Switch – An internal motor switch designed to cut off a non-continuous duty motor when it reaches a certain temperature to prevent over-heating.

By Dwayne McLemore
The Sun News

A Socastee resident is spreading a safety message d after her dog lost part of his tongue in a paper shredder accident.

Sandy Clarke's boxer Cross lost "three or four chunks" of his tongue in late February when he stuck it into a shredder in her home office.

"The dog was screaming," said Clarke, who ran out and yelled for her husband after Cross became entangled. "I woke my daughter up screaming. It was very traumatic."

The incident lasted 10-15 minutes, with Cross finally being freed once the shredder was put in reverse instead of just pulling him out.

"I didn't want more damage done," Clarke said.

The number of shredder accidents - usually involving small children - has caught the attention of national advocates who are now working to make safety standards better.

That's good news to Clarke, whose dog is still healing a month after the incident.

"I'm trying to get the word out. People need to be aware," she said. "[Shredders] need to be unplugged or there needs to be new safety devices on them." Read Full Story

What to Keep and What to Shred This Tax Season

If you're like most people, you spend more time organizing the closet than your financial records. After all, knowing when to get rid of clothes is a lot easier than knowing the rules for how long to keep tax returns, or better yet, whether or not you should be keeping receipts and credit card statements.

Unfortunately, as identity theft crimes continue to grow, we're living in a time where one person's trash is another person's treasure. As Americans sort through mountains of paperwork this tax season, it's important to not only understand IRS rules, but also protect personal information from would-be identity thieves. Last year, consumers lost nearly $57 billion to criminals who stole their identities - a scary thought as we discard old documents and fill up our garbage cans prior to April 15th.

Although it may seem easiest to keep financial records indefinitely, an overflowing desk drawer or filing cabinet makes it nearly impossible to access documents when they're needed. It also increases the likelihood of accidentally misplacing sensitive documents that can lead to identity theft.

"It's important to understand which documents need to be kept and which need to be shred to avoid having personal information fall into the hands of an identity thief," says Kristen Gehrig, senior marketing manager for Fellowes, Inc., the leading shredder manufacturer. "Shredding sensitive documents has become a home necessity these days."

To conquer the stacks of paper that inevitably accumulate in every household, it's important to understand what you need to keep and what you can safely shred:

• Tax returns: The IRS has three years to challenge information in your return and six years to conduct an audit based on unreported income. Keep tax returns and supporting records, like W-2s and 1099s for at least seven years.
• Investment statements for taxable accounts: Most brokerage firms and mutual fund companies send annual statements summarizing the year's transactions. Once you have these, you should shred your monthly and/or quarterly statements.
• Bank statements: Keep statements that back up information on your tax returns for up to seven years. Other bank statements can be shredded after reviewing for errors.
• Credit card statements: Keep statements for big purchases, like jewelry or large appliances. You might need them for warranties. If you put charitable contributions on your credit card, keep the statement for your tax records. Other monthly statements can be shredded once you've reviewed them for errors or unauthorized purchases.
• Pay stubs: While many people say to save these, it's a huge mistake. They contain everything an identity thief needs to open an account. Keep three months of history only if you are applying for a mortgage.
• ATM receipts: Shred all receipts after you balance your bank statement.
• Canceled checks. With no significance for tax or other purposes, these should be destroyed after one year.
• Retirement plan contributions: Keep records of contributions to non-deductible individual retirement accounts, such as a Roth IRA, indefinitely. Without them, you may find yourself paying taxes again when the money is withdrawn. Some financial institutions keep records of IRA contributions, but it's best not to count on it.
• Insurance policies, wills and other legal documents: These documents should be kept indefinitely.

For documents you need to keep, consider storing them in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof box in your home. When destroying records, it's best to use a shredder that can slice credit cards and has cross-cut (also known as confetti-cut)capabilities, such as the Fellowes' Powershred DS1. Identity thieves can't steal what they can't read, and cross-cut shredders ensure that private information is destroyed into small, unidentifiable pieces. The Fellowes DS1 is recommended by groups such as the Good Housekeeping Institute because of its Safe Sense™ Technology, which shuts down the shredder when it senses that hands are too close to the paper opening, thus alleviating child safety concerns with a shredder in the home.

Additionally, a few more protective measures against identity theft should be taken during tax season. Take tax forms directly to the post office; do not leave them in a private mailbox where they're accessible to a potential neighborhood thief. Also, be sure to shred any paperwork needed to calculate taxes such as receipts, bank records and various forms. If you choose not to do your own taxes, be very selective of whom you hire. Conduct research on tax companies and ask questions, including how information will be stored, shared and disposed or destroyed.

A new study just out from the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates paper shredders are creating a new wave of injuries in the home. As concerns about identity theft rise, so dose the demand for paper shredders. More and more families are now using paper shredders in their homes to keep personal information and documents from being stolen. With paper shredders becoming more common, children are falling victim to these machines with greater frequency.

It is what doctors have deemed to be the new "hidden hazzard" in the home, and this especially true for children.

Dr. George Flotin of the NYU School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital says, "Paper shredders can cause devastating injuries to children and it can happen very quickly and it can happen even with parents supervising children."

Nearly three years ago, a paper shredder got a hold of three of 2-year-old Talen Broadfoot's fingers. Three of his digits were nearly ripped off when he was helping his mom shred paper.

"It just came up and I guess it just got a hold of one little finger and then just took all three of his middle fingers on his left hand." Lisa Broadfoot explains.

Since 2000, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 50 reports of children and adults being injured by paper shredders.

The study finds that children under the age of 5 run the greatest risk of injury because the openings on many shredders are not narrow enough to prevent their fingers from getting pulled in.

Until recently, shredders have been primarily used in businesses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the risk of identity theft has changed that. In the past five years, home shredder sales have increased by 35%. But the standards for manufacturers have yet to catch up.

The CPSC investigation of the circumstances surrounding the injuries by paper shredders found that, surprisingly, injuries among children occurred frequently while the children were under adult supervision. Doctors say that Paper shredders should be kept unplugged and out of children's reach. They also urge parents not to let young children use or be near shredders at any time, adding that the No. 1 way to avoid an injury to a child's fingers is to keep them away from shredders altogether.

Shredder blades can also be hard to separate. Several injuries reported to the CPSC, involved children that were taken to hospitals with their hands still in the shredders. In one case, doctors had to use the building maintenance staff's tools to remove the machine.

"The voluntary standard that applies to paper shredders is that the opening can't allow a 12-year-old's finger to fit inside the paper shredder," CPSC spokeswoman Patty Davis said.

The CPSC is working to create new standards to make openings smaller and set the blades farther away from the opening.

Some paper shredder manufacturers have already taken steps to minimize dangers by making shredders with smaller openings. Some have also added an "off" switch to prevent the machine from automatically activating the blades when an object passes through the opening.
Fellowes has recently come out with a light duty shredder that is equipped with "safe sense" technology and is said to sense when small hands are near, and automatically turn off. See the New Fellowes DS-1.

The Security of Shredding

Shredders Help Prevent Identity Theft
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has teamed with Fellowes® to offer people tips on how to prevent identity theft. Thieves can't steal what they can't read, so it can't be said enough—one of the most important steps you can take in preventing identity theft is to properly dispose of personal information so it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Experts agree that the best way to dispose of documents that contain your personal information is to shred them. Fellowes strongly recommends using a cross-cut shredder. Unlike strip-cut models in which the pieces can potentially be put back together, cross-cut or confetti-cut machines produce smaller pieces that are more difficult to reassemble.

Shred This—Recommended Top 20
It's not difficult to determine what you should shred. Essentially, any document containing information that you don't want others to have should be shredded. People who buy their first shredder are surprised as they often end up shredding twice as much as they expected. It's a simple step that goes a long way toward securing your information. Here's a brief list of documents that should be shredded:

1. Obsolete financial records, including loan applications
2. Pre-approved credit card applications
3. Personal medical records or physician statements
4. Correspondence and tax preparation worksheets
5. Receipts for purchases
6. Bank statements
7. ATM receipts
8. Credit card statements
9. Cancelled checks
10. Mail and old records
11. Utility bills
12. Credit card charges
13. Insurance forms
14. Investment transactions
15. Expired charge cards
16. Mailing labels from magazines
17. Pay stubs
18. Old driver's licenses or passports
19. Expired insurance and membership cards
20. Any documents that may contain Social Security numbers, birth dates, your mother's maiden name and any account numbers or online passwords

Always use caution when operating a paper shredder.

Consumer model paper shredders for home use have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among people who want to destroy documents containing key personal information.
But a shredder is not a toy. Young children may attempt to turn on a shredder when adults are not present. A finger can get pulled into the shredding mechanism if a child doesn’t let go of the paper. Between January 2000 and September 2005, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received 50 reports of incidents involving finger amputations, lacerations, and other finger injuries from paper shredders, with small children suffering the majority of the injuries.

Consumers should practice the following safety measures when using a paper shredder:

• Never allow children to operate paper shredders, even under adult supervision. Place the paper shredder out of reach of children.

• Unplug the paper shredder power cord when not in use.

• Do not place hands or fingers in the shredder opening.

• Don’t wear loose clothing, which can catch in the shredder opening. Also, keep hair and dangling items, such as a necktie, away from the shredder.

Thieves Know What They're Doing and So Should You
Knowing how identity theft happens provides an important perspective that can help you limit your risk. Understanding the challenge of getting your identity back will also raise the urgency of taking active steps to protect yourself.

Seven Ways Thieves Get Your Personal Information

1. Rummaging through trash, also known as "dumpster diving."
2. Obtaining credit by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to the information.
3. Stealing wallets and purses or personal information from your home.
4. Stealing mail, including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, or tax information.
5. Completing a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.
6. Hacking unprotected computers and all of the personal information stored on them.
7. Stealing credit and debit card numbers as your transaction is being processed. A special information storage device is used; this is known as "skimming."

Five Things Thieves Can Do in Your Name

1. Open new credit card accounts to fund shopping sprees.
2. Establish cell phone or utility accounts.
3. Take out loans.
4. Open a new bank account and write bad checks on that account.
5. Give your name to the police during an arrest. If they are released and don't show up for their court date, an arrest warrant could be issued in your name.

What it Takes to Undo the Damage
It’s difficult enough to deal with feeling vulnerable and violated. Victims express great pain and emotional stress from having gone through the ordeal. Once the initial shock subsides, the difficult job of reclaiming an identity and repairing the damage begins.

Victims typically spend thousands of dollars undoing the damage to their good name and credit record. The average victim spends more than 175 hours of their personal time to clear their name, over as many as four years! Plus, victims have lost job opportunities, been refused loans, education, housing or cars and have even been arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

Clearly, this is an issue to be taken seriously. But there is a lot that you can do to protect yourself. If you continue to learn more about the issues and take steps to minimize your risk, you'll have peace of mind from working to secure your identity.

Identity and Document Security

What is Identity Theft?
Virtually every week there is one or more news stories that highlight problems with personal information. Whether it's a retailer that loses credit card information or computer files inside a credit bureau that are compromised, it's unsettling to know that your information is vulnerable. So what can you do? The starting point is gaining an awareness of the risks and an understanding for the issues. So, what is identity theft?

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information (like your Social Security number) and poses as you in order to make financial transactions or carry out illegal activities in your name. The thief can live a life in your name, ruining your credit and damaging your reputation. They could commit fraud or other crimes in your name and potentially affect every aspect of your life from getting a new job to a new mortgage.

Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare. Ask anyone who has fallen victim to it. And with millions of victims, the odds are you know someone who knows someone who's been affected.

Identity theft takes many forms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in 2004 the most common type of identity theft was credit card fraud (28% of total complaints) followed by phone or utilities fraud (19%), bank fraud (18%), and employment fraud (13%). By themselves, these incidents are often considered financial fraud, but each of these can be the first step to full-blown identity theft (see inset).

Regardless of what it's called, the problem sounds intimidating. But we believe that knowing about identity theft is the first step in preventing it from happening. In fact, there are many things you can do to protect yourself.

Knowledge is Good-Please Help Yourself
Keeping your identity safe comes down to having an awareness of the problem, exercising caution when giving out your personal information and taking steps to protect yourself. The FTC says that protecting sensitive information is your best defense against identity theft. Fellowes has gathered much of the information, tips and resources you'll need to know and use:

Since experts agree shredding is the best way to dispose of sensitive data, Fellowes also brings you information on these types of shredders that offer the best security.

Identity Theft vs. Financial Fraud

Identity Theft: Someone literally poses as you, using your personal information such as your Social Security number, to take actions and make financial transactions. For example, the thief can take out a mortgage or get a drivers license in your name. You are liable for whatever actions he takes. That’s why it can take so much effort to undo the damage and clear your name.

Financial Fraud: Commonly known as credit or debit card theft. Charges are made on your card to any retailer or business. The thief has not actually assumed your identity; they simply use your card to make transactions.

Shop for a Paper Shredder

Personal Sized, Low Volume Shredders for the Home
Paper shredders are an excellent appliance to have in your home for either a home-based business or for personal use. Using a home paper shredder to shred anything with your personal or business information on it will help you to fight against identify theft. The best thing about it is that paper shredders for the home are fairly inexpensive which make them an affordable way to sleep better at night, knowing your information is out of the hands of criminals. The price of a home paper shredder is far less than the price of losing sleep due to worry.

There are many reasons for you to have a paper shredder in your home. These days it has become more important than ever. Everyone has bank statements, medical records, old tax records, legal documents, and countless more personal items that you don't want falling into the wrong hands. Home Paper Shredders are made for convenience. Most home shredder models are small enough that they can be easily transported from one room to the next, yet powerful enough to accept staples and paper clips. These shredders are attractive, with modern designs and optional colors to match the decor of your home office. Home shredders are a certain size because they are meant to be placed next to a desk or table. You don't have to compromise security because personal size home shredders are available in both strip cut or cross cut models. The only sure way to protect your privacy is to shred at the source. Shred all personal information before you throw it out.

Finding a home paper shredder is not a difficult task. All you need to know is what kind of security level you are looking for, and how much you are willing to spend. In most cases, home users do not purchase high security paper shredders and most often end up buying a level 2 or 3 shredder. A good home paper shredder should be compact and offer a low volume shredding possibility. Customers are also looking at prices and warranty. For the best prices on personal size home shredders, visit Factory Express Today. An extended warranty is always a good idea, especially if you plan to use your home paper shredder often.

Home Paper Shredders

In order to protect our National Security, military and government agencies require higher levels of security from their paper shredders. With this in mind, the U.S. Department of Defense has increased the requirements for the destruction of Top Secret COMSEC documents. NSA/CSS Specification 02-01 is the new standard for maximum particle area and maximum particle dimensions as well as setting a tough standard for machine durability.

Dahle's line of High Security Shredders is specifically designed to exceed the standards set forth by the National Security Agency. Dahle shredders deliver a 1mm x 4mm particle size that makes any document unreadable and impossible to reassemble. All five Dahle High Security machines feature automatic operation and will automatically shut off when the shred compartment is full. Electronic sensors will turn the shredder on when you’re ready to shred, turn the shredder off when the shred compartment is open, and even put the machine into reverse to prevent an overfeed (excludes 20434).

Depending on your daily shredding, Dahle High Security Shredders are available in 4 different ranges including Small Office (20434), Office (20634 EC, 33134), Department (20835 EC), and High Capacity (20394). But don’t confuse size with ability. Whether you’re shredding 100 sheets per day or 28,000, all Dahle High Security Shredders are serious machines capable of reducing an 8 ¹/2" x 11" sheet of paper into over 15,500 tiny particles. These particles are so small that they have been rendered impossible to reassemble.

As the U.S. continues to face security threats on a global level, Dahle will continue to offer solutions without compromise to operation or dependability. These machines are perfect for military, federal, state or local governments as well as Department of Defense contractors engaged in projects where National Security is an issue. In a world of uncertainty one thing’s for certain, whatever you put through these shredders, we guarantee will never be seen again.

Dahle Shredders

High Security Shredders

The World's Toughest Shredders
Fellowes is the Bulldog of Shredders

Fellowes is the bulldog of shredders, delivering powerful protection to the home or office. Acting as the watchdog of a consumer's good name and good credit, Fellowes concentrates on their products' superior strength and exceptional quality.

Between the hustle and bustle at work and at home, who needs the additional stress of a noisy, messy shredder? Fellowes, Inc., the nation's leading shredder company, today introduced a new Powershred ® series for the office and home, specifically designed to vanquish shredder pet peeves and preserve user sanity.

The new Powershred series is comprised of 10 durable shredders, each uniquely designed to provide quiet, efficient shredding and satisfy the needs of a variety of users. Whether you work from home or in a small office, the Powershred series is loaded with new patent-pending features for safety and waste disposal, offering the perfect "fit" for any home or small business looking to protect themselves from identity theft.

Like a Bulldog - Fellowes is the watchdog of a consumer's good name and good credit.
Fellowes: The World's Toughest Shredders

Fellowes Shredders Won't Bite Kids
The revolutionary Safe Sense technology only from Fellowes. You'll find it in their stylish, new DS-1 Shredder. Its tough enough to shred 11 sheets at a time, plus credit cards, but will automatically stop when sensing hands are too close. Because identities are not the only thing Fellowes wants to protect.

Fellowes Shredders are not Toy Shredders
Underpowered shredders can be so frustrating, you'll avoid shredding. These days, that's dangerous. The Powershred SB-85C will give you the power and muscle to confetti-cut 15 sheets at a time. Ripping through most junk mail - envelopes and all. Plus, DVDs, CDs, credit cards and paper clips.

Fellowes Shredders are Powerful.
This one has an appetite. The Powershred C-420C powers through every business day shredding 22-24 sheets per pass. Confetti-cuts 10,000 sheets a day with a 12-inch throat. Shreds DVDs, CDs, credit cards, paper clips and more.

Fellowes Shredders Eat CDs for Breakfast
Shred something big. The Powershred SB-85C. Mega muscle. Mega drive. Confetti-cuts 15 sheets at a time so you can power through that stack of mail - envelopes and all. Plus, DVDs, CDs, credit cards and paper clips.

Fellowes: The World's Toughest Shredders
The Bulldog of Shredders. Your watchdog against the onslaught of identity theft.

Shop for Fellowes Shredders