Shred Your Documents to Protect Your Identity: A Must-Do in the Digital Age
In today’s world, identity theft is more than just a risk — it’s a growing epidemic. One of the easiest ways thieves gain access to your personal information is through discarded documents. Think tossing your papers in the trash is safe? Think again.
In a 1988 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court declared trash as public property once it’s placed at the curb. That means anything you throw away — including bank statements, credit card offers, and medical documents — can legally be searched and stolen.
At MicroShred, we believe that document shredding is your first line of defense against identity theft. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your information secure.
🔒 Why Should You Shred Your Documents?
Shredding isn’t just about saving space — it’s about protecting your personal identity, financial data, and peace of mind.
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S.
It includes credit card fraud, tax fraud, and even medical identity theft
Thieves often dig through trash looking for names, addresses, and account numbers
What they can’t read, they can’t steal
Shredding makes your information unrecoverable, turning sensitive documents into tiny, unreadable fragments.
📋 What Should You Shred?
The rule is simple: if it contains personal or financial information, shred-it.
Here are key items you should always shred:
Bank statements
Pay stubs and tax forms
Pre-approved credit card offers
Utility bills
Insurance policies
Old ID cards or expired credit cards
Prescription labels
Junk mail with your name or barcode
Pro tip: Pre-approved credit card applications and blank checks are goldmines for identity thieves. Shred them immediately, not “later.”
✂️ Not All Shredders Are Created Equal
If you’re shredding at home, avoid using basic strip-cut machines. While convenient, they only cut documents into vertical strips — which can potentially be reassembled by someone determined enough.
For better protection, opt for one of the below options:
Cross-cut shredder – turns paper into small confetti-like pieces
Micro-cut shredder – offers the highest level of personal document security
If you’re dealing with large volumes of paperwork, it’s more secure (and more efficient) to use a professional shredding service.
🏢 Should You Shred Documents Yourself or Use a Professional Service?
For most homeowners, a personal shredder will handle occasional needs. But for businesses, law firms, medical offices, and organizations handling confidential data, the safest route is to use a professional shredding company.
MicroShred offers secure, on-site document destruction across South Florida, and we go beyond just paper:
CDs, DVDs, and USB drives
Microfiche and magnetic media
Circuit boards and x-rays
Outdated ID cards or access badges
We provide:
✅ Scheduled shredding services
✅ On-demand one-time purges
✅ Locked shred bins for your office
✅ A Certificate of Destruction
✅ 100% recycling of all shredded material
♻️ Shredding Helps the Environment Too
Aside from data security, shredding your documents through MicroShred helps reduce landfill waste and saves trees. All shredded paper is recycled responsibly, so you can protect your identity and the planet at the same time.
Don’t Just Toss It — Shred It.
Before you throw that bank statement or credit card offer in the trash, ask yourself:
“Could this be used to steal my identity?”
If the answer is yes — or even maybe — shred it.
📞 Call MicroShred at (305) 999-9254 or 📧 [email protected] to schedule secure shredding services at your home or business.