If you’ve ever had your identity stolen, it’s an experience that you never want to go through again. Seeing your credit score tank, the hassle of canceling cards, freezing your credit, and working to rebuild that precious score can be stressful and frustrating. Taking preventative security measures to protect your identity can be an easier route than having to repair the damage once it’s done, and that includes document shredding.

More than 1.1 million Americans reported identity theft in 2024 through the FTC Identity Theft website, costing Americans an estimated $47 billion, according to AARP. Identity theft in America is a growing problem, as the cost and number of people that identity theft has impacted grew by $4 billion and 18 million more people compared to the previous year.

At ACS Security, we regularly see mail theft and identity fraud in the communities we protect. Discarded documents are a primary entry point for financial crime—but they are preventable.

What Thieves Target:

• Financial Records: Bank statements, voided checks, credit card offers, and pay stubs.
• Personal Data: Utility bills, medical records (especially prescription labels), and junk mail.
• Identifiers: Social Security numbers (if on documents), birth certificates, and old IDs. 
• Tax returns, pay stubs, & shipping labels

Protection Strategies:

• Cross-Cut Shredding: Use a cross-cut shredder for all sensitive documents, as it produces tiny pieces that are nearly impossible to reassemble, unlike straight-cut shredders. Avoid strip-cut models; they can be pieced back together. Even Frank Abagnale Jr. (the inspiration for Catch Me If You Can) warns that strip-cut models aren’t enough.
• If you don’t have a shredder, use a Sharpie Magnum. Its large 5/8” chisel tip makes it easy to thoroughly black out names, account numbers, and barcodes. Ensure you mark both sides if the ink bleeds through and allow it to dry before disposal.
• Destroy Medical Waste: Peel labels off empty prescription bottles and shred them or black them out completely with a permanent marker.
• Secure Trash Pickup: Do not put trash out earlier than necessary, and consider using a secured container.
• Opt-Out of Junk Mail: Use services like CatalogChoice.org to stop receiving credit offers and mail that can be stolen. 

What to Do If Identity is Stolen:

If you suspect your identity was stolen from your trash, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. Let ACS Security help protect your property with professionally monitored security systems built for proactive home security.