Something disturbing happened today regarding the box of paper that I left out to be recycled (Long Beach: credit card, buy) - City-Data Forum

lamontnow · 02-08-2011, 08:07 AM

Late yesterday afternoon I put out a box of paper near the curb which was supposed to be picked up this morning by the recyclables truck. Early this morning I noticed that the box of paper had been taken, long before the truck came. In all these years I haven't seen this happen but I may just have not noticed it.
I can't think of any reason someone would take it other than they want to sift through it looking for bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc. It was mostly newspapers but there may have been a bank or brokerage statement. I always rip such documents through the place where the account # is, but I suppose it's possible that the pieces could be found and put together. Even so, they don't have my password. They might be able to use an account number to create phony checks. I just don't know. I'll be keeping a close watch on my accounts.

This is scary. From now on I'll be destroying financial documents and disposing of them in a different way. If you aren't already doing so, let my experience be a warning.

ENFD240 · 02-08-2011, 08:09 AM

buy a shredder...

any documents with more than my name and address on it get shredded (or burned in the fireplace). this includes pre approved credit card junk mail

Cavaturaccioli · 02-08-2011, 08:09 AM

Good piece of advice: Open your mail whilst standing over a shredder. Anything you don't plan on using (credit card offers, e.g.) gets shredded before it has a chance to be mixed with your outgoing trash. This helps to keep clutter down to a minimum as well.

qlty · 02-08-2011, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamontnow

Late yesterday afternoon I put out a box of paper near the curb which was supposed to be picked up this morning by the recyclables truck. Early this morning I noticed that the box of paper had been taken, long before the truck came. In all these years I haven't seen this happen but I may just have not noticed it.
I can't think of any reason someone would take it other than they want to sift through it looking for bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc. It was mostly newspapers but there may have been a bank or brokerage statement. I always rip such documents through the place where the account # is, but I suppose it's possible that the pieces could be found and put together. Even so, they don't have my password. They might be able to use an account number to create phony checks. I just don't know. I'll be keeping a close watch on my accounts.

This is scary. From now on I'll be destroying financial documents and disposing of them in a different way. If you aren't already doing so, let my experience be a warning.

Chances are they were picked up by someone who collects and sells scrap.I often see a pick up truck loaded with bikes and other metal going around on trash day.A sign of the times with the economy the way it is.

Roland Deschain · 02-08-2011, 08:22 AM

To people crazy about shredding everything: you're not important. Nobody cares about your bills. Unless you're a spy with highly classified documents, get a hold of yourself.

kayfouroh · 02-08-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qlty

Chances are they were picked up by someone who collects and sells scrap.I often see a pick up truck loaded with bikes and other metal going around on trash day.A sign of the times with the economy the way it is.

You'd laugh if you came to Long Beach. I see people wheeling 2-3 shopping carts at a time with cans/recyclables reaching 8-10 feet high.

ENFD240 · 02-08-2011, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland Deschain

To people crazy about shredding everything: you're not important. Nobody cares about your bills. Unless you're a spy with highly classified documents, get a hold of yourself.

werd... identity theft only happens to donald trump

GonPhishn · 02-08-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland Deschain

To people crazy about shredding everything: you're not important. Nobody cares about your bills. Unless you're a spy with highly classified documents, get a hold of yourself.

Are you really that dumb?

Jackie78 · 02-08-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland Deschain

To people crazy about shredding everything: you're not important. Nobody cares about your bills. Unless you're a spy with highly classified documents, get a hold of yourself.

I don't think I'm important, and no we don't have HIGHLY CLASSIFIED documents, but i did have someone steal my wallet and used my credit and debit card years ago. she also had my SSN, but didn't use it thank god! It's not fun!! Yes, it is a little different than someone going through your garbage and stealing documents to steal your identity.........but we still shred everything and will continue to do so! When it happens to you, you will shred everything also

lialleycat · 02-08-2011, 09:19 AM

Definitely shred all that. I put out a box with newspapers and shredded paper - I even shred some junk mail just to make sure there's enough of a mix of papers that there's no way anyone can get any account numbers.

Yeah, maybe I'm paranoid, but I've been the victim of identity theft - be sure to shred those pre-approved credit cards! Though mine was taken from my mail by someone I knew, so shredding wouldn't have helped me, but it sure can't hurt! Besides, it can be fun and it's good for packing up breakables in (like fancy Christmas ornaments) for storage.