We are often reminded about the importance of not over-sharing personal information online, protecting our digital accounts with strong passwords and being cautious before we click on a link or download an email attachment from an unknown sender. How do we protect our personal information that’s not online?
Take a quick look around your home or office and you’ll realize how easy it can be for someone to get your information and use it for illicit activities. You might have bank statements, checkbooks, bills, prescription bottles, tax returns, credit card offers and other documents on a desktop or kitchen countertop. Just like in your digital life, it’s important to safeguard printed information, too. Here are some helpful tips:
- Secure personal documents. Keep paper documents with personal information like your Social Security Number and account numbers in a locked desk drawer or file cabinet. This is especially important if you plan to have people in your home who you don’t know well.
- Get rid of what you no longer need. Shred documents, paid bills and checks, and destroy old credit and debit cards. Peel labels off prescription bottles and throw them out.
- Keep an eye on your wallet and what’s in it. Even better, leave it at home and load credit and debit cards on to your digital wallet. If you have to carry a wallet, include only the cards you plan to use. Don’t carry your Social Security card or a list of your account usernames and passwords.
- When filling out forms, ask if all the information is really necessary. If the school, medical office or business doesn’t need the information, leave it blank.
Enjoy peace of mind and take the time to securely store or destroy paper documents with personal information that could be used to steal your identity, access your accounts and commit fraud.
Keep your valuables safe and secure, including passports, real state deeds and legal documents in a safe deposit box. Ocean Bank offers a range of safe deposit box sizes for rental at a branch near you.
Find a branch >
