June 14, 2005

Slice and dice

As I was checking receipts v. statement yesterday for my affinity VISA card, I discovered there were a few blank checks in the envelope, which I could instantly use to purchase anything at the usual "low" interest rate. I always shred these things, so I wondered: Who else owns and uses a shredder? I never saw one of these things until 12 years ago or thereabouts; now I have to own one to protect my identity.

Posted by Linkmeister at June 14, 2005 10:57 AM
Comments

I have one and use it all the time. It has become routine to shred almost every piece of paper that goes into the waste basket.

Posted by: Kate at June 14, 2005 03:51 PM

Ah well, it's better than the burn bags we used in the Navy. Who needs an incinerator in one's back yard?

Posted by: Linkmeister at June 14, 2005 04:41 PM

Shredded paper also makes an excellent mulch. Protect your identity and the tomato plants at the same time.

Posted by: dee at June 14, 2005 05:41 PM

I have had a shredder for about 6 years, and use it for most sensitive papers and mailings.

I recall a time in the military, I worked at a site where papers were placed into burn bags, incinerated, and then the ashes stirred and added to a new burn bag.

Now THAT is secure.

hehe

Posted by: Pixelshim at June 15, 2005 03:53 AM

Pix, at NCS Japan we used burn bags because it was high-volume, but on Kwajalein all I had was a blender for the three crypto cards I had to destroy each day. Now there was a lovely mulch.

Posted by: Linkmeister at June 15, 2005 08:34 AM

I attended a meeting given by Consumer Relations in NJ.
The Rep said to buy a shredder that makes dots instead of shredded paper, it was more secure.
She also said to shred all the mail you receive from Credit Card companies-the applications have your name on it.
I also get political mailings (not by choice) which have my name on every piece of paper they mail me in the envelope.
It takes time, but I shred all this kind of stuff.
Of course this just makes me more paranoid than what I am-but I guess it's the price one pays for some sort of safe feeling...

Posted by: Toxiclabrat at June 15, 2005 10:41 AM

I, too, remember the burn bags and the blenders we used in the Marines. That said, I bought my shredder late last year and use it for anything that has my name, SSN, or credit card info on it. One of the best purchases I ever made.

Posted by: Bulldog at June 18, 2005 01:01 AM