Sensitive Documents
Even if someone on the phone says they are from a trusted source, be sure they really are who they claim to be before giving out your Social Security number. Most legitimate organizations will only ask for the last four digits over the phone. Still, it's safest to be the one who contacts them, even if it means you have to hang up and call the official customer service number back. You can never be too cautious.
Documents that contain sensitive information about you should be shredded before throwing them in the trash. In each of the following situations, decide which documents can be put directly in the trash and which should be shredded first.
Summary
It's necessary to keep important documents for a year or more before you shred them: pay stubs, banking documents, and medical records for one year; tax records for three years. They should all be kept in a safe and secure place, preferably one with a lock. When no longer in need, they should be shredded before discarding.
Even if someone on the phone says they are from a trusted source, be sure they really are who they claim to be before giving out your Social Security number. Most legitimate organizations will only ask for the last four digits over the phone. Still, it's safest to be the one who contacts them, even if it means you have to hang up and call the official customer service number back. You can never be too cautious.
Documents that contain sensitive information about you should be shredded before throwing them in the trash. In each of the following situations, decide which documents can be put directly in the trash and which should be shredded first.
Summary
It's necessary to keep important documents for a year or more before you shred them: pay stubs, banking documents, and medical records for one year; tax records for three years. They should all be kept in a safe and secure place, preferably one with a lock. When no longer in need, they should be shredded before discarding.