Shredding -don't forget old catalogues

RachelD

I was about to chuck a box of catalogues in the bin- those thin ones that come from museums, charities, bra companies other clothing companies, gardening suppliers etc, when I noticed all of them had my name and address and ref no printed on the back page.

It took me 20 mins or so to tear off all the pages and shred them. It struck me we are all clued up about shredding bank statements and official letters but it is easy to forget catalogues like these are just as much use to someone looking for addresses.

Rachel

kitasmum

Too true Rachel. I always rip out and shred anything that comes through the door with my name and address on it, before I chuck it. :j

Katykat

even better, dont bin the thin catalogues, they can go in the recycle bin, it helps if you tear them into single sheets first, and you should remove the staples, but things like this can be done while you watch TV, doesn't take much effort

Jem8472

RachelD wrote:

I was about to chuck a box of catalogues in the bin- those thin ones that come from museums, charities, bra companies other clothing companies, gardening suppliers etc, when I noticed all of them had my name and address and ref no printed on the back page.

It took me 20 mins or so to tear off all the pages and shred them. It struck me we are all clued up about shredding bank statements and official letters but it is easy to forget catalogues like these are just as much use to someone looking for addresses.

Rachel

Have you shredded every phone book produced?

Gorgeous_George

Addresses are not secure but I shred any document/envelope with my address on anyway. A quick search on 192.com and similar websites can provide the crook with information.

Shredding our data is only a small step to preventing identity fraud. The big steps must be taken by the companies and government departments who hold our data.



GG

speedy_gonzalez

I take the pages from the catalogues that have my name and address on them shred those and then recycle the rest of the catalogue.
What annoys me are those application forms for credit cards which come with your name and address already printed on the form.

RachelD

I find the most annoying post is where a credit card company sends you a bunch of cheques ready for use with all your credit card details on.

This usually happens when you have paid off a card debt and don't use it for a while. I have several of those. I tried ringing to cancel one (Abbey?) and got a spiel about they couldn't do it just like that and someone from X dept woud ring me back. Think I'll just cut up those redundant cards and return them.

Rachel

tawnyowls

Jem8472 wrote:

Have you shredded every phone book produced?

That's not the point, though. Yes, your name & address may be in the phone book (assuming you're not ex-directory), but it won't have other information such as your catalogue customer number. I shred everything with my name & address on as well, not only to try to prevent identity theft, but also to prevent ridiculous situations like that chap who got fined for putting 'household' mail into a public bin.

Rikki

I only shred the page that has my details on. The rest goes in the recycle bin as it is.

ttoli

Some of the cheaper shredders that have come on the market recently leave strips 5-10mm wide(so if someone were so inclined etc).
Personally i use a match.

Jem8472

use thermite. Will burn everything, unless the bit of paper is made out of tungston