Hopefully, by now, you know how important it is to protect yourself from identity theft. To help you accomplish that goal, we have compiled a select list of products and services that may interest you.
Having and using a paper shredder is important. But, it is just as important to ensure that the data you delete on your computer is destroyed as well. Many people don't realize that just because you "delete" a file on your computer, it doesn't mean that it is permanently gone. In most cases, this deleted information can be retrieved quite easily. This ability to "un-delete" is nice if you accidentally delete the wrong file. However, in today's security environment, you will have to sacrifice a bit of convenience for additional security. If you have sensitive, confidential, or personal information on your computer, don't just delete it. Make sure it is "wiped" from your hard drive so nobody can access it.
Boost your security-- and your peace of mind --with Identity Theft Protector (for Windows Me / 2000 / XP / 98). This comprehensive software product is designed specifically to help you protect against (and recover from) the crime of identity theft through easy-to-use tools, templates, and resources. Features:
Comprehensive software designed to help you protect against and recover from the crime of identity theft
Protect your identity from theft: gather and store your info safely, learn identity thieves' methods, and more
Detect fraudulent activity: request credit reports, browse educational articles, get one free credit report and a free 30-day credit monitoring trial (with online registration)
Correct damage if you are a victim with Recovery Wizard, Encrypted Recovery Tracker database, and document templates
According to Frank Abignale, whose life story was depicted in the film "Catch Me if You Can" (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks), it is quite easy for someone to "wash" the ink off of your checks. Criminals then re-write the checks, changing the amount and "payable to" section while leaving the signature intact.
One way to prevent this from happening is to use a "gel" pen. They aren't expensive and can really help protect you against fraudulent checks being written on your account.
Smooth-flowing gel produces skip-free lines for outstanding, steady lines every time
Perfect for drawing, signing documents, note taking and more
1.0 mm point for strong, sure strokes that create clear, noticeable medium-sized lines
Auto-retractable tip protects your pockets.
Cushiony rubber grip for sensational comfort and control
Super-sleek barrel conveniently displays the ink supply level
The Privacy Guard Shredder, exclusive to Office Depot, will provide you with great protection against identity theft, when you can't be too careful. This shredder offers an automatic start/stop feature, forward/reverse slide switch, shreds staples. Maximum speed is 12 feet per minute and shreds paper to 7/32 inches. The nine inch throat width and five sheet capacity makes it easy to feed and get the job done. Comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
The Achiever heavy-duty cross-cut shredder completely destroys documents and stands up to years of heavy use. This maximum-security shredder turns sheets of paper into tiny 3/16" x 1/4" particles, keeping your documents totally confidential. Since the waste takes up less space than strips, you empty the bin less often.
This powerful shredder is built to stand up to all-day use without jamming. It cross-cuts and shreds up to 12 sheets at a time. It has a built-in waste bin that collects shreddings and slides out to empty easily. The shredder is easy to use: just insert your papers and the automatic on/off switch gives you convenient one-handed operation with reverse mode. The rolling stand safely supports the shredder and lets you move it easily.
The Achiever Maximum Security Heavy Duty Strip Cut Shredder completely destroys your documents (up to 12 sheets at a time), and it stands up to years of heavy, jam-free use. This maximum security shredder can handle paper clips and staples and turns your paper into thin strips, keeping your documents totally confidential. It has a large built-in waste bin that collects shreddings and slides out for convenient emptying, and it also includes a rolling stand that safely supports the shredder while making it easy to move around the office. Featuring automatic on/off and reverse mode, this shredder is designed for easy one-handed operation. Manufacturer's one-year parts and labor warranty.
The OD1500C is designed for the high-performance, heavier duty needs of the small business or home office. This deluxe shredder will shred 10 sheets per pass and 50-100 shredding passes per day for about 1000 total sheets per day. The nine-inch throat easily accepts any standard letter- or legal-size documents. A shredding speed of 14 feet per minute makes quick work of your confidential documents. The smaller confetti-cut particles (5/32" x 1 1/2") ensure more security than the standard confetti-cut shredders.
Durable, all-steel cutters accept CDs (one per pass), staples, credit cards and small paper clips. Reliable electronic auto start/stop feature provides the convenience of one-handed operation. The heavy-duty, quiet motor allows for an extended shredding cycle and less down time. The pull-out wastebasket allows emptying of the basket without lifting the shredder head. The clear window in the basket allows you to see whether the seven-gallon basket is full. Safety interlock switch automatically shuts the shredder off when the basket is removed.
The Fellowes FS-5+ is a standard-duty deskside shredder. Ideal for personal use, it reduces your personal documents down to 1/4"-wide shredded bits that keep your information where it should be - private. The 9"-wide shredder mouth easily accommodates business documents and bills, allowing up to five sheets at a time pass through. You can make up to 20 passes per day, with a final daily capacity of 100 sheets.
Included with the FS-5+ model is a compact 3.5-gallon container that fits snuggly under the shredder, but also allows you to bypass the shredder to easily drop non-confidential items directly in the basket, saving you time and conserving energy. Automatic starting and stopping allows you to operate the shredder with a single hand, while the reverse function prevents paper jams or accidental shredding. Fellowes provides a one-year warranty covering parts and service.
Many computer users don't realize the significance of disposing used discs properly. Your old CDs and DVDs may contain lots of personal information that, when read by an unauthorized individual (who may have taken it from the trash), can compromise your personal affairs. Using a DVD/CD Shredder is an easy step you can take to minimize your risks. This DVD/CD Shredder is the ideal security tool for corporate, government, education, and personal applications. Protect your business and protect yourself!
"This year alone more than 500,000 Americans will be robbed of their identities with more than $4 billion stolen in their names." -CBSnews.com
Tip of the Day
Subscribe to a Credit Monitoring Service that will notify you if any changes are made to your credit report. Although getting your credit report every 6 months is a good idea, an identity thief can do a lot of damage in 2 hours, 2 days, or 2 weeks! Reviewing your report every 6 months just isn't enough. By subscribing to one of these services, you can be proactive and help prevent an identity theft event from ruining your credit!
Today's Story
"I applied for a loan in November 2000 and was told I had bad credit. I requested a credit report in November 2000 and found all sorts of crazy information on it. I'm single but was listed as married. When I renewed my driver's license by mail, I was surprised to find someone else's face on my license. This is a nightmare and requires a large amount of my time." - From a consumer complaint to the FTC, October 5, 2001
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