Free Downloads

Shannon's Strategies for Success is now an eZine only. Click Here to Subscribe

Helpful Tips for Identity Theft Prevention

Why Shred?

Did you know that it is a felony in California to use the personal identifying information of another person without the authorization of that person for any unlawful purpose including to obtain credit, goods, services, or medical information [Penal Code sct 530.5 et. seq.].

You are required by law to destroy certain personal information when it is discarded. At the federal level, all businesses are required to shred, pulverize or incinerate all personal information to meet compliance. Whether you know it or not, you have an "implied contract" to protect your customers' confidential information. Simply based on the fact that you are collecting the data to conduct business establishes that contract. Your customers have the right to expect you to take every precaution to protect their information, including shredding it before it is discarded. Casually discarding information, whether in the form of customer information, company information or individual information, shows disregard for the welfare of all involved parties, exposing them to theft and fraud. It also brings the risk of legal action.

Employees, past and present, have a legal right to have their personal information protected by shredding before it is discarded. Insurance records, employment applications, time cards, health records, accident reports and attendance records are examples of information that legally must be protected.