Most people understand that failing to properly dispose of sensitive documents can result in problems in their personal life as well as their business.
However, many people still don’t understand exactly which documents need to be destroyed and the best practices for doing so.
Why Should You Destroy Sensitive Documents?
First off, why is it so important that you go out of your way to destroy documents containing sensitive information? Well, failing to do so can have a negative effect on two main areas of your life:
Your Business – not only is it vital that you destroy your documents to preserve the employee-client relationship, but it’s also a good idea to do so to avoid any legal trouble. For example, if you’re responsible for leaking sensitive information about one of your clients, you might get wrapped up in a lawsuit.
Personal Life – many criminals make a living by stealing sensitive information from their victims. Making safe document disposal a priority in your everyday life can help protect you from becoming a victim of crimes like fraud or identity theft.
Keep in mind, all of these things can be prevented by simply taking a couple of minutes to plan a disposal/storage system for your sensitive information.
What Kind of Documents Should be Destroyed?
The following is a list of the types of documents that should be stored with care and eventually destroyed once they expire:
Address labels from junk mail and magazines
All Discarded Copier Copies
ATM receipts
Bank statements
Birth certificate copies
Cancelled and voided checks
Credit and charge card bills, carbon copies, summaries and receipts
Credit reports and histories
Credit Cards
Documents containing maiden name
Documents containing names, addresses, phone numbers or e-mail addresses
Documents relating to investments
Documents containing passwords or PIN numbers
Driver’s licenses or items with a driver’s license number
Drafted Documents
Education Records
Employee pay stubs
Employment records
Expired passports and visas
Identification cards/badges
Legal documents
Insurance Information
Internal Memos
Investment, stock and property transactions
Items with a signature
Luggage tags
Medical and dental records
Papers with a Social Security number
Payroll Information
Pre-approved credit card applications
Phone Logs
Phone Messages
Purchase Orders
Receipts with checking account numbers
Report cards
Resumés
Tax forms
Transcripts
Travel itineraries
Used airline tickets
Visitor Logs
What’s the Best Way To Destroy Sensitive Documents?
The safest and most secure way to get rid of documents usually involves enlisting the help of a professional company that specializes in this activity.
Many of these companies can assist with paper shredding and digital document destruction. They also try to make the process as easy as possible for you. For example, many paper shredding companies have mobile units that can shred your documents right at your workplace!
Document Destruction in Edmonton
If you need help storing or destroying your documents, look no further than Western Archives. They’ve been in the business for several years and have the experience and equipment to make sure your sensitive information never falls into the wrong hands. Please contact them today to learn more!