Tax Season Identity Theft Protection

It seems like everyday you turn on the news there’s another incident of someone’s identity being stolen and used in terrible ways. It’s no secret – identity fraud is on the rise. With rates in 2013 reaching the second highest in eleven years. According to the Javelin Strategy & Research 2014 Identity Fraud Report, 13.1 million people were affected by the crime in 2013. What’s more, the Identity Theft Resource Center attributes tax-related identity theft to be one of the main drivers in that growth with no sign of it slowing down.

Luckily, there are several ways we can do our best to prevent it. With important documents (think W-2s, transaction receipts, bills, etc.) changing hands often, it’s important to keep your family’s (including children’s) identities safe.

One of the best ways to prevent identity theft is by shredding no-longer-needed tax documents that contain sensitive information with a Cross-Cut shredder.  I was provided with a Fellowes’ 73Ci a few days ago and I’m already a huge fan.  These shredders are available at office superstores and online as well. It was leaps and bounds better than my old shredder. It’s quieter, stronger, more convenient, and most importantly, it has a stronger security cut.

The 73Ci offers innovative technologies and features perfect for tax time including:

• Cross-Cut blades that destroy 12 sheets of paper into approximately 397 particles per sheet, making it extremely difficult to reassemble
• 100% Jam Proof System that eliminates paper jams and powers through tough jobs
• SafeSense® technology which automatically stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening

The reasons I love it include:

• SafeSense stops shredder when hands touch the paper opening –  a must with kids!
• Shreds 12 sheets per pass into cross-cut particles.
• Cuts through credit cards, paper clips, staples, and CDs/DVDs.  It cuts credit cards, my hero Dave Ramsey would be proud!
• 6-gallon bin.  Big bin = less time emptying.
• The bin pulls out unlike my old generic model where I would have to lift the cutting mechanism to empty the container underneath.
• It’s on wheels!  Things are just cooler on wheels.

Here are a few Amazon reviews:

One reviewer, named AmazingReviewer, said, “My assistant had a task to shred a mountain of papers. This shredder has no jams , no overheating, no downtime 5 hours straight! This machine is way better than *other brand name removed*. Highly recommended!”

Marie V. said, “Loved this product and it is not too bulky looking; good quality item and roller wheels roll great, has a nice finger touch, modern-looking screen just below the paper feed that lights up blue and red as you feed the paper in to shred. This item is not too noisy for the amount of work it does and the weight of the machine is quite heavy but the removable basket pulls easy to walk over to the trash to empty. I love my purchase.”

You can read more product details and reviews on Amazon.com where the 73Ci currently has 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Every little bit of protection helps against identity theft!  What are some ways you try and keep your family safe?