| We've all seen those ads. You know, the ones where | | | | paper into neat, long strips. The thickness of the |
| some hapless person is sitting there looking forlorn | | | | strips can vary from as little as 1/8 of an inch to as |
| and then suddenly becomes animated while | | | | much as 1/2 an inch. Logically, it is better to strip the |
| channeling the voice of their identity thief. I'll bet the | | | | paper as thinly as possible for maximum security. |
| first time you saw an ad like that you cracked a | | | | These paper shredders are typically low maintenance |
| smile and thought to yourself, 'that could never | | | | and can handle a large amount of paper. Although |
| happen to me'. I'll also wager that's the exact thing all | | | | difficult, it is possible for someone to piece those |
| those victims of identity theft thought too ... before | | | | strips together enough to get some of your critical |
| it happened to them. That's why you need to invest | | | | information. |
| in something like a paper shredder to protect your | | | | Cross-cut paper shredders are quite good at |
| identity. | | | | document destruction since they slice paper both |
| No? You don't need something to help with | | | | horizontally and vertically. It is very difficult to put the |
| document destruction? Well, let's take a look in that | | | | confetti-sized pieces back together and they |
| trash bag, shall we? There's a phone bill with your | | | | compress better than long strips so there is less |
| number and address; a bank statement with your | | | | emptying involved. However, these paper shredders |
| account number; a card from Aunt Rose with your | | | | generally require more care, more maintenance and |
| birthday; and an official letter with your social security | | | | can be more expensive. |
| number. What do you think could happen if someone | | | | Whichever one you choose, remember that a very |
| got their grubby little hands on all that personal | | | | patient person can put together practically any |
| information? Still think you don't need a paper | | | | shredded document. However, document destruction |
| shredder? | | | | by means of paper shredders will greatly decrease |
| Before you go running out to buy one though, you | | | | the likelihood of anyone trying to steal your identity. I |
| need to take a few things into consideration. All | | | | mean, would you prefer to rifle through someone's |
| paper shredders are not created equally and they | | | | trash and get intact documents or bags of seemingly |
| have varying levels of effectiveness when it comes | | | | worthless paper that would take forever to put |
| to document destruction. You need to find a good | | | | together? Exactly. And that's just what thieves are |
| balance between performance and price. Here's a | | | | going to think too, especially when there are easier |
| brief overview of the two main types of paper | | | | targets available. Invest in a paper shredder today. |
| shredders: | | | | You won't regret it. |
| As the name suggests, strip-cut paper shredders cut | | | | |