Must-Shred Documents Every Person Should Know About

Introduction

Identity theft is on the rise, and it's not just a digital threat—your personal documents could be a goldmine for criminals looking to steal your identity.

It happens when someone gets access to your personal information and uses it without your permission—often to steal money, open bank accounts, or commit fraud in your name. Surprisingly, this kind of theft can begin with something as simple as a piece of paper.

Many people don’t realize how dangerous it is to throw away certain documents without destroying them. That’s why shredding services are becoming more important than ever.

In this blog, let’s go over which documents you must shred and why it’s a smart idea to get help from professionals.

Which Documents Should You Shred?

It might seem harmless to toss out an old receipt or a utility bill. But those pieces of paper can hold valuable information that thieves can use. Below are the most common documents you should always shred before discarding. Each one plays a role in protecting your identity.

Bank Statements

Bank statements contain more than just a list of your transactions. They include your account number, full name, address, and sometimes even your branch details. If someone finds a few months’ worth of your statements, they can use that information to access your bank account or even create fake checks. Always shred bank statements once you’ve reviewed and reconciled them.

Credit Card Bills

Your credit card bill is another goldmine for identity thieves. It can show your full credit card number, how much you spend, where you shop, and your payment history. If someone gets hold of this, they may attempt to open a new account using your name or impersonate you in financial transactions. Shred them as soon as you no longer need them for recordkeeping.

Pay Stubs

Many people don’t think twice before tossing out old pay stubs, but they hold sensitive data like your full name, address, employee ID, and salary information. If a thief gets access to multiple stubs, they can try to get loans or credit in your name. It’s best to shred all pay stubs after checking your income and saving digital copies if needed.

Medical Records or Prescriptions

Your medical information is deeply personal—and valuable. Medical identity theft is a serious issue where criminals use someone else’s information to get treatment, prescription drugs, or insurance benefits. Even something as simple as a prescription note or an appointment letter can be risky.

Related Read: Why health professionals should securely shred medical records.

Tax Documents

Old tax returns, W-2 forms, or any documents related to your taxes contain your Social Security Number, income details, and sometimes your bank account info. If this gets into the wrong hands, the damage can be massive—like someone filing a tax return in your name.

Keep tax records safely for a few years (as advised by tax authorities) and then shred them securely.

Old IDs or Expired Credit Cards

An expired ID still shows your personal details and photo. The same goes for old debit or credit cards, even if they’ve been canceled.

Criminals can use this information to create fake identities or trick others into thinking they're you. Cut these items into pieces and then shred them completely.

Utility Bills and Phone Statements

These documents might not seem dangerous, but they usually show your name, address, account number, and sometimes even your contact information. These small details are often used in combination with other stolen data.

Don’t just crumple them up—shred them before disposal.

Junk Mail with Your Name and Address

Even junk mail can be used against you. Credit card offers, pre-approved loan letters, and promotional materials often include your full name, address, and sometimes a reference number.

Thieves can use this to apply for credit in your name or trick you into sharing more details. If it has your name and address, shred it.

Birthday Cards and Personal Letters

It might seem extreme, but even birthday cards or letters with your full name and address can be used in identity theft schemes. Criminals can collect small bits of information over time and build a full profile of you. While it’s okay to keep cards that are special, shred the ones you plan to throw out.

Why Use Professional Shredding Services?

You might be wondering—why not just shred documents at home? While personal shredders are useful, they’re not always the best solution. Most home shredders are small, slow, and may not cut documents finely enough. Over time, they jam, overheat, or wear out. They also can’t handle bulk shredding.

That’s where a residential shredding company makes a big difference. A professional service provider ensures your documents are destroyed in a way that makes them impossible to piece back together. This level of security and peace of mind is hard to achieve with a home shredder.

Peace of Mind is Just a Shred Away

We often think, “It won’t happen to me.” But identity theft can strike when you least expect it.

Identity theft isn’t just a digital problem—it often starts with the documents we leave behind. By learning what to shred and taking action, you can protect your personal information and reduce your risk.

Don’t take chances. Make it a habit to shred anything with sensitive information—and if the task feels too big or risky, trust professionals offering secure shredding services in St. Louis, MO.