paper shredder“Know thyself.” ” Inscription at the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece

My sister visited from Ohio last weekend and as usual we sat around dissecting quirks about our family. One that usually gets discussed is how we all became obsessed with our paper shredders. Of course, it’s our mother’s fault.

I’ve written about this before — my love of the paper shredder — and this is the point in the conversation where Jeanine, my partner, usually gives me her version of the cluck and eye roll. She’s heard it all before. Paper shredding is the one thing that probably requires a genetic connection for someone to truly get me. My siblings and now even their offspring possess a healthy dose of paranoia when it comes to identity theft. We all own and use and love our paper shredders. Thanks Mom.

So here’s a little motherly advice. If you don’t own a paper shredder, then run, don’t walk to your nearest Staples or Office Max and buy one. Wachovia is running their public service campaign in magazines about identity theft and shredding tops the list of instituting basic protections. There’s a helpful quiz if you still need some convincing.

How do thieves get your personal information? According to the government, “They may steal your mail, including bank and credit card statements, credit card offers, new checks, and tax information.” They also may rummage through your trash for similar items once disposed.

So take care of what’s coming in (never leave your mail in the box over night) and what’s going out (hence the shredder). Need more convincing… here are additional tips from the postal service. Shredding tops their list too. Get the picture.