Let’s talk about trash. Yes, trash! Garbage! Junk! When you throw away trash that is not really trash, are you putting yourself at risk? Well, I’m here to tell you that you are putting yourself at risk! Did you know that in most states in the United States of America (USA), it is completely legal to dig through someone’s trash? You do now and it is legal most everywhere once the trash can hits the curb. According to Guideline Law, “courts have ruled that if someone leaves their trash in the curb, it amounts to abandonment, and anyone can rummage into it without violating their rights to privacy.” That’s bad news if you throw away prescription pill bottles, bills, credit card offers (you know, those ones that come with checks for a balance transfer), love letters, old electronics, or pictures. First off, take old electronics to a certified data destruction and/or recycle center. Just search for “recycle electronics” in your area. For all the other items, they contain personally identifiable information or PII for short. PII is often used to social engineer you or others you may know and can also be used as proof or leverage when opening a new line of credit during identity theft situations.

There are a lot of things you can do to protect yourself online, but don’t forget to protect yourself physically by properly disposing of electronics, destroying both digital and physical data before throwing it away. Shred bills! Shred credit card offers! Shred old tax documents you don’t need anymore! Peel off the prescription label and shred it too! Level up your privacy and protect yourself.

For more tips, check out our catalog on OPA.