Is it really necessary to shred credit card applications?

[Poiuyt]

Like everyone else, I get a lot of credit card applications (as does my mother, who past away last summer). I was told once that I should shred the applications for fear of someone stealing my identity. However, the applications only have my name and address on them, not social security numbers or anything like that. What do you do with your applications?

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. I rip them up and throw them away...

I also rip up all junk mail...it's good stress therapy. :hi:

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. I shred them

These usually have my name on several of the pages, my address, and sometimes other info that they got godknowswhere. And, some of them actually come with a pretend credit card with my name on it.

Do you want someone to sign up for a card using your name and a pretend change of address? Seems just ripping them isn't enough. There's always tape and an added note that says, "Oops! I didn't mean to rip this up. Please accept my application."

'nuff said :hi:

[barb162]

3. good points; that's what I do too

Anyone can get a hold of the apps and change the address but still use your name. Shred, shred, shred!

[Karenca]

4. YES!!. nt

[seemunkee]

5. Tear out your name and address,

write fuck you all over it, stuff it into the reply envelope along with all of your other junk mail from that day and send it back to them.

[hopein08]

6. YES! And be sure to destroy any return envelopes that are included too...

Many of the envelopes that you're supposed to put the application in after you fill it out have a bar code tracker printed on them.

I shred my name and adress, the application itself, and return envelopes. I just toss any literature that is included.

[Nicole]

7. I shred all applications

I also shred old bills.

[bikebloke]

8. First, I rip out my name and address

Then I rip up the rest, but without putting the scraps from the former in the same sack as the rest. The postage paid envelopes get stuffed with other junk mail until they're as heavy as possible. Then I send them back and pay pay the postage.

Luckily, since I moved recently, they've stopped finding their way into my mail box.