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MVCU, financials, theft, fraud
Home / News & Financial Education / Shred-It or Not?
Shred-It or Not? on 8/29/2022

Shred-It or Not?

By shredding old documents, you’re protecting your private, personal information from identity thieves. What documents should you consider shredding?  Anything that has a signature, account number, social security number, or medical or legal information that you no longer need to retain. If you’re not sure if you should keep or shred a document, keep it somewhere safe.

Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, care about your security!

Free Shred-It Events

Reduce your risk of identity theft, de-clutter, and support your community at one of our Shred-It Day events!  We hold events annually at various branches.

Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed before documents are shredded, but please remove binder clips and any heavier plastic. Documents can be shredded in plastic bags, such as plastic grocery bags or trash bags.  Boxes are ideal, but documents don’t need to be removed before they’re shredded. Please note that only paper items will be accepted.

Consider shredding:

  • Documents with your address including labels from junk mail, magazines, and luggage tags
  • Bank statements two years or older
  • Canceled and voided checks
  • ATM receipts and any receipts with account numbers
  • Credit card and utility bills
  • Credit reports, credit histories, and pre-approved credit card applications
  • Report cards
  • Resumés
  • Used airline tickets
  • Documents containing your maiden name, social security number, signature, password or PIN number
  • Expired driver’s licenses, identification cards, passports and visas
  • Home purchase, sale, or improvement documents (if it has been seven years or longer since you sold the home)
  • Medical records and bills that have been paid two years ago or longer
  • Pay stubs from two years ago or longer
  • Tax records and receipts from eight years ago or longer

  You MUST Keep:

  • Annual insurance policy statements
  • Birth and death certificates
  • Marriage license
  • Business license
  • Current ID cards and passports
  • Vehicle titles and loan documents
  • House deeds and mortgage documents
  • Pension plan documents
  • Retirement plan statements (401(k), 529, IRA, etc.)
  • Social security cards and statements
  • Wills, living wills, and powers of attorney
  • Bank statements for the past year
  • Pay stubs for the last year
  • Medical records and bills (keep at least one year after payment)
  • Tax records and receipts for the last seven years
  • Home purchase, sale, or improvement documents (keep for at least six years after you sell)

During our Shred-It events we also collect donations for local charities!

Scammers and identity thieves are getting smarter and savvier.  MVCU has tips to keep your identity and your money safe.

Learn more

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