Did you know that in 2009, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received over 11,000 identity fraud reports from Canadian victims, totalling a loss of more than 10 million dollars? The most reported incidents involved payment card fraud but several instances of identity theft and fraud continue to go unreported. Not surprisingly, identity thieves still rely on basic methods such as sifting through discarded physical documents in search of credit card information, bank account numbers, signatures, passports, and other personal information. Since March is Fraud Prevention Month, it is the perfect time of year to pull out your shredder and put it to work. This year, I will be using my new Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Jam Proof Shredder by Fellowes.

With tax season right around the corner, I found myself in spring cleaning mode recently and took to shredding old income tax documents. The Canada Revenue Agency only requires that you keep supporting documents for six years but I hadn't sorted through my old files in quite some time. And neither had my husband, who also happens to be a small business owner. Needless to say, I had my work cut out for me. And yet, it didn't seem like work at all. With my super cool Fellowes shredder, I actually had a great time shredding, shredding and shredding some more. 

You see, the Powershred 79Ci can shred up to 14 sheets at once into small cross-cut particles and can hold up to 6 gallons of shredded documents. It also shreds staples, small paper clips, credit cards and CDs. My favourite feature? The Powershred 79Ci boasts SilentShred™ technology that makes shredding ultra-quiet. And I mean, quiet! I couldn't believe it until I heard it with my own ears.

To learn more about how to prevent identity theft, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police web page on Identity Theft and Identity Fraud. Also, tune in on March 1st at 8 PM EST for a #FellowesProtects Twitter party where you will learn how to protect yourself against one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. 

Disclosure: I am participating in a Fellowes identity theft campaign and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork that comes with tax season? March is a good time to shred all documents you don’t need and any that are more than 7 years old. And since it is Fraud Prevention Month, I have included a top 10 list of documents that you need to shred. You can find this and other Identity Theft Prevention Resources on the Fellowes Canada Facebook fan page.

For me, March ranks up high on the list of favourite months. Although this year may be a rare exception, it is usually the month when the snow starts to melt away as we transition into spring. It is also the perfect time of year to enjoy a week off of work after what is often a busy winter for us teachers. Spending time with the kids, having dinner with old friends and catching up on missed TV shows are some of the ways I pass the time during March break. But it isn't all fun and games. During the week, I make sure to get started on spring cleaning as well as get organized for the much dreaded tax season.

While I am not the most organized person on the planet, I can at least say I have a decent filing system for important documents, bills and other papers. I even printed labels for each of my files, too! Granted, I did so when I had more time on my hands, prior to having kids, and thus subsequent file folders may or may not be labeled by hand. But that's besides the point. As long as I know where everything is, I'm happy. I used to have all my files alphabetized but now I simply ensure that my income tax folder is at the very front so it is easily accessible. Once I have received T4 slips, receipts for charitable donations and daycare fees, or any other relevant documents, I slip them right into my income tax folder. Then I pass on the folder to my bookkeeper and cross my fingers that I don't have pay even more taxes than I already do. 

As part of my spring cleaning, I make it a habit to dispose of any unnecessary documents as well as any old credit, debit, or photo ID cards. But I don't cut them into little pieces using a regular pair of scissors like I used to. Not ever since I fell victim to fraud when someone managed to make a purchase using my debit card number. Now I shred them. To bits. And this year, I have a brand new heavy duty shredder from Fellowes to help make the job easier. The Fellowes® Powershred® P-12C Shredder, available at Walmart, can shred up to 12 sheets using cross-cuts and can shred credit cards, paper clips and staples as well. It also has a 4-gallon pull-out waste basket and is built with patented SafeSense®  Technology that stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening.

Here is a list of Top 10 Must-Shred Documents.

Since March is Fraud Prevention Month, Fellowes wants to help you properly dispose of your important documents by offering up a Powershred P-12C to one of my readers. Simply fill out the form below to be eligible to win. Also, mark your calendars for the Fellowes Twitter party which will be held on March 26 at 9pm EST. RSVP today!