ID Theft

Would my name and address alone be sufficient for someone to steal my identity?

Is it worth going through the effort of shredding every envelope and address label I receive or is the problem mainly with other items of personal information? I would appreciate an answer from someone who has experienced such a theft or who works in the identity protection industry, rather than a guess. If just the name is stolen, I guess it depends on the name. I mean, if your name is 'John Smith', it would be very difficult for anyone to prove that it was a particular John Smith who entered into a contract unless there's an address as well. Perhaps a name like Roald Dahl or River Phoenix would be simpler to defraud.

Public Comments

1. Without going into to much detail an basically explaining how its done, yes it is worth shredding every bit. The name an address is just the start mate. email if you want more info, I just dont want to be posting how its done for anyone to see. But believe me thats more than enough, you'd be amased at what you can get from that, frightening. Add. that is just the start, an more than enough for it, the system is open to abuse an its very easy to do.
2. These days identity theft is getting more and more common and businesses are clenching down. They are asking for more pieces of ID, proof of residency, signatures, references. A name and an address alone are not good enough.
3. shred away my man - but i could probably find you through your questions on this - and i am sure i could be found also (maybe even am being found right now!) - but they cannot catch us!
4. Yes - name and address is all that is needed to start with stealing an identity. I also agree with the first post - not wanting to give away info either for others to do it, but it is definitely in your best interest to shred your mail.
5. Going through the effort of shredding every envelope and address label is not worth it. You want to shred offers you recieve, but the envelopes can be trashed. Can someone steal your identity with your name and address? Yes, however, they wouldn't get it from your mail. Your name and address is out there for the world to see whether you want it or not. Especially if you own a home, (public record). As far as someone stealing your identity from your name and address, the only reason that could occur would be because they were interested enough to find out other information about you. Reality is, someone can find anything out about anyone if they are willing to pay enough for the information. You just don't want to make it to easy. I would be more mindful of banking information, pay stubs, where you work, even your email address at this point can get you exposed. If you can, put verbal passwords on accounts you manage. The last four digits of your SS# and your zipcode can get representatives from companies to tell you just about anything. Oh, also, a few months ago I got one of those identity monitor things through citicard. They send you a letter or email for anything relating to your SS#. I think they can even text your phone. It has definatly made me more at ease. I think it was 19.99 for the year...or something not to expensive. They give you unlimited access to your credit report as well.
6. For more info look here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
7. The answer in short is YES . With just your name they can find out anything they want to about you. i would suggest protecting your identity. You can enroll with a company called Kroll Backround America for 12.95 a month. You will get a credit report , 24 hour credit monitoring and should your identity be stolen you will also recieve complete identity Restoration. http://www.prepaidlegal.com/idt/dhaller
8. Get a better shredder or a shredding service. That will take the hassle out of shredding everything.