Responsible Business Practices: Document Shredding
Many small businesses in Indianapolis are still not shredding their old documents. Instead, they pile up in filing cabinets or in boxes in the empty backroom, just waiting for the nosy people to wander through their pages. The reality is, identity theft and fraud are very real crimes that are more common than you think. Small business are at high risk for being victimized by people who make a living off of the hijacking of sensitive information.
Not only is it your moral obligation to destroy those old documents that contain personal information, but it is also your legal responsibility. If those papers get into the wrong hands, you could be held liable. Here is some valuable information about document shredding for small business owners.
The Recycling Bin is Not for Documents
Sure, it feels great when you dump a huge load of old documents into the recycling bin behind your office building. In your mind, you are doing everyone a favor—the documents are in the trash and you have just made one small step towards saving the planet. Unfortunately, those important documents are now the property of anyone and everyone who wants to take a look. It is perfectly legal for a person to come and rummage through the trash, and identity thieves often do. Even if you have run those papers through an in-office shredder, vertical shreds alone are not enough to prevent savvy thieves from working to reconstruct the pieces and collect the information. Further, placing all of the shredded pieces of paper into a single bag simply makes it easy for an identity thief to identify what they need to take in order to get your confidential information. Do not throw documents into the recycling bin.
Knowing the Process is Important
All businesses should maintain a protocol for safeguarding and destroying all documents. It is important that business owners and managers keep their employees up to date and well educated on company policies. It is also important that you and your staff know who handles your important documents. One of the perks with Proshred Security is that no person beyond your employees, not even the well-trained technician, will handle your documents. They are taken from your very own locked cabinet, straight to the truck in a secure bin and destroyed on site, without delay. This prevents any errors which could lead to a breach of security.
Document Shredding Could Save Your Business
The risk of having sensitive information leaked from the papers out of your place of business is very real, especially if you are in the habit of throwing the papers out or handing them off, not really knowing if they are truly destroyed. If your documents were to land in the wrong hands, criminals could use the information to steal the identity of your clients, hack into bank accounts or learn about your supply chain. You are liable for any information that is leaked. In this event, you could find yourself owing a great deal of money, without a business or worse.
It is your legal responsibility to destroy old documents. Experts suggest using a reliable, on-site shredding service, such as Proshred Indianapolis. If you would like more information, we encourage you to visit our services page or contact a representative today.
What People Are Saying About PROSHRED®
The team at Proshred is fantastic to work with! Our company has used them for community shred days, and everything from planning to the day... read moreThe team at Proshred is fantastic to work with! Our company has used them for community shred days, and everything from planning to the day of the event has gone smoothly. read less
Lainey Schroer3/29/2021Proshred was very professional and organized. They were in and out in no time and left no mess behind. Highly recommend them for... read moreProshred was very professional and organized. They were in and out in no time and left no mess behind. Highly recommend them for your shredding needs. read less
Sonia Million4/09/2020We have been partnering with Proshred for years to provide a community/client shred event. They have helped us plan and run it each year. Ken... read moreWe have been partnering with Proshred for years to provide a community/client shred event. They have helped us plan and run it each year. Ken and staff are quick to communicate and always provide a kind and friendly atmosphere when working with them. The drivers who handling the shredding have always been extremely helpful and welcoming. So thankful to have found them to partner with and we look forward to a continued partnership! read less
Staci Woods9/24/2019Our office LOVES Proshred! They're always on time and get the job done quickly! We only shred every 5 years or so, therefore we have... read moreOur office LOVES Proshred! They're always on time and get the job done quickly! We only shred every 5 years or so, therefore we have alot to carry out of our building and the guys that work there are so helpful and pretty much just take over! Thank you Proshred! read less
James Records8/23/2019You just don't find many company's these days with stellar customer service but, Proshred has it! The first phone call to their office I spoke... read moreYou just don't find many company's these days with stellar customer service but, Proshred has it! The first phone call to their office I spoke with Amy, she was informative, helpful and pleasant. The pickup/drop off drivers always come in upbeat, energized and with smiles on their face. That in itself is great but, Amy tops it off by following up with informative information. You don't have to ask for anything because she is one step ahead of you. Thank you Proshred for making our experience with you a nice reminder of how the customer/vendor relationship should be! read less
Heather Chase8/22/2019