At this time of year, one unpleasant task unites us all – tax preparation. As we take on this annual chore, many of us may end up discarding sensitive and confidential paperwork like credit receipts, old bills, paycheck stubs, bank and investment statements, prescriptions, outdated medical records, and government documents in our trash.

Whether you work from home or simply have a home office, you collect a large amount of personal information connected to tax season. Many of us are guilty of throwing away sensitive information without destroying first, but properly discarding these items plays an important role in identity protection. Fellowes can help you lower your risk of identity theft this tax season – and throughout the year. Fellowes’ P-12C paper shredders can destroy CD’s, credit cards and staples, and shred your important documents into nearly 399 pieces with Cross-Cut technology. Fellowes shredders also feature a patented SafeSense technology, which features an electronic sensor that stops the machine when you place your hands too close to the opening.

Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season
Simple Tips from Fellowes to Keep your Family Safe

Fellowes, Inc. recognizes the importance of minimizing risk of identity theft, one of the nation’s fastest growing crimes.  As a result, Fellowes developed the following safety tips to help you protect your family from identity theft, both during tax season and throughout the year:

• Update personal computers with firewalls and security software, including antivirus programs.
• Contact the IRS (800-829-1040) if you do not receive W-2 forms and other sensitive information by February 15, as this may indicate that an identity thief intercepted such documents.
• Send tax returns from a locked mailbox/post office to ensure thieves cannot get to it before the postal service.
• If sending in tax forms via post mail, make sure all forms, identification documents and enclosed checks are not visible from the outside. Try wrapping everything in an extra sheet of paper to disguise its contents.
• Keep tax paperwork and other documents in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof box.
• After filing taxes, shred any backup documents with a Cross-Cut paper shredder, like Fellowes’ P-12C, which is essential because it shreds a single sheet of paper into hundreds of tiny particles to ensure confidential information is destroyed beyond recognition.

• The P-12C also features patented SafeSense® technology, which stops the machine immediately when hands or large pets come too close to the paper opening.  
• The machine features the ability to shred CDs, DVDs, credit cards and staples.
• The P-12C offers Fellowes’ Worry Free Warranty, ensuring shredders work the first time, every time.
• Fellowes P-12C is available at Target and Target.com for $89.99.
   

This giveaway is now closed.

Disclosure: Fellowes is a current client of Mom Central Consulting and supplied two P-12C shredders to facilitate this review and giveaway.

Mom Central