Released on = June 21, 2006, 9:52 am

Press Release Author = David Stuart / Office Zone.com

Industry =

Press Release Summary = Skilled thieves may know more about you than your friends.
Taking measures to keep your personal information safe will save you a lot of pain
and heartache in the future.

Press Release Body =


KAYSVILLE, Utah, June 21, 2006 - You likely know somebody who has had their identity
stolen, or may have even been a victim yourself. Receipts, mail, checks, credit card
statements and other forms containing personal information are just a few of the
items that could be stolen and used by criminals to open a bank account in your
name, apply for credit cards, create forged checks, file for bankruptcy and more.

Office Zone, a paper shredder retailer, has heard a lot of these types of stories
from its customers. Being ID specialists themselves, Office Zone recommends that you
recognize and prepare for certain risk areas where your information may not be
secure. There are a few simple steps you can take to thwart these thieves and make
yourself less of a target.

One of the easiest targets for thieves to hit is your everyday mail. Although secure
mailboxes are growing in use, most mailboxes are unsecured. If you have an unsecured
mailbox, you may want to consider using a secure post office box. If you have an
unlocked mailbox outside your house, and you are away on vacation, you can contact
the U.S. Postal Service and request a vacation hold. It is also a good idea to pick
new checks up from the bank rather than have them delivered to a mailbox.

A wallet or purse is another easy target. It is recommended that you not carry your
Social Security card in your purse or wallet. A lost or stolen wallet makes it easy
for a thief to steal your identity. Wallets and purses also carry other personal
information such as checks, receipts and bills. You should only carry what you need.
If you keep credit cards in your wallet or purse, only take what you will need for
the day. Be sure to keep your wallet or purse in a safe location and never leave
them unattended.

Always be cautious who you give your personal information to. A situation may arise
where you are required to give information over the phone, through mail or over the
Internet. This information can include your Social Security Number (SSN), birth
date, account numbers, mother's maiden name and more. Only deal with legitimate
organizations with whom you originally initiated contact. Thieves have been known to
pose as bank representatives, medical officials, government agencies, credit card
companies and more.

Document shredding is one of the most important ways you can protect your identity.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states, "To thwart a thief who may pick through
your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, tear or shred
your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician
statements, checks and bank statements, expired credit or charge cards that you're
discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail."

If you have become a victim of identity theft, or suspect you may have a problem,
you can contact the FTC for information on what to do. You can find a step-by-step
guide on what to do by going here: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. They also have
some great ideas on protecting yourself against computer ID theft as well. You can
also read Office Zone's fraud prevention guide by going here:
http://www.officezone.com/fraud.htm.

For information about a paper shredder that may work for you, call toll-free
(1-800-543-5454) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. MST. A
knowledgeable customer service representative can then assist with answering
questions regarding shredders.

For further information, please contact Morgan Cloward, Marketing Director of Office
Zone, 1-800-543-5454.

###


Web Site = http://www.officezone.com

Contact Details = David Stuart
1142 West Flint Meadow Drive
P.O. Box 121
Kaysville, UT 84037
Phone 1-800-543-5454
Fax 1-801-927-3037
dstuart@officezone.com