Dumpster Diving
People worry so much about digital information leaks nowadays that we forget you can still score plenty of information the old-fashioned way -- by rifling through someone's trash. Credit card offers are the big offender here, which is why you may want to opt out of receiving them. But ATM receipts, bank statements, prescription bottles, and more give ID thieves plenty to work with. And remember, someone who's out to steal your identity doesn't necessarily need all of your information given to them on a silver platter. Once they have a couple of pieces of info about you, that starts the ball rolling, making it easier and easier to collect more by calling your bank, your insurance company, or whomever else they might think makes an easy target.
Consider Steven Massey, who racked up more than a million dollars in profits on gambling and credit card debts on cards that he filed with other people's information -- information that he found dumpster diving outside of accountancy offices. This was back in the 90s, and today offices that handle personally identifiable information are held to standards about how they handle it. But not everyone follows those guidelines, and private individuals aren't held to them at all, so while your own trash may not be as lucrative a target, it's still a good idea to shred your personal info before putting it on the curb.
Did you know...
- There are over 1.6 million automated teller machines around the world. And that really does mean the entire world. There are even two ATMs on Antarctica at McMurdo Station operated by Wells Fargo. Friday is the most popular day that ATMs are used worldwide, and the average withdrawal is around $80.
- The most expensive hotel room in the world (the Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland) costs $83,200 a night. That's $58 per minute for a stay! Good thing it has 12 bedrooms, 12 baths, a wraparound terrace, a Steinway piano, and an assigned private staff (including a chef)!
- Paper money is actually pretty heavy. One pound would be worth $454 in $1 bills. That means $1 million comprised solely of $100 bills would weigh over 20 pounds. Those suitcases filled with money in movies must be hefty to lug around all that paper money. If you plan on robbing a bank, you better bulk up!
- Once you've handled all your money, you should probably wash your hands. Money is some of the dirtiest things that we own. In fact, it's been found to be dirtier than a household toilet! During flu season, the virus can live on a bill for up to 17 days. That's just plain disgusting!
- When it comes to counterfeiters, North Korea are pros. They have gotten so good at counterfeiting American currency (particularly the $50 and $100 bills) they their fakes are known as "superdollars." They require specialized Federal Reserve equipment to be identified. There are $45 million worth of North Korean fakes…that we know of.