Identity theft is becoming an increasing security problem for businesses as well as homeowners. It is estimated that 25% of American adults have been a victim of identity theft which has had devastating consequences.

• Customers receive documentation to establish that you are complying with all government privacy requirements.
• Peace of mind knowing that you are compliant.
• Done on a schedule that fits your needs. SHREDX does all the work in collecting the confidential materials for destruction.
• No need for removal of paper clips and staples.
• SHREDX provides locked containers for confidential materials.
• Frees employees to do their jobs.
• Is cost effective. The smaller the office, the more economical the service.
• SHREDX is a NAID AAA Certified and HIPAA-FACTA Compliant

Disadvantages of Office Shredding

• Office shredders are typically more costly than using a shredding service.
• Office shredders must be replaced often.
• Shredding yourself provides no record of compliance.
• The shredder cannot handle some materials such as paper clips, folders and staples.
• Employees are taking valuable time away from the real office work
• Are not used consistently by employees.
• Documents are left out in the open until shredded.
• Employees should not handle some sensitive information.
• Office shredders will not help with large record purges!
• Office shredders are messy, noisy and paper is NOT RECYCLED!

The High Cost of Office Shredding
The only way that having your own shredder is less expensive is if your employees do not use it. When your company destroys everything that it should, it is far less expensive to outsource than to shred it yourself. Paying your shredding operator an hourly wage is more costly. SHREDX OFFERS MORE SECURITY AT A MUCH LESS COST!

Federal Privacy Laws
The following points show the relevant privacy laws for document destruction practices:

• Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) of 2003. This is designed to reduce the risk of consumer fraud & identity theft created by improper disposal consumer information. According to FACTA "any person who maintains or otherwise possesses consumer information for a business person" must properly destroy discarded consumer information.
  
• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999. Companies within the financial industry (e.g. insurance, banks, mortgage, securities, etc. ) must insure the security and confidentiality of their customers' personal information, and they must protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to such information and any unauthorized access or use of this important information. There are severe penalties for noncompliance, including heavy fines and even imprisonment (for up to 5 years). Financial institutions can be subject to civil penalties up to $100,000 for each violation, and officers and directors can be personally liable up to $10,000.
  
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This law protects the privacy of patient health records by imposing limitations on the use and disclosure of these records for health care providers (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, doctors, etc.), health care insurance plans, health care billing services, and many companies doing business with one of these entities (attorneys, actuaries, accountants, etc.). Failure to keep patient information secure through improper document disposal could expose a company to civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation or criminal fines ($50,000 - $250,000) and imprisonment (1-10 years), depending on the severity.
  
• Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The ADA and FMLA mandate that medical-related records in the possession of an employer be kept confidential. A company's failure to ensure the confidentiality of this information could result in significant civil liability.
  
• Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998. This law attempts to address the problem of identity theft by making it a federal crime (with severe penalties) for anyone to knowingly transfer or use a means of identifying another person with the intent to engage in - or assist - unlawful activity. A company, therefore, could expose itself to liability if its business practices make it easier to steal someone's identity (i.e. through improper document disposal).
  
• Economic Espionage Act of 1996. The federal government will protect a company's trade secrets by imposing stiff civil and criminal penalties against any person or entity that steals or discloses the trade secrets. These significant protections, however, are only available if the company takes reasonable measures to preserve and protect its own trade secrets. Improper document disposal, therefore, could result in a loss of this Act's protections.