How Criminals Steal Your Identity from the Trash (And How to Stop Them)
July 01, 2025
Have you ever thrown away an old credit card statement, bank slip, or utility bill and thought, “What’s the worst that could happen?” The answer might surprise you. Criminals are lurking — not behind sophisticated computer screens, but right outside your home, combing through trash bins and recycling containers for easy targets. Dumpster diving is not only legal in most areas once your trash hits the curb, but it’s also one of the simplest ways for identity thieves to steal sensitive information and exploit it for personal gain.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, identity theft is rising at alarming rates. In 2023 alone, Canadians lost millions to fraud and scams, much of it linked back to stolen personal data. And while people often fear online hackers, the truth is far more mundane and unsettling: the criminal who steals your identity might not need sophisticated tools — just access to your garbage on collection day.
In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how criminals steal your identity from the trash, the types of documents they look for, the most common mistakes homeowners make, and the simple steps you can take to prevent becoming their next victim. As a paper shredding specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how preventable identity theft can be — if you know what to do.
1. How Criminals Use Your Trash to Build a Profile
Identity thieves are patient and resourceful. They’re not just looking for one golden document — they’re piecing together a puzzle. One bank statement might show your account number. A discarded utility bill gives them your address. Add in an old credit card receipt or medical form, and they have enough information to impersonate you.
It doesn’t end with just accessing your bank. Once they’ve gathered enough details, criminals can open credit cards in your name, apply for loans, rent properties, or even commit tax fraud. Worse, they often sell your information on the dark web, multiplying the number of people who can exploit your identity.
I once worked with a client who dismissed shredding as unnecessary. After moving, they tossed boxes of old paperwork — pay stubs, tax returns, and medical bills — straight into the recycling bin. Within months, they noticed unauthorized transactions in their bank account and later discovered someone had applied for credit using their name. The fallout took nearly a year to resolve. It all started with a few carelessly discarded documents.
2. The Documents Criminals Are Actively Searching For
Most people know that bank statements and tax returns are sensitive, but identity thieves cast a much wider net. They’re looking for anything that can confirm who you are and help them pretend to be you. Surprisingly, even seemingly harmless documents can be dangerous.
For example, utility bills are a favourite find. Why? Because they verify your address and can often help fraudsters pass security checks with banks or online platforms. Medical records or prescription labels are also risky, providing not only personal health information but also dates of birth and insurance details. Even old pay stubs are highly valuable; they contain your employer’s information, income details, and in some cases, your SIN number.
Junk mail is another overlooked treasure trove for identity thieves. Pre-approved credit card offers and loan advertisements can easily be filled out and redirected with just a few modifications. A criminal doesn’t need much; every piece of paper you discard makes their job easier.
3. Why Recycling and Tearing Up Papers Doesn’t Protect You
Many well-intentioned people believe that tearing up documents by hand or placing them in the recycling bin is enough. Unfortunately, it’s not. Recycling bins, especially in busy residential neighbourhoods, are easy targets. They’re out in the open, often overnight, giving dumpster divers plenty of time to rummage undetected.
Hand-tearing paper also creates a false sense of security. Criminals are surprisingly adept at piecing together torn documents — think of it like solving a puzzle. With patience and determination, those ripped-up bills or bank slips can be reconstructed. Moreover, home shredders that use simple strip-cut technology are no better. The long strips can easily be taped back together, giving criminals exactly what they’re after.
It’s also worth noting that once your trash or recycling hits the curb, it’s considered public property. In many municipalities, including Toronto, it’s not illegal for someone to search through your curbside waste. If you leave sensitive documents out in the open, you’re practically inviting thieves to take advantage of that legal loophole.
4. The Secure Solution: Professional Shredding Services
So, how do you protect yourself? The safest solution is to shred every document that contains personal information — and to do it using professional-grade equipment. While home shredders are prone to jamming, overheating, and leaving behind reconstructible pieces, professional shredding services destroy documents beyond recognition.
At Paper Savers, we use industrial-strength cross-cut shredders that turn your documents into tiny, confetti-like pieces. There’s no way to put them back together. Our team follows strict chain-of-custody protocols to ensure your documents are handled securely from pickup to destruction. We also provide you with a Certificate of Destruction, giving you peace of mind that your private information is gone for good.
What makes professional shredding even more appealing is convenience. You don’t have to spend hours feeding paper through a slow shredder. Whether it’s a large file purge or regular weekly pickups, Paper Savers makes the process effortless, secure, and environmentally responsible — all shredded paper is recycled.
5. Simple Habits to Protect Your Identity Long-Term
Protecting your identity isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s about building secure habits. Start by setting up a designated bin in your home for “to-be-shredded” documents. Don’t let sensitive paperwork mix with trash or recycling. Each week, make a point of clearing out your mail, receipts, and any paperwork you no longer need and storing it safely until it’s ready for professional shredding.
If you’re moving, downsizing, or spring cleaning, schedule a bulk shredding service with Paper Savers. Major life transitions are prime times when paper clutter piles up — and that clutter can easily become a security risk if not handled properly.
Finally, talk to your family members about the risks. Identity thieves don’t just target adults; they also go after children’s information, knowing that child identity theft can go undetected for years. Make shredding a family habit, not just a personal one.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Identity in the Trash
Criminals are constantly on the lookout for easy targets, and your trash is often their first stop. By discarding personal documents without shredding them, you’re handing over your privacy. The financial and emotional cost of identity theft is far too great to ignore.
The solution is simple and secure: partner with a trusted professional shredding service like Paper Savers. Whether you need residential or business shredding, regular pickups, or a one-time purge, we’ve got you covered with secure, convenient, and eco-friendly solutions.
Get your free quote from Paper Savers today and protect your identity before it ends up in the wrong hands!