Dumpster Diving To Prevent Identity Theft

Victor Duckarmenn, opertional security program manager for the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Dumpster dives for these treasures to prevent identity theft.

?We have a lot of Dumpsters on base, about 95 to 100. I sample them during a scheduled time before they go off base,? said Duckarmenn.

Duckarmenn shortstops private information or mission information for official use only, so it doesn?t get in the wrong hands.

?Once you throw your information in a Dumpster it?s public property, anybody can get their hands on it,? he said.

Duckarmenn dives two to three times a week looking for medical records, personal finances and military proprietary information.

Duckarmenn said the best way to prevent information being stolen is to shred. He recommends a cross-cut shredder that cuts paper both lengthwise and widthwise.

According to the 2010 Federal Trade Commission Data Clearinghouse, Colorado was 10th in the nation for identity theft.

For more information on how to prevent identity theft, visit www.ftc.gov or www.us-cert.gov