How To Properly Destroy a Credit Card
- January 5, 2010
- 950 Views
from
M Vazqu
(and 3 others) Subscribe
- Actor Nathan Blair
- Actor Nathan Blair
-
Writer
Stacie_Borrello
Follow these steps when destroying a credit card to protect your identity – and your credit.
You Will Need
- A magnet
- Scissors
- A hammer
- Several trash cans
- A cross-cutting shredder (optional)
Step 1: Demagnetize the magnetic strip
Run a magnet along the card’s magnetic strip to demagnetize it and remove the information it holds.
Step 2: Cut up the numbers
Slice each four-digit set of numbers into at least two pieces.
Step 3: Finish the cutting job
Ensure that the signature, magnetic strip, and CVV number – the three-digit code on the back – have all been cut into small pieces.
Feed your credit card through a shredder with a cross-cutting function.
Step 4: Destroy the chip
Destroy the credit card chip by cutting it up or smashing it with a hammer.
Don’t burn the card. Credit cards made of plastic often contain inks, holograms, and metals that create toxic fumes.
Step 5: Spread out the pieces
Deposit the pieces of your credit card in different trash cans around your house so that they end up in different garbage bags.
Did you know? Identify theft carries a maximum prison term of 15 years, a fine, and forfeiture of property the thief used, or intended to use, to commit the offense.
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Comments (3)
cool, thanks!
over 2 years ago by Sebastian1314
Or you could just burn it...
about 1 year ago by Jesper_Rasmussen
Burning plastic is not a good idea. It releases chemical toxins that are very harmful.
about 1 year ago by mvazqu
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