I lost an important piece of paper?

[Anonymous]

I wrote my SSN number, credit card number as well as my account and routing number... I wrote all of it on a piece of paper and I lost that paper. I was cleaning out my room in my apartment and I think I might have thrown it out in the trash... What should I do about this situation?

[Mikeysoda]

Try to find the paper and shred it. If not, keep a close lookout on all your accounts for fraudulent activity for awhile. The chances of someone finding it is low. But it could happen. If something happens, you can notify that organization to handle it. As far as the SSN, keep a lookout on your credit report for things that are not you.

I'm sure a lot of us accidentally throw away sensitive information that can be used against us all the time.

[Asker]

So what should I do? How should I know I'm safe?

[Mikeysoda]

I don't think it works that way. It's one of those things you probably need to check weekly to ensure. Not a one-time check and done. Even for those that haven't lost a piece of paper with sensitive info. Hackers are stealing info from within technology and not papers. So everyone should be checking their personal accounts to make sure fraudulent activity is not occurring.

[Asker]

Oh I see..