Assessment of Skills and Knowledge(ASK) in Fundamental Business Concepts Practice Test

What action can individuals take to safeguard their personal information from identity thieves?

1. Store documents in a safe place

2. Shred or tear up important financial documents

3. Share information only online

4. Limit the use of social media

The correct answer is: Shred or tear up important financial documents

One effective action individuals can take to safeguard their personal information from identity thieves is to shred or tear up important financial documents. This practice is crucial because identity thieves often seek out discarded documents that contain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and credit card details. By fully destroying these documents before disposal, individuals significantly reduce the risk that their information could be retrieved and used maliciously by someone else. While storing documents in a safe place, limiting the use of social media, and sharing information selectively online are also important considerations for protecting personal information, these actions may not directly address the vulnerability posed by physical documents. Thus, shredding financial documents becomes a proactive measure to prevent theft of information that can occur even before someone accesses your online presence.