A relatively simple solution for something like a credit card application. Rip it in half, throw one half into one trashcan, the other half into another. Take the trashcans out on alternate weeks. While the story CP linked to is at least plausible (if outrageous), I'm guessing there's zero chance someone using only half of an application to any great effectiveness. Obviously this doesn't work with anything that might have more sensetive personal info than a credit card solicitation, but it does take care of this case.

I just throw them out unopened most of the time. Sometimes I rip them in half. I've had a friend who's checks that he'd written to pay bills taken from the mail box, the person crossed out the name and upped the amounts and the bank still cashed them.

Another friend had his cousin check his mail while on vacation. The cousin's girlfriend took the liberty of sending in the credit card applicaitons of course adding her name as a user - that took him quite a while to get straightened out.

I'm with Traci - there are so many ways for them to get your info I don't worry about it too much. Plus half the ones I get are in my ex-husbands name so who cares ;) (kidding of course)

BUMP.

According to cockeyed.com, the torn-up credit card application story is going to shown on ABC's 20/20 on Friday night, June 16th. They interviewed Rob Cockerham and everything. Should be interesting.