This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Adrienne. Congrats!
Did you know that identity theft is one of America’s fastest growing crimes? Last year, Javelin Strategy and Research estimates that identity theft affected 10 million Americans last year, an increase of 22% from the previous year. The crime can take many forms including thieves renting an apartment, obtaining a credit card, or establishing a telephone account in your name. Tax season is a time when identity thieves are looking to take advantages of those of us who do not safeguard our personal information. Unfortunately, if you don’t review your credit report and credit card statements (I know I’m not always diligent about this), you may not be aware that someone has stolen your identity until a debt collector contacts you.
This year we filed online and the IRS believes that online tax filing will increase 20% in 2010. However, those documents that you use to file your taxes contain information that identity thieves are after. That is why we make it a point to shred anything personal that we no longer need, and store important documents in a fire-proof lock box. Last year around this time, I reviewed a Fellowes’ shredder. Fellowes’ Microshred MS-450Ci shredders “provide unmatched protection, shredding paper documents virtually into dust – nearly 3,000 particles per page, compared to nearly 399 particles per page from a Cross-Cut shredder.” Here is a bit more information from the site:
The shredder features Fellowes’ 100 percent Jam Proof technology, which includes a sensor that measures the thickness of a paper stack and stops a paper jam before it occurs. The machines also have a patented SafeSense® technology, which disables the shredders when it senses hands or large pets are too close to the paper opening, and Silent Shred™ technology, which features a quiet motor that diminishes common shredder noise concerns.
You can check out my review from last year of their Fellowes PS-79Ci 100% Jam Proof Cross-Cut Shredder for a demonstration of how effective they are at shredding.
Fellowes’ Microshred MS-450Ci shredders retail on Amazon for approximately $229.
Here is some information on safe filing this tax season (via Fellowes‘):
Filing Taxes Online
- Choose a tax filing service you are familiar with. The IRS provides a list of approved companies.
- Make sure personal computers are protected with updated firewall and secure software systems, which contain antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
- If you are storing important tax-related documents on your computer, change your passwords frequently between December and April.
- Ensure that every Web site you are using during tax filing is encrypted to protect personal information when transmitted.
- Shred any backup documents once you’ve filed your taxes online.
Filing Taxes by Mail
- Regularly check the mailbox for W-2 forms and other documents containing sensitive information that arrive by mail. If you don’t receive these documents by Feb. 15, contact the IRS for assistance at (800) 829-1040 as missing forms may be an indication that an identity thief went through your mail.
- Send completed tax returns from a locked mailbox or the post office. If mailing from home, do not put the mailbox flag up. This only alerts identity thieves that there may be an outgoing check in the mail.
- Make sure tax forms, backup documents and enclosed checks are not visible from the outside. Try wrapping your forms in an extra sheet of paper to disguise the contents of the envelope.
Keep tax paperwork and other documents in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof box in your home.
Win It! One of you will win a Fellowes’ Microshred MS-450Ci shredder. Simply leave me a comment with a feature from this shredder that you like (info can be found on their website). Comments will close on April 19, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.
Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!
I did not receive compensation for this post.
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My favorite feature is the Jam Proof System ~ we’ve always had problems with that with our shredders!
I follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/11617180075
I’m a subscriber.
I clicked on the Technorati button.
I like that it Shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles You don’t have to feed them in one or two at a time
subscribe in Google Reader
follow you on twitter @ivansmom60 and tweet http://twitter.com/ivansmom60/statuses/11618493718
Shreds 7 sheets per pass
I like this feature:
Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I am email subscribed.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/rockin-mama-identity-theft-protection.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Reposting, my first does not show up.
I like Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Love that it is jam proof! Awesome!
I really need a way to get rid of these old tax forms
the jam proof system as my daughter jammed mine and it doesnt work now!
My old shredder quit trying to shred a credit card, so I like the fact this unit can shred credit cards and CD’s and DVD’s.
I like the safety feature. Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like that it shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
jackievillano at gmail dot com
I subscribe via email
jackievillano at gmail dot com
I like that it’s ultra quiet and stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening..I remember yrs ago hearing news report of kids getting their hands shredded so this is important.
subscribe to email
I like the safety feature, that it stops when hands touch the paper opening. I could use this, believe it or not, I have never owned one.
debp
[email protected]
I like that it can shred credit cards. Thanks for the chance.
I’m a google subscriber.
My favorite feature is the 100% Jam Proof System! I hate paper jams.
I like that it’s ultra-quiet and can shred 7 sheets per pass
ljatwood at gmail dot com
The huge 4.8 gallon bin is great!
I subscribe to your blog via e-mail!
follow on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/11643637335
ljatwood at gmail dot com
email subscriber
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Stumbled (ljatwood)
ljatwood at gmail dot com
It can shred credit cards!
I like that it’s ultra-quiet . Ours makes all kinds of racket.
The biggest problem I have seen in shredders is that they jam. I like that this one has a 100% Jam Proof System.
Email Subscriber!
I love that this shredder is “ultra – quiet.” We have an old cheap one that’s annoyingly loud.
I’m an email subscriber
I like that it is Jam proof. I always manage to jam them up.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
subscriber
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I especially like that this system eliminates paper jams and offers ultra-quiet performance.
What I like about this shredder is that it is quiet and won’t disturb others around me while I am shredding.
Following on Twitter and Tweeted: http://twitter.com/rhoneygee/status/11655873525
ultra-quiet performance is key for me.
the safety features are great
My favorite feature is that it’s jam proof!
kport207 at gmail dot com
Interesting enough, I wrote about the Microshred line by Fellowes, this morning, before discovering your contest. I already have a great shredder at home, but wanted to post a link to my blog entry this morning. Thanks.
Thanks for the chance to win. http://twitter.com/tonisoffice/status/11659293381
I love the microshred feature — I hate it when you shred something & can still read most of the info!
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
We need a new shredder since ours burned out shredding unneeded tax papers.
I like that it can shred 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles (Security Level 4)
I follow you in Twitter [@4emsmom] & tweeted about this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/4emsmom/status/11660660679
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
rmelton[at]hotmail[dot]com
this would be amazing. I love this: Ultra-quiet high security shredder with jam proof system
I like that it’s quiet!!
you don’t have to take out the staples [email protected]
Shreds 13 sheets per pass into 5/32” x 1-1/2” cross-cut particles (Security Level 3)! Nice feature.
Follow and retweeted.
Sheet Capacity 7 – now if I can keep hubby from trying to shove in more than 7 papers we will be in good shape (He has killed our last 2 shredders)
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I subscribe
tvollowitz at aol dot com
My favorite feature is the 100% Jam Proof System that eliminates paper jams! I confess, I am sometimes a “power shredder”.
Thank you. 🙂
My favorite feature is the patented SafeSense® Technology that stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening. SAFETY FIRST is what I believe.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Email subscriber.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like the wide 9” paper entry plus designated safety slot for CDs
I think I’d like the jam proof system best.
Following you on Twitter.
Retweeted the promotion: http://twitter.com/rockinmama/status/11614845780
CRAP! Please scrub my last tweet!
Twittered the promotion:
http://twitter.com/film888/statuses/11674983222
Subscribed to Rockin’ Mama via e-mail.
i love the 100% Jam Proof System eliminates paper jams and powers through tough jobs
[email protected]`
i follow you on twitter
ashabutterflys
[email protected]
i get the email feed
[email protected]
i have button on my blog.
[email protected]
My favorite feature is the Ultra-quiet high security shredder with jam proof system.
With kids, the “Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening” is very important.
i am happy with all the features as i do not have a shredder and need one
I like that it shreds CDs/DVDs and credit cards.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I’m an email subscriber!
I love the feature of 100% Jam Proof System eliminate paper jams and powers through tough jobs since our current shredder gets clogged a lot.
constancelavery at msn dot com
I really dig the feature that keeps your fingers from being shredded.
My favorite feature is that it is 100% jam proof.
100% Jam Proof System eliminates paper jams and powers through tough jobs
I like that it shreds CDs. We have an older shredder, and it doesn’t do that.
I’m subscribed to your blog by e-mail.
I like that this is ultra-quiet.
I like that it stops when hands are near, something you need when you have little kids!
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
I love the safesense safety feature – shredders make me nervous, especially with a curious dog around.
that it eliminates paper jams, which is a problem with every shredder i ever had
looks like a great shreader
I love the fact that it can shred up to 7 sheets at once. This will be a big help when we clean out the old paperwork from the files.
I like that you can put in 7 pages at a time.
I like that it’s jam proof.
Thanks for the chance.
[email protected]
I like that it has a nice big 4.8-gallon bin.
tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/11726868728
I love the idea of it being quiet. (SilentShred offers ultra-quiet performance)
I am already following you on twitter.
@bonmay
I am already subscribed by email – [email protected]
I blogged about this giveaway.
http://quicktattletails.blogspot.com/2010/04/identity-theft-protection-giveaway.html
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/bonmay/status/11728303951
I already left you a comment that I am following you on twitter.
@bonmay
You gotta love the jam proof feature!
I left a comment about this giveaway on Delicious.
http://delicious.com/bonmay
I stumbled – bonmay
wow I would love a shredder thats jam proof that would be great!
Shared on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=106699862704273&id=1466032021&ref=mf
sign me up
I’m glad it stops shredding automatically if your fingers get near the paper feed opening!
Shared on MySpace.
http://activities.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=stream&friendId=509634497&f=6
Bonny Sallee
I particularly appreciate that it is “ultra-quiet.” That is a super important quality when you have small children. I’d love to be able to work, file, and shred paperwork after the girls are in bed without waking them…
Shreds 7 sheets per pass!…(Goodbye restraining orders!)
I love that it is jam proof!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have DESTROYED many shredders silenttributary(at)yahoo(dot)com
subscriber silenttributary(at)yahoo(dot)com
I dugg this giveaway.
http://digg.com/gadgets/Identity_Theft_Protection_Giveaway
I bookmarked this giveaway in Google.
https://www.google.com/bookmarks/l#!threadID=GUCXgpeZG7B4/BDQHlggoQr5metf0k
I added this to my public list in Google. (Hot Spots on the Web)
https://www.google.com/bookmarks/l#!threadID=GUCXgpeZG7B4/BDQHlggoQr5metf0k
Sorry, but could you delete # 83?
I posted this on live.
http://cid-25aa8ae4982c5a6c.profile.live.com/
I posted this on bizsugar.
http://www.bizsugar.com/ProductsandServices/identity-theft-protection-giveaway-rockin-mama/
I like the 100% Jam Proof System feature.
The 100% Jam Proof System is very interesting. I will put it to a test.
I like that it’s quiet and also eliminates paper jams.
I follow on twitter cdziuba and tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/11798472333
email subscriber
I used your Share button and posted your giveaway on my Facebook page Carol P Dziuba
i love the safe sense technology where it will turn off if hands/fingers are near blades
[email protected]
e-mail subscriber
With little ones, this feature is so important, Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
I like that it is 100% jam proof
10x smaller shreds provide superior protection
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
I rip all my mail i’d love a shredder
You gotta love the 100% Jam Proof System! Thanks for the chance.
I subscribe 😉
The feature that impresses me is its ability to shred credit cards and staples.
I subscribe by email.
Great product. We have been identity theft victims TWICE and it is really awful! I was pleased to read that is has a 4.8 gallon capacity, which means that it doesn’t have to be emptied constantly.
I’m an RSS subscriber!
7 pages at a time is great!
Has to be the jam-proof system; ours is so frustrating and I spend so much time un-jamming it. Thank you!
I follow on twitter (Tina12312) and I tweeted http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/11889729532
thank you!
I subscribe to your e-mail.
I dugg it (Tina12312)
This will shread a credit card
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/11940857058
I like the micro-cut particles–some shredders leave paper in pieces large enough to be put together again.
I like the Interlock Switch,SafeSense® safety… My kids LOVE using a shredder… 😉
rss subscriber
Shreds 7 sheets
100% jam proof. This is great., I always jam mine. Thanks!!!
I like that it is ultra quiet that way it won’t scare my little kids.
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12000934814
the jam proof system thanks
it shreds 7 papers at a time which is so cool. so much better than aving to rip paper
email subscriber
blogged ya
http://notimemom.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/contests-3-31-10/
A feature from this Fellows shredder that I like Shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles (Security Level 4). jgs0925 at gmail dot com
The 4.8-gallon bin is my favorite feature. My bin is so small, I have to empty often.
smchester at gmail dot com
100% jam proof system, could it be??!
google reader
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12046148802
I love that it would be “ultra quiet” The one we have now is noisy!
I subscribe in google reader.
Shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles (Security Level 4). That sounds really good to me. I haven’t convinced my husband to BUY a shredder, so maybe if I WIN one, he’ll use it. I know I WILL!!!
I like that it’s ultra quiet. Most shredders are so noisy!
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12106892822
I really like the Jam Proof System. I am always having to deal with that problem on our shredder.
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12237023013
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12293978382
With children around I like the feature of Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I am a subscriber by email.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
My favorite feature is that, like the mills of the gods, it grinds exceedingly fine. That’s a great feature in a shredder.
It shreds nearly 3,000 particles per page
monson 525 at gmail dot com
The shredder features wide 9” paper entry plus designated safety slot for CDs
I am an email subscriber.
I like that 10x smaller shreds provide superior protection.
I like that this shredder is ultra quiet.
I like that it has a 4.8 gallon bin.
Email subscriber.
I think it’s best feature is the fact that it is a Ultra-quiet high security shredder with jam proof system
I’m an e mail subscriber.
jam proof system, was a problem with my last one (which died)
I love the fact that it is jam free!!! I would like to win it!
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12397015439
I like the 10x smaller shreds feature
I love that the Shredder is “ultra quiet” and is SAFE (even for us clutzhes) with it’s Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening!
And last but NOT least (as others have noted(!) – that it has a “Jam Proof System.” I already spend enough time “unjamming” our also rather noisy Printer!
Subscriber via both email and Google Reader
I like that it’s quiet! Our study/office is right near my child’s bedroom, and I could work and shred after bedtime!
Thanks,
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
I like that the Patented SafeSense Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening.
Like the safety features on this shreder: “jam proof” and cut off if fingers touch the shreder opening.
I like that it’s 100 percent jam proof!
I like this feature – 10x smaller shreds provide superior protection.
barbara.montyj at gmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter @JalapenoMama and a tweet.
http://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/12421308528
RSS subscriber
Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
I like the Jam Proof System that eliminates paper jams.
I am impressed with the new Jam Proof System! Thanks! [email protected]
I am a new Facebook Fan-Sharon Seneker! Thanks! [email protected]
I am a new Twitter Follower who just retweeted this giveaway-sharonjo1! Thanks! [email protected]
Its awesome its jam proof !
Phew…jam proof…I feel like I’ve spent so much time getting jams out of our old shredder…it made me stop using it since it was such a hassle.
I like the Silent Shred feature because my old shredder freaks out my cats.
Follow you on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/fatmeatloaf1/status/12432952554
Stumbled Upon
fatmeatloaf1
Dugg
http://digg.com/gadgets/Identity_Theft_Protection_Giveaway
The safe sense technology would be so important for us, as we have two little boys!
My favorite feature of the Microshred is the Patented SafeSense Technology that stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening! 🙂
A home office necessity – this is a machine I can really use! Great GiveAway!
I love that it shreds 7 sheets per pass, thanks!
I like that it Features wide 9” paper entry plus designated safety slot for CDs
100% Jam Proof System eliminates paper jams and powers through tough jobs
ctazie(at)aol(dot)com
I like the hand sensing technology, thats nifty!
Patented SafeSense® Technology stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening
The fact that It shreds nearly 3,000 particles per page is a nice feature.
I have to say the Jam Proof is great. My old shredder is always jamming up. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I love the wide 9″ paper entry.
last tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12461624860
thank you!
I love the idea of Jam Proof.
I like the feature Shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles (Security Level 4)
love THAT its jam proof!! 🙂
Subscriber
I like that it can shred credit cards and cds. I also like that it has a jam proof system.
I love the “100% Jam Proof System eliminates paper jams and powers through tough jobs ”
Thanks for the giveaway!
i follow on twitter – js22222222 .
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/12465898205
I subscribe to your blog’s feed via google reader.
I Favorited you on Technorati – js2222 .
Its 100% jamproof!
I like that you can use 7 sheets at once. Patience isn’t my strong suit
I follow you on twitter and tweeted – http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/12468519143
I subscribe with google reader
I faved you on technorati – barbarawr
I like the Jam Proof System.
Shreds 7 sheets per pass into 5/64 x 25/64” micro-cut particles (Security Level 4) Sure beats Chopping with my scissors:)
[email protected]
subscribed via email
I shared here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000161853649&v=wall&story_fbid=112230208810665&ref=mf
The feature where it stops when your hand gets close.
Jam proof and takes seven sheets at a time.
http://twitter.com/lifesandcastle/status/12472020983
My favorite feature is that its “ultra quiet.” I don’t know what exactly that means, but our old shredder (that died about 2 years ago and has yet to be replaced) used to wake the dead when it ran! It’d be soooo nice to be able to shred in peace and quiet. Thanks!
I like that it stops shredding when hands touch the paper opening.
I like the 10x smaller shreds provide superior protection feature. Thank you!
I’m a subscriber!
I love the safety feature that stops the blades when a hand comes near!
I like that it’s jam proof. We have one now that jams with every piece.
My favorite feature is the Jam Proof System~as that would be great when the grandkids use it!
Thanks for the giveaway…The best feature of the Fellowes’ Microshred MS-450Ci is the ability to shred all of the following: Paper, CD/DVD’s, Credit Cards, & Staples.
Following you via Twitter: @brianpiero
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/brianpiero/status/12484359441
…bookmarked your RSS feed to my list: feed://rockinmama.net/feed/rss/
I like the idea that it has ultra-quiet performance.
the jam proof system,we have one now&always gets jammed!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
subscribe by email
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the fact that this shredder is ultra quiet and won’t jam…this means I can use it in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping. Here’s an additional comment: on this date, in 1933, an embargo was placed on all gold shipments…thus having the effect of taking the U.S. off the gold standard.
Love that it shreds credit card
My fave feature is that it’s ultra-quiet!
I’m an email subscriber
i like that it is ultra quiet
subscriber
i like the fact that it’s ultra quiet. i just can’t stand humming noises when things are turned on, it drives me nuts!
i follow and tweeted
http://twitter.com/doozercries/statuses/12493295534
follow you on twitter @majameza
http://twitter.com/MajaMeza/status/12493751949
A really nice shredder and some good tax tips. I like the no jam feature. Thanks for having the contest!
I like that it can shred 7 sheets!
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/12497031032
I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.
I like the jam-proof system. Much nicer than others I’ve seen. Thanks for the contest.
Jam Proof System
Without a doubt, my fav. feature is that it is 100% Jam Proof System
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/12501566192
subscribe to you via email
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
shared on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=536212900&v=wall&story_fbid=114581511896524&ref=mf
stumbled
ardy22
dugg you
ardy22
I like that it can shred up to 7 pages per feed.
I like that this shredder cuts into micro-cut particles. Smaller pieces makes my information even safer.
I’m an email subscriber.
I follow on Twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/willitara/status/12502584888
I like that this shredder has a quiet motor. Older shredders can be loud, especially if you’re shredding more than one sheet at a time
As a person who’s used a shredder that jammed in the past, I like how this one uses Jam Proof technology
I like the SafeSense technology.
I subscribed to your email feed.
daily tweet http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/12514999718