You need to ensure that you destroy your address and [MICR][1] to protect your privacy. Simply tearing up the checks, using scissors, or a cheap strip cutting shredder are not sufficient; even improperly burned paper can be read. Here's a surefire method: [![Will it blend?][2]][3] [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_ink_character_recognition [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/fSE92.jpg [3]: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/people