With the rise in identity theft, it is more important than ever to protect your confidential information. Thieves known as "dumpster divers" can steal your identity and rack up thousands of dollars in your name just by quickly rifling through your trash.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests shredding these documents to protect your identity:

• Expired credit cards
• Physicians statements
• Insurance forms
• Charge receipts
• Checks and checking account statements
• Credit offers you receive in the mail.

For more tips on how to protect your identity, click here.