Equifax and Better Business Bureau’s first "Secure Your ID" event on May 3 was a tremendous success. Attending venues across 60 major cities, consumers and small businesses learned the importance of destroying personal documents in order to protect themselves from the threat of identity theft. Sensitive documents weighing 494,926 pounds were shredded at venues across the country the day of the event, helping those concerned about the safety of their information get a head start on identity protection — that’s 247.5 tons of information out of thieving hands! Due to the success of this multi-city event, Better Business Bureaus across the U.S. and Canada are hosting another Secure Your ID day on Saturday, September 20. Find details about an event location near you today by visiting www.us.bbb.org/secureID.
Fifty-six percent* of identity theft victims that could trace the source of the theft ultimately learned that thieves took something that was once in their own possession — such as mail, lost wallets, trash and more. That indicates that one of the best ways to thwart identity theft is by responsibly destroying sensitive documents when you no longer need them.
Log on to www.us.bbb.org/secureID to find the event nearest you. Bring along up to three boxes or bags full of your personally identifying documents and watch them be shredded on the spot! In addition to this effective measure against identity theft, you’ll also learn helpful tips and techniques to help you protect your identity, no matter what you’re doing. All standard-sized, paper-based materials are accepted.
The Better Business Bureau — partnering with Equifax — is here to help you learn how to keep yourself safe. Start gathering your documents and mark your calendar for September 20.