In 2011,
Florida was the number one state per capita for identity theft, leading to Florida residents losing $95.5 million. Shredding unneeded sensitive documents keeps them from being useful for identity theft if they are stolen or taken out of the trash. A Javelin Strategy and Research survey found that 43 percent of identity theft cases could be traced back to stolen wallets or physical paperwork.
Your BBB, along with
Gilmore Services,
CatCountry 98.7 FM and
WEAR-TV3 are offering individuals an opportunity to shred their sensitive data on Friday, May 4. This shredding event is free to the public and will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Cordova Mall in Pensacola, Fla. and Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther, Fla. In addition to shredding, the event site will offer resources on how to protect your identity.
“Identity theft continues to be a growing problem in our country,” said Norman Wright, president and CEO of your BBB|Northwest Florida. “Shredding is a simple measure people can take to protect their sensitive information.”
An individual can bring up to 50 pounds of sensitive information to be shredded. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders, but staples and paper clips are acceptable. Please do not tie bags or tape boxes!
For additional information on identity theft prevention and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.
