BBB Serving Western Virginia reported a record-breaking turnout for their semiannual ‘Secure Your ID’ document shredding event held April 25, 2015 at the Salem Civic Center. BBB served 668 vehicles, resulting in 30,000 lbs of shredded personal documents.
“We are overwhelmed by the number of folks who participated and secured their personal documents. It’s evident that our community is serious about protecting their identity and we are honored to help them achieve that.” said Julie Wheeler, President and CEO of BBB Serving Western VA.
The BBB has been hosting the semiannual event since 2008. BBB’s from across North America join in on the event designed to protect consumers from the growing threat of identity theft. Consumers and businesses are encouraged each April and October to attend this free community service event and properly shred and destroy sensitive documents using industrial shredders supplied by Commonwealth Document Management. BBB staff members also attend each event to provide advice and tips for identity theft protection.
With a new victim of identity theft coming every two seconds, taking a few minutes to shred paper documents could save a consumer from becoming another statistic. 12.7 million Americans became a victim of identity fraud in 2014. It only takes one misplaced personal document to give a thief everything needed to steal your identity.
The BBB will once again host the Secure Your ID event on October 17, 2015.
For more advice on fighting identity theft please visit www.bbb.org or contact the BBB Serving Western VA at (540) 342-3455 or (800) 533-5501.
