The
Federal Trade Commission estimates that approximately 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft every year; while the FTC's
2011 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book indicates that in roughly half of these cases the victims’ identities are compromised through physical methods like mail theft or dumpster diving. Better Business Bureau reminds people to securely destroy unneeded materials that contain personal identifiers.
What can identity thieves do with personal information?
- Open new checking or savings accounts
- Gain access to real accounts
- Establish new lines of credit
- Change addresses to redirect mail
- Obtain medical treatment or prescriptions
- Commit crimes
- Pass background checks
- Steal children’s identities
What can people do to protect personal information?
On Oct. 20, 2012, Better Business Bureau
will be hosting Secure Your ID Day events at locations across the Pacific Northwest. Drive up to drop off three bags or boxes of unwanted documents—no cardboard, three-ring binders or damp material—and have them securely shredded on-the-spot for free. BBB will also be collecting unused cellular devices for Verizon’s HopeLine, which wipes the data from phones and allocates them to victims of domestic abuse.
Alaska:
Join BBB, Wells Fargo and Shred Alaska at the Salvation Army Community Center at 1701 C Street in Anchorage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; along with free document shredding, the 2nd annual
Financial Fitness Fair will offer educational workshops, free credit reports, snacks and prizes.
Oregon:
Join BBB, ECO Car Wash, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions and Shred-it at 5020 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; attendees will receive a discount card for $1 off any wash package from ECO Car Wash.
Western Washington:
Join BBB and American Data Guard at McClain Insurance Services at 10410 19th Ave SE, Ste. 100, in Everett from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For event information, contact BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington at
events@thebbb.org.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
For 100 years, BBB has been advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
