The Rochester Shredding Event, organized by AARP and the Better Business Bureau, aimed to combat scams and identity theft, which are on the rise. People were encouraged to shred personal or sensitive documents at ABC (Ability Building Community) in Rochester to prevent criminals from accessing their information. While older individuals are often targeted by scammers, the event was open to everyone.
Jay Haapala, the associate state director of community engagement at AARP Minnesota, emphasized the importance of shredding documents that contain personal information such as date of birth, social security number, and account details. However, tax-related documents should not be shredded and should be kept for five to seven years in case of an audit.
Julie Kiedrowski, vice president of business and consumer services at the Better Business Bureau, stressed the importance of following government recommendations when it comes to keeping important documents. The event at ABC was a one-time opportunity for people to safely shred their documents, and attendees were advised to invest in a personal shredder to prevent sensitive information from being accessed by others.
According to Haapala, identity theft can have serious consequences on an individual’s life. It can lead to financial losses and damage credit scores. That’s why it is crucial for people to take proactive steps in protecting their personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Kiedrowski added that reporting scams is essential for creating a safer environment for consumers. She advised individuals who suspect they have fallen victim to a scam or identity theft incident to contact the Better Business Bureau immediately so that action can be taken against those responsible.
