BBB of Eastern North Carolina Hosts Free Shredding Event September 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Cindy Stranad
[email protected]
(919) 232-5008 x101

Beverly Baskin, BBB
[email protected]
(919) 277-4202

BBB Hosts Free Shredding Event September 20
Identity Theft Protection Advice offered at “Secure Your ID” Day

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 5, 2008) — The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina announces today it will host local shredding events for individuals and small businesses on Saturday, September 20. The “Secure Your ID” Day locations are Raleigh’s Ridgewood Shopping Center and Falls River Town Center. The events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring up to three boxes or bags of documents to be shredded. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders. BBB and other participating organizations will provide tips and resources to help protect your identity.

“Shredding sensitive paper documents is an important first step, but it doesn’t end there,” says Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of BBB of Eastern North Carolina. “That’s why BBB experts will also be distributing important advice and simple steps everyone can take to prevent ID theft in their daily lives, both online and off.”

In 2007, 8.1 million Americans became victims of ID theft, resulting in the loss of $45 billion, according to a 2008 report from Javelin Strategy and Research. The report notes that the majority (56 percent) of ID theft occurs when the thief had direct contact with the victim’s personal information, through a stolen or lost wallet, rifling through a personal mailbox or trashcan, or even lifting documents from inside a home or business.

The BBB is challenging Triangle consumers and businesses to top the 5 tons of sensitive personal documents that were securely destroyed during its spring shredding event this year.

“We’re looking to build upon the momentum created at our first event in May,” adds Baskin. “Our goal here is to empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft and make information less accessible.”

For more information, visit www.easternnc.bbb.org/secureID.

About BBB of Eastern North Carolina:
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,200 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit www.bbb.org.

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