There are nearly 9.9 million incidents of identity theft every year in the U.S. This equates to approximately 19 people falling victim to identity theft every minute. According to the FTC, it takes the average victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each identity theft crime. This is why your BBB held its annual Secure Your ID Day last Friday, May 11, 2012 in the parking lot of KWQC HD TV 6. With the generous help of Cintas, we were able to shred more than 57,300 pounds of paper, which is equivalent to 29 tons!
While many identities were protected, basements, attics and storage closets around the metro became much cleaner as well. This event was also good for the environment as the shredded paper will ultimately be recycled to make other paper products.
By shredding and recycling with Cintas, we helped saved:• 487 trees• 86 cubic yards of landfill• 57 barrels of oil• 200,550 gallons of water
The BBB offers a special thanks to Cintas, DHCU Community Credit Union, and KWQC HD TV 6 for sponsoring this important event.
To protect your identity year round, consider the following tips:
• Check your credit reports every year. Free reports can be obtained at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. Under Federal Law, you are entitled to a copy of each of your three reports once each year.• Check your earnings statement. If someone secures a job using your social security number, the wages earned will be reported in your annual earnings statement from the U.S. Social Security Administration.• Don’t carry sensitive documents in your wallet. Keep your social security card and rarely used credit cards in a safe place at home.• Store important electronic documents externally and not on your computer.• Review monthly financial statements. Be sure you can account for all charges on all accounts.
