Come Join Us Saturday, April 21, 2012
for Secure Your ID Day!
The first rule in identity protection - If you don’t need it, destroy it...responsibly.
BBB is partnering with the San Mateo Credit Union and Shred-it to bring you Secure Your ID Day in conjunction with the 2012 National Protect Your Identity Campaign. Hundreds of free identity theft protection educational and shredding events will be hosted in communities across the nation, so please bring up to 3 boxes/bags of paper documents that contain information you don’t want in the hands of identity thieves, and we’ll shred it for you on the spot—for FREE.
WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2012
TIME: 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: South San Francisco
San Mateo Credit Union
150 El Camino Real
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(Parking lot)
In 2010, identity theft cost Americans $37 billion and affected 8.1 million adults, according to Javelin Research & Strategy. The average consumer lost $631 to identity theft.
“Identity theft is a serious crime affecting a wide population,” said Gene O’Neil, president of Goldengate BBB. “Shredding sensitive documents is an excellent way to help in preventing the crime.”
Consumers are urged to shred anything containing financial information, account numbers, PINs, birth dates or Social Security numbers.
BBB offers the following top five ways consumers can safeguard their identities, in addition to shredding sensitive documents
1. Check your credit report at least once each year. There is only one source authorized to give you one free annual credit file disclosure each year from each of the three consumer credit reporting companies: Call 877-322-8228 or visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com
2. Keep your computer system and browser software up to date, and set to the highest security level you can tolerate.
3. Never use e-mail to communicate sensitive personal information such as your user name, password, Social Security number or credit card number.
4. Don’t store passwords, tax returns or other financial information on your computer hard drive.
5. Don’t use your cell phone to store credit card numbers or other financial information.
About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reviews on businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.goldengate.bbb.org for more information or contact Rex Albright (510) 844-2068.
