AARP and Better Business Bureau team up for document shredding event – ABC 6 News

AARP and BBB Host Shredding Event to Combat Scams and Identity Theft

Scams and identity theft are on the rise, but AARP and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are fighting back. On Wednesday, they hosted a shredding event at ABC (Ability Building Community) in Rochester, where people could safely dispose of personal or sensitive documents.

Jay Haapala, the associate state director of community engagement for AARP Minnesota, emphasized the importance of shredding documents with personal information like social security numbers and account details. While older individuals are often targeted by scammers, the event was open to everyone.

Julie Kiedrowski, vice president of business and consumer services at BBB, advised against shredding tax-related documents, recommending that they be kept for five to seven years in case of an audit.

This one-day event aimed to raise awareness about the risks of identity theft and provide a secure way for community members to dispose of sensitive information. Moving forward, individuals are encouraged to invest in a shredder and avoid simply tearing up documents, as this may not provide adequate protection.

For more information on AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and reporting scams to BBB, visit their respective websites. Stay informed and stay safe in the digital age.