Local Paper Shredding Events Aim To Prevent Identity Theft
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With identity theft very much a reality in today's world, an area credit union wanted to help reduce the risk by holding a free document shredding event at three locations in the Philadelphia area on Saturday.
One of the events was held In the parking lot of the CBS Broadcast Center in Spring Garden.
Those dropping off bags and boxes full of paper work could watch the mobile shredder truck attack the documents through television monitor, giving many some peace of mind.
"I feel a lot more secure," says Glenn Delee of West Philadelphia. "I don't worry about my name coming up a couple years later with bad credit, so it's a good thing."
Jessica Bennett is a loan officer at SB1 Federal Credit Union, which hosted the event. She says shredding your documents could help prevent major headaches if sensitive information gets into the wrong hands.
"It does take a lot of time to clear everything up," Bennett says. "You have to provide lots more documentation to prove who you are. Your credit could be effected."
All the bits of paper, each no bigger than, a thumbnail will eventually be recycled.
The other two shredding events were held along Renaisance Road in King of Prussia and at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on South Broad Street.