BBB Hosts Free Document Shredding, Computer Recycling
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) along with GreenPath Debt Solutions are hosting National Protect Your Identity Week October 16 through 22.
Residents and small businesses are encouraged to take an important step in identity protection by attending BBB's Secure Your ID Day community shred and computer recycling event on Saturday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the BBB Office parking lot in Southfield.
Overall losses from identity fraud in 2010 exceeded $37 billion according to a 2011 report from Javelin Strategy and Research. The report also indicated that the average consumer out-of-pocket cost due to identity fraud increased to $631 per incident in 2010 which is up 63% from $387 in 2009 and incidences of "friendly fraud" (identity theft committed by someone known to the victim) grew seven percent.
Residents can bring up to three boxes or bags of sensitive paper documents to be shredded on the spot for free by event partner Cintas. If you bring more than three boxes or bags, a $10 fee will be imposed per box/bag, with proceeds supporting the BBB Educational Foundation.
Understanding that used computers are also targeted by identity thieves, event partner Cintas will provide consumers the ability to have their computer hard drives, detached from the PC, printer, copier or scanner, destroyed on the spot for just $10 dollars per unit.
Global Electric Electronic Processing of Michigan will also be collecting used desktops, laptops, keyboards, mice, DVD and VCR players free of charge. They will also accept computer monitors, printers and televisions for a fee ranging from $5 to $25 per unit.
All shredded paper, destroyed hard drives and electronic equipment from this event will be recycled to protect the environment and BBB staff will be on-site to provide expert advice and tips for identity theft protection.
Our Secure Your ID Day partner, GreenPath Debt Solutions, will also provide on-site certified counselors to educate about their services and schedule one-on-one counseling sessions.
For more information visit detroit.bbb.org or call 248-799-0326.
