Free "Shred-A-Thon" to fight ID Theft in Birmingham on August 27

Contact: Jamie Harding
Phone: 205-470-1265
JHarding@aarp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2014

Free Shred-A-Thon to fight Identity Theft in Birmingham on Wednesday, August 27

Non-perishable food donations will be collected for Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Birmingham, AL – AARP Alabama, WBRC Fox 6 and Secure Destruction Service will stage a free community Shred-A-Thon on Wednesday, August 27 from 7 AM to 2 PM in the 1500 block of 1st Avenue South, near Railroad Park and Regions Field.

Birmingham-area residents are invited to bring 2 to 3 bags or file boxes of paper materials to be shredded. It’s important to note that 3-ring binders, spiral binders, and plastic, metal or household trash will not be accepted for shredding. Local businesses wishing to shred large amounts of documents will be provided with information from Secure Destruction Service on how to arrange for that service.

Shredding personal documents, including old bank statements, canceled checks, credit card offers, and any paperwork containing account numbers and Social Security numbers, is highly recommended to help protect against identity theft.

“AARP Alabama is excited to be working with WBRC Fox 6 and Secure Destruction Service on this Shred-A-Thon, and to raise awareness of the dangers of identity theft, fraud and scams happening right here in Birmingham,” said AARP Alabama Interim State Director Candace Williams.

While the Shred-A-Thon is free to the community, a non-perishable food donation to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is being encouraged. Volunteers will be at the Shred-A-Thon accepting those food donations.

AARP has launched the Fraud Watch Network, a national campaign to fight fraud and ID theft and give consumers access to information about how to protect themselves and their families. For more information on AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, a free service available to people of all ages, please go to www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

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