Shred-A-Thon to fight identity theft in Cullman on 9/10/14

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2014

Free “Shred-A-Thon” to fight identity theft in Cullman on Wednesday, September 10

Non-perishable food donations will be collected for the Food Bank of North Alabama

CULLMAN, AL– AARP Alabama, WBRC Fox 6 and Secure Destruction Service will be staging a free community Shred-A-Thon on Wednesday, September 10 from 7 AM to 2 PM in the in the parking lot of the former Walmart store, 1700 2nd Avenue SW in Cullman.

Cullman-area residents are invited to bring a maximum of 3 bags or file boxes of personal documents to be shredded. It’s important to note that 3-ring binders, spiral binders, and plastic, metal or household trash cannot be accepted for shredding.

Local businesses or other organizations wishing to shred large amounts of documents may elect to receive information from Secure Destruction Service on how to arrange for that service.

Shredding personal documents, including old bank statements, tax records, pre-approved 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 Cullman, and in the rest of our state,” 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 Food Bank of North 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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