Stop Fraud! Dispose of Documents Safely at Free Community Shred Events

Combating fraud is an ongoing battle as criminals are becoming increasingly more sophisticated at obtaining people’s personal information. One way to circumvent scammers and thieves is to shred any documents that contain your personal information but doing so can be cumbersome and expensive.

Velasquez, Beth

That is why AARP New Mexico will be conducting three shred events across the state on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, allowing people to shred some of their documents for free.

Participants are limited to two bankers’ boxes of materials or garbage bags. The events run on a first come, first served basis starting at 10 a.m. to noon or until the truck is full.

“Criminals wanting access to people’s hard-earned dollars are coming at us from all sides,” said Gary Williams, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for Community Outreach. “I think most of us are constantly getting a lot of questionable phone calls, as well as, emails, all in hopes of tricking us into giving up valuable personal information.”

“That is why AARP New Mexico, in partnership with AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, offers free community shred events from time to time. These allow people to dispose of any documents containing sensitive information, including your home address or telephone number or dealing with your finances,” Williams said.

“We will also share tips on how you can prevent becoming a victim of fraud often by just taking a few steps and being diligent about how criminals will try to trick you into giving up information,” he said.

One thing to remember as well is scammers are very good at what they do and it is easy to fall prey to fraud. However, many people hesitate to report such crimes because they are embarrassed, feeling they should know better.

“We want people to know that they aren’t alone and that many people every year are victims of these clever criminals. You help other people avoid becoming a victim by reporting the crimes,” Williams said.

In 2022, the Consumer Sentinel Network reported that the top scams in New Mexico were imposter scams – where someone pretends to be someone they aren’t; identity theft; and online shopping. The state ranked 33 in the nation for fraud causing $38.2 million with the average person losing $700.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can also help. The network is a place people can go to get information on what scams are trending in their area, report an attempted scam or fraud and get information on what

to do if you are a victim.

The three shredding events will be held in the following communities and locations:

· Santa Fe – Santa Fe Place Mall, near the JC Penney’s Parking Lot, 4250 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507. Go to https://events.aarp.org/LV42vz for more information or to sign-up.

· Las Cruces -- Walmart Super Center, 571 Walton Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Go to https://events.aarp.org/ekXG9P for more information or to sign-up.

· Albuquerque --- Reservations are required for this event. Black Dog Shredding, 2800 Vassar Dr NE Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Go to http://aarp.cvent.com/ABQ for more information.