Save the Essentials and Shred the Rest

AARP Oklahoma, state Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak (R) and KJRH-TV, an NBC affiliate, are hosting a shredding event April 15 to help prevent identity theft.

Each year more than 290,000 Americans are victims of identity theft, including more than 2,300 Oklahomans. By shredding sensitive documents, such as those used to prepare tax returns, consumers can reduce the risk of becoming victims.

The event will be at KJRH-TV, 3701 S. Peoria Ave., in Tulsa, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring personal papers they no longer want. They can also sign up for free watchdog alerts about scams currently happening close to home at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.