Pennsylvania Operation Stop Scams 2018

Every two seconds someone’s identity is stolen. And it’s not hard to imagine, given all the data breaches in the news lately. Combating fraud is a priority for AARP Pennsylvania and that is why we are launching Operation: Stop Scams.

Identity thieves routinely search through dumpsters and trash cans, looking for confidential information. Shredding confidential documents you no longer need is one good way to protect yourself, and the AARP Fraud Watch Network wants to help. AARP Pennsylvania is hosting a number of free shredding events where shredding services will be available to securely destroy your documents containing personal and sensitive information. You can also learn how to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Shredding services are free of charge and are open to the public.

To avoid having your sensitive information compromised, security experts recommend shredding of the following types of materials:

• Old documents: Papers that carry your Social Security number, birth date, signature, account numbers, passwords or PINs.
• Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips and ATM and credit card receipts, once you receive your monthly statements.
• Credit Cards: Preapproved credit card applications and incentive/gift checks from credit card companies.
• Medical: unneeded medical bills.
• Investments: Investment account statements.
• Obsolete ID cards: Expired driver’s licenses, medical insurance cards, and passports.

More information on how to keep safe from identity theft fraud, and alerts regarding other types of scams, is available from the Fraud Watch Network.

AARP Pennsylvania will be hosting several Operation Stop Scams events across the state. See below for a list of locations and details about the free shredding events:

 

Pittsburgh:

Saturday April 21, 2018
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kennywood Park
4800 Kennywood Blvd
West Mifflin, PA 15122

Please bag all items in paper bags; no on-site disposal of boxes is available.

York:

Saturday April 28, 2018
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Continental Paper Grading
3350 Concord Road
York, PA 17402

Bethlehem:

Saturday May 5, 2018
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020

Note: Maximum of three boxes of documents per vehicle. Box size not to exceed 8x16x12. 

Philadelphia:

Saturday May 12, 2018
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The lot located at DeKalb & Airy Streets
Norristown, PA 19401

 

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Questions? Call 1-866-389-5654