Shred to Stay Ahead of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem. Two years ago, 17.6 million Americans 16 and older were victims, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

You can prevent having your identity stolen and your personal information misused by keeping it secure, and AARP and Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU) are teaming up to help.

Bring your personal documents or used electronics to an AARP-BECU shredding event in the Seattle area on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mobile shredding trucks will be available at three locations during the event:

• BECU Tukwila Financial Center, 12770 Gateway Drive, Tukwila.
• BECU Everett Financial Center, 11127 Evergreen Way South, Everett.
• BECU Federal Way-Pavilions Financial Center, 31411 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way.

You may bring up to three grocery bags or two banker’s boxes of sensitive information to be shredded. You may also bring unwanted computers, laptops, monitors, TVs and cellphones.

“We urge people to check credit reports regularly, lock their mailboxes and shred outdated personal documents,” said Leeta Scott, director of the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Call Center.

The events are free and open to the public. To learn more, go to aarp.org/seattle. —Dana E. Neuts