SHRED EVENTS: Fighting Identity Theft in New York

Combating fraud is a priority for AARP New York, which represents approximately 750,000 members age 50-plus in the five boroughs of New York City. In a 2014 report, AARP New York found that identity theft or credit card fraud had impacted roughly one-fifth to one-fourth of 50+ voters in New York City, and 75% are concerned with becoming a victim of identity theft, which was tops among all types of fraud.

One way to keep your identity safe is to shred documents containing personal information. This includes bank and credit card statements, tax forms and medical bills. Forty-one percent of respondents age 50 and older shred documents once a week or more.

That is why AARP and the New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer have come together to host a series of Shred Day events.

"Identity theft is one of the most prevalent types of fraud encountered by people age 50 and over,” said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York.  “By doing something as simple as shredding their documents, New Yorkers can safeguard their identity along with their hard earned credit rating and retirement savings from unscrupulous thieves.  AARP New York is pleased to see the success of this joint effort with Comptroller Stringer and we thank him for his leadership in providing this vital service to New Yorkers,” added Finkel.

Four Shred Day events were hosted earlier this summer, with two more events coming up this fall:

Saturday, October 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until truck is filled)
St. Marks AME
Church Parking Lot
95 18 Northern Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
This event is in partnership with the Office of City Comptroller, Scott Stinger, and New York State Senator Jose R. Peralta, New York City Council Member Julissa Ferreras, and New York State Assembly Member Jeffrion L. Aubry.

Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until truck is filled)
Xaverian High School
Parking Lot
7100 Shore Road
Brooklyn, NY 11209
This event is in partnership with the Office of City Comptroller, Scott Stinger, and New York State Senator Martin J. Golden.

Thursday, October 29 from 10am to 2pm  (or until truck is filled)
Knights of Columbus,
397 Clarke Avenue,
Staten Island, NY 10306
This event is in partnership with the Office of City Comptroller Scott Stinger.


Friday, October 30th, 2015, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until truck is filled)
Red Hook Senior Center
Joseph Miccio Community Center
120 West 9th St,
Brooklyn, NY 11231
This event is in partnership with the Office of City Comptroller, Scott Stinger, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Assembly Member Felix W. Ortiz, and Council Member Carlos Menchaca.

Sunday, November 1, 2015,  11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (or until truck is full)
JCC Rockland
450 West Nyack Road,
Nyack, NY 10994
This event is sponsored by the Rockland County AARP Chapter #1577 and JCC Rockland.

Visit the AARP Magazine for more tips on how to protect yourself against identity theft.