AARP Wyoming to Host ShredFest in Gillette

AARP Wyoming

Northern Wyoming residents are encouraged to securely dispose of sensitive documents at a ShredFest at the Campbell County Senior Center in Gillette on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

The event allows for the safe, free, on-site shredding of personal documents. Please limit your shredding to two banker boxes that can be brought to the ShredFest, it is requested that all paperclips and bindings are removed from paper before it is shredded.

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: Pre-approved 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.

ShredFests are one component of AARP’s commitment to fighting fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network launched in 2013 as a free resource for people of all ages. Consumers may sign up for “Watchdog Alert” emails that deliver information about scams, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. The Fraud Watch Network website provides information about fraud and scams, prevention tips from experts, an interactive scam-tracking map, fun educational quizzes, and video presentations featuring Fraud Watch Network Ambassador Frank Abagnale.

“AARP has made fighting fraud a priority for our members and the country at-large,” said AARP Wyoming State Director Sam Shumway. “One way we do that is by keeping documents with bank account and personal information out of the hands of scammers.”

For more information, contact Tanya Johnson at tajohnson@aarp.org or 307-214-7965. Campbell County residents are also encouraged to contact Ann Rossi at arossi@gilletteseniors.org or 307-686-0804 for further details.