ABC 6 News: AARP and Better Business Bureau Partner for Document Shredding Event

Scams and identity theft are on the rise, making it more important than ever to protect personal information. To address this issue, AARP and the Better Business Bureau hosted a shredding event at ABC in Rochester. This event allowed people to shred any personal or sensitive documents in order to prevent scammers from obtaining valuable information.

Individuals of all ages were welcome to participate in the shredding event, as scammers often target older individuals. Jay Haapala, an associate state director at AARP Minnesota, emphasized the importance of shredding documents containing personal information such as dates of birth, social security numbers, and account details. These types of information can pose a risk if they fall into the wrong hands.

While shredding documents is essential for safeguarding personal information, there are certain documents that should not be shredded. Tax-related documents should be kept for a period of five to seven years, according to Julie Kiedrowski, vice president of the Better Business Bureau. This practice aligns with government recommendations and can be crucial in case of an audit.

The shredding event at ABC was a one-time opportunity for individuals to dispose of sensitive documents safely. Going forward, it is recommended to invest in a personal shredder and avoid simply tearing up papers. Taking these precautions can help prevent identity theft and fraud.

For more information on protecting against scams, individuals can visit AARP’s Fraud Watch Network website. To report scams and stay informed about fraudulent activities, the Better Business Bureau provides a platform for tracking and reporting suspicious behavior.