Consumers can prevent scams by shredding
sensitive documents
NEW YORK, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since tax
documents contain some of the most identifying information, AARP
New York and state Attorney General Letitia
James today launched the first of a statewide series of free
shredding events at the Boys and Girls Republic at the Henry Street
Settlement in Manhattan.
Fight fraud. Shred it! includes 33
paper-shredding events beginning around the state to help New
Yorkers safely dispose of their outdated personal papers.
The events continue throughout New
York State until May 18,
2024, to coincide with spring cleaning and after taxes
are filed.
"We are committed to offering these free opportunities so that
New Yorkers will feel empowered to fight back against criminals,
who grow more and more sophisticated," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director.
"Fraud reports are surging. In 2023, there were
260,000 incidents of fraud throughout the state,
according to the Federal Trade Commission. That's at a cost of
$401 million. We're here to prevent
more. Shredding documents is a good first step to destroy documents
with identifying information."
New York Attorney General
Letitia James said,
"Scammers don't just cost New Yorkers hundreds of millions of
dollars each year, they rob us of our peace of mind, our sense of
security, and our dignity. That is why I am proud to partner with
AARP to promote this shredding event series throughout the state
that will help educate New Yorkers on how to combat scammers and
ensure they are able to protect private information through proper
disposal of sensitive documents. I encourage anyone who might have
been a victim of a scammer to contact my office and file a
complaint. As Attorney General, I will always work to protect New
Yorkers, and my office will continue to issue consumer alerts and
ensure scammers are brought to justice."
"On behalf of Manhattan's
seniors and their loved ones, I thank AARP for hosting an event
that empowers older New Yorkers to protect themselves against
fraud, deed theft, and scams. The free shredding
service is an excellent way for seniors to securely destroy
sensitive papers and take proactive measures to safeguard their
personal information," said Manhattan Borough President
Mark Levine. "These events are a
testament to AARP's commitment to serving our community and helping
our seniors live safer and more secure lives."
"The safety, financial stability, and dignity of our older adult
community members are among the highest priorities of Henry Street
Settlement," said David Garza,
president and CEO. "We thank the AARP and Attorney General
Letitia James for their ongoing
vigilance against fraud that particularly targets the
most vulnerable individuals. Henry
Street is grateful to AARP for holding this important
shredding event for the second year running and for its outstanding
work to ensure the safety of our older neighbors. Moreover, we
commend the Attorney General for her tireless efforts to fight
fraud across New York
and to protect our community from the profound harm of identity
theft."
The shredding events are being held after Tax Day as people sort
out their finances and clear outdated and sensitive
documents.
Criminals are innovative and constantly changing their methods.
To slow them down, prevention is key. And knowledge gives
individuals power over scammers. AARP will also provide resources
during the events to educate consumers about
fraud.
AARP launched the Fraud Watch Network to arm
Americans with proven tools to fight back against identity theft
and scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips people
with reliable, up-to-date insights, and a free Fraud
Network Helpline is available to help you and your loved
ones.
AARP advocates at the state, federal, and local levels to enact
policy changes that protect consumers and enforce
laws.
Shredding events are held outdoors; some are walk-up and some
are drive-thru. All events will be open to the public.
Visit aarp.org/NYStopScams for exact dates, times and
locations. Those wishing to attend the shredding events must limit
materials to three bags. The events conclude when the on-site
trucks are full, but the sites may close early if trucks fill up.
Paper only and no magazines, newspapers, books, or cardboard.
Shredding services are free and open to the public.
The shredding events are being conducted with support from the
AARP Fraud Watch Network and the AARP Foundation.
Here's a spring-cleaning checklist from security experts to rid
your home of paper with sensitive info:
- Old documents: Papers that carry your Social Security
number, birthdate, signature, account numbers, passwords or PIN
numbers.
- Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips
and ATM and credit card receipts
- 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 yourself safe from identity
theft fraud, and alerts regarding other types of
scams, is available from the Fraud Watch Network at
www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.
Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY and Facebook:
AARP New York
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to
choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP
strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the
more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health
security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also
works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions
and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services
to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and
information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation
publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español
or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social
media.
Shredding services will be performed by a third
party. All documents and information provided for shredding
are subject to that party's privacy and informational security
policies.
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SOURCE AARP New York