Attorney General Peter Kilmartin joined Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian at a press conference today to kick off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). To recognize the 13th Annual NCPW, the Attorney General is hosting consumer education and awareness events through the week, including “shred-a-thons” across Rhode Island. National Consumer Protection Week, scheduled for March 6th – 12th, is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions.
Throughout the week, the Attorney General will share tips and information that help consumers protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, and avoid frauds and scams. As part of NCPW, Attorney General Kilmartin is partnering with Doc Shredding to hold free “shred-a-thon” events throughout Rhode Island, from Woonsocket to Wakefield. All consumers are invited to drop off up to two “banker boxes” worth of confidential documents for shredding. (see below for a list of dates and locations).
“It’s never too early or too late to become a more informed consumer,” said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. “One of the smartest actions we can take is to provide consumers with detailed information on how to avoid being scammed in the first place. As consumers, we have the power to shut down scam artists and identity thieves by being vigilant in protecting our privacy and safeguarding our identities.”
Shredding events are being held at:
Tuesday, March 8, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. City of Warwick Pilgrim Senior Center 27 Pilgrim Parkway Warwick
Wednesday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Woonsocket Public Library 303 Clinton Street Woonsocket
Thursday, March 10, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Middletown Police Station 123 Valley Road Middletown
Friday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Stedman Government Center 4808 Tower Hill Road Wakefield
Saturday, March 12, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Office of the Attorney General 150 South Main Street Providence
“The old adage of ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ rings true for identity thieves,” added Attorney General Kilmartin. “Scam artists know the best place to obtain confidential information about you is from your trash. Too many consumers simply toss old bills, receipts, or other documents that contain identifying information. It is important to completely rid papers or any shred of personal or identifying information before it is tossed in the trash. The best way to ensure that is accomplished is through shredding.”
"I strongly encourage our residents to take advantage of this free program," said Mayor Avedisian. "It's a convenient and simple way to take an additional step to safeguard your identity and personal security. My thanks to Attorney General Kilmartin's office and our staff for coordinating a collection in Warwick."
The secure shredding service, which is free to the public, is provided by Doc Shredding. Doc Shredding trucks are equipped with state of the art, powerful shredders that can shred just about everything. Once inside the completely enclosed trucks, documents are shredded to a fine confetti and transported to a recycle plant where they become recycled paper products.
“We are committed and exited to be working in cooperation with the Attorney General’s office during this week to help provide the people of Rhode Island a helping hand in the secure disposal of sensitive information. We look forward to being a part of this important public event,” said Brian Johnson, of Doc Shredding Corp.
In addition, the Attorney general will be utilizing social media, including twitter and a blog, to inform the public daily of consumer news with an eye on the more popular methods scam artists employ to steal consumers’ money and identities, and how to best protect yourself or your business from being a victim.
About the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit The Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit investigates and mediates consumer complaints concerning unfair and unlawful business practices and misleading advertising arising out of alleged violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. If groups of people are victimized by a deceptive trade practice, this office may file in the Superior Court a civil investigative demand, which is a formal investigation. In appropriate cases, a lawsuit to stop the illegal business practice may be initiated.
Apart from carrying out its statutory responsibilities, the Unit also provides information and referral services to the general public. Consumers are directed to the appropriate governmental or private agencies for help in answering specialized questions or resolving disputes, that are not within the Unit's jurisdiction.
The Consumer Protection Unit is available to speak to community groups on how to prevent being a victim of identity theft and other scams. If you believe you are a victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Consumer Protection Unit by calling 401-274-4400 or email at contactus@riag.ri.gov.
For daily consumer news and events, to download consumer fraud complaint form, or for more information, please visit www.riag.ri.gov.
About Doc Shredding Corp. Doc Shredding Corp. is a small privately owned company that specializes in the destruction and recycling of confidential information. Doc Shredding Corp is a NAID “AAA” Certified company, providing certified, secure, and confidential destruction of paper files, records, documents, tapes, CD’s, media, hard drives, office equipment and e-waste.