Consumers invited to drop off up to two "banker boxes" of documents; asked to bring non-perishable food item for Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Every year, scores of Americans have their identities stolen, with the U.S. Department of Justice estimating that approximately 16.6 million people nationwide experience identity theft annually. While data breaches at major retailers have made headlines, many scam artists use much more low-tech methods to gain access to your personal information – like digging through your trash.
One of the easiest ways to prevent identity theft is by shredding documents that contain personal information, such as bank statements, bills and credit card offers. To help Rhode Islanders safely dispose of unwanted confidential documents, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is again hosting a series of free "shred-a-thon" events throughout the state. And, once again Attorney General Kilmartin is partnering with Doc Shredding Corp. and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in asking the public to bring a non-perishable food item when they drop off their documents.
In prior years, Attorney General Kilmartin's shred-a-thons were held during National Consumer Protection Week in March. However, this year due to the extreme inclement weather, the shred-a-thons will be held during the week of May 11-16, 2015. Holding the shred-a-thons after Tax Season also gives consumers the opportunity to dispose of unneeded financial documents.
"Every year, the popularity of our shred-a-thon events has steadily increased, and I am thrilled that Rhode Islanders continue to take advantage of this free way to safely dispose of documents that contain personal information that, if in the wrong hands, could make them victims of identity theft," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "In order to accommodate even more consumers, we've moved the dates of our events back so that the weather won't prohibit people from coming. These events don't just help prevent ID theft – the materials are recycled after being securely shredded, and we are also collecting non-perishable food items for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Participants can feel good in knowing that while they are protecting their identities, they are also helping to keep tons of material out of our local landfills and, at the same time, helping neighbors in need."
The shred-a-thons are free and open to the public. All consumers are invited to drop off up to two "banker boxes" of documents for shredding. (A full list of dates and locations is below.)
The secure shredding service is provided by Doc Shredding Corp., whose securely locked trucks will be at the shred-a-thon events. Consumers can load their documents on the truck and receive a "certificate of destruction" from Doc Shredding, which certifies that all documents collected will be handled and destroyed with the highest degree of security. Materials are transported back to Doc Shredding Corp.'s secure facility, shredded to a fine confetti and baled on a large plant-based shredder. This offers the same level of security and confidentiality as mobile shredding, but is a "greener" option than having a diesel truck running continuously. The shredded documents are then recycled, thereby keeping tons of material out of Rhode Island landfills.
"Doc Shredding Corporation is proud once again to participate with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office assisting the residents of Rhode Island in the safe shredding and recycling of sensitive information," said Brian Johnson, President of Doc Shredding Corp. "2015 marks our fifth anniversary working on behalf of the Attorney General helping RI residents keep their identity and personal information safe and secure. Far too often people throw documents into the trash or recycle container containing information that can be salvaged by identity theft professionals. Shredding these documents is a very simple step consumers can take to protect their identity and personal information. This has been a popular and important initiative in the past and has collected thousands of pounds of items for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. I hope to see you there!
Recognizing the demand for food assistance across the state, the Attorney General is asking participants to once again consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Most-needed food items include peanut butter, canned soups, stews and vegetables, dried or canned beans, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, tuna fish and nutritious cereal.
Each month, 63,000 people rely on the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's statewide network of 169 agencies that provide food at 214 sites to help meet their basic food needs. Among those most greatly affected by food insecurity are children, seniors and the working poor.
"Despite an improving economy, the need for food assistance continues at a near-record high in Rhode Island, because so many adults are still struggling to make ends meet and feed their families," says Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. "We appreciate the Attorney General's efforts on our behalf. Every can of food and every dollar that is donated will be put to good use to support our neighbors in need."
Shred-a-Thon Locations
Monday, May 11
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pilgrim Senior Center
27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lincoln Senior Center
150 Jenckes Hill Road, Lincoln
Tuesday, May 12
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Westerly Senior Center
39 State Street, Westerly
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cranston Senior Center
1070 Cranston Street, Cranston
Wednesday, May 13
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Johnston Senior Center
1291 Hartford Avenue, Johnston
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
North Kingstown Community Center (parking lot)
30 Beach Street, North Kingstown
Thursday, May 14
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Middletown Police Department
123 Valley Road, Middletown
Friday, May 15
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
East Providence Senior Center
610 Waterman Avenue, East Providence
Saturday, May 16
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Pawtucket City Hall
137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket
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 consumers@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.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a non-profit organization located in Providence, RI. The Food Bank solicits, stores and distributes food products donated by supermarkets, wholesalers, food processors, local farmers and community food drives. In the past fiscal year, the Food Bank distributed 9.9 million pounds of food to its statewide network of 169 member agencies. For more information about the Food Bank, please visit www.rifoodbank.org.