11 Shred-a-Thons to be Held Across Rhode Island - New Locations Added
Back by popular demand, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is once again holding a week-long series of "shred-a-thons" across Rhode Island to help consumers safely and securely get rid of documents and materials that may contain personal identifying information.
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 make 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, investment statements, bills and credit card offers.
The Office of Attorney General is partnering with Doc Shredding Corp., a National Information Destruction Association-certified information destruction contractor, and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in asking the public to bring a non-perishable food item when they drop off their documents.
The shred-a-thons are free and open to the public. All consumers are invited to drop off up to two boxes or paper shopping bags of documents for shredding. (A full list of dates and locations is below.)
"Each year, more and more Rhode Islanders turn out for our shred-a-thons, which is a testament that our consumers are well-educated on the financial and emotional toll of being a victim of identity theft and are better prepared to protect them from being a victim," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Like a lot of the folks who come to our shred-a-thons, I toss bills, statements, and other sensitive documents I no longer need in a box next to my desk until they can be safely shredded. It's a great habit that more and more Rhode Island consumers are picking up. And, I am grateful to our partner Doc Shredding for providing this service each year at no cost to the office or the consumer. Doc Shredding has been a terrific partner in our ongoing efforts to provide valuable services and information to consumers."
"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!"
How it works: 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.
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, 60,000 people rely on the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's statewide network of 167 member agencies to help meet their basic food needs. Among those most greatly affected by food insecurity are some of the most vulnerable members of society: children and seniors.
"Every day, we see so many individuals still struggling to make ends meet. They rely on our network of food pantries to provide them with healthy and nutritious food," 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."
2016 Shred-a-Thon Schedule
Monday, May 2nd 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Walgreens 533 Elmwood Avenue, Providence
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lincoln Senior Center 150 Jenckes Hill Road, Lincoln
Tuesday, May 3rd 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Westerly Senior Center 39 State Street, Westerly
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. North Kingstown Town Beach Parking Lot 10 Beach Street, North Kingstown
Wednesday, May 4th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Johnston Senior Center 1291 Hartford Avenue, Johnston
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cranston Senior Center 1070 Cranston Street, Cranston
Thursday, May 5th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Walgreens 1 Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Middletown Police Department 123 Valley Road, Middletown
Friday, May 6th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. East Providence Senior Center 610 Waterman Avenue, East Providence
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pilgrim Senior Center 27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick
Saturday, May 7th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pawtucket City Hall Parking Lot 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 The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to 60,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 167 member agencies including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers. The Food Bank solicits food donations from the public and from the food industry, including supermarkets, food manufacturers and growers. To keep up with the high demand for food assistance, the Food Bank also purchases food at low cost from wholesalers. In 2015, the Food Bank distributed 9.7 million pounds of food. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization. For more information, visit www.rifoodbank.org.