Document Shredding Event Could Help Protect Against Identity Theft

NEWARK, CA — We've all been there sorting through our mail on a regular basis and making those piles of things we need to keep and things we need to toss, and as more and more junk mail seems to clog our mailboxes people can sometimes be careless with what they just toss in the trash and for for identity thieves, garbage and recycling bins can be a veritable treasure troves of invaluable information.

"Bank and credit card statements, pre-approval offers, utility bills, letters from the IRS, and a whole host of other items that arrive in the mail every day seem fair fodder for the trash, a blog post on Discover's CardSmarts website said. "But, in reality these documents could contain sensitive information including bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers. In the wrong hands, this information can mean your money and identity security are, well, trashed."

Discover gives several tips for keeping your identity safe from those dumpster diving thieves and number one on their list? Shredding.

"Making your information illegible to would-be thieves is one of the best ways to help prevent identity theft," the blog post said. "Whether you use a professional shredding company, a personal shredder, or your bare hands and brute strength, rip it, cut it, shred it, or tear it before you toss it."

To help residents protect themselves from identity thieves, the city of Newark has announced it will hold a document shredding event on Oct. 7.

The city said appointments are required to attend the free event which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents can make an appointment by sending an email to the city with preferred times for their appointment.

Residents can bring up to two standard sized banker boxes (24 inch x 15 inch x 10 inch) or other boxes similar in size per household to the event which will be held at the Newark Service Center, 37440 Filbert Street, for shredding.

Those wishing to take part in the event will need to verify their residency in the city and should bring a copy of their identification and a utility bill if not already verified ahead of time via email.

"Space is limited and appointments will be booked in the order they are received," the city said, adding that wait times may vary based on appointments.

For more information, call (510) 578-4806.