Annual Spring Free Paper Shredding Event In Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — The Oswego Police Department and First National Bank of Oswego are partnering to bring an annual spring free document shredding service to the community from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18 at the bank's Oswego location, at 6601 US Route 34. Police said attendees may bring up to three large file boxes full of papers to be shredded.

According to police, important personal documents no longer needed that should be shredded may include charge receipts, copies of credit card applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements, or expired charge cards and credit offers.

Identity theft is a serious crime, and can take place when your personal information is stolen from businesses or other institutions, your mailbox, trash, online "phishing" scams, or through "skimming" devices, police said.

"Those who are victimized can spend countless hours and money cleaning up the mess thieves have made of one’s good name and credit record," Oswego police said, in a release sent to Patch. "Vigilance in protecting personal information is crucial."

To help prevent this from happening to you, manage your personal information carefully and wisely.

For more information on identity theft, visit oswegopoliceil.org and click on the Community Programs and Services link.