Newport News, Va. – The Newport News Sheriff’s Office is taking action to help prevent identity theft.
The Sheriff’s office has partnered with Stealth Shredding to host a “Free Shred Day” on Thursday, August 15, 2013. The event is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Home Depot, located near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Bland Boulevard in Newport News.
The event is free, and open to the public.
Destroying personal identifying documents is one way to keep a thief from using your name to conduct unscrupulous business, Sheriff’s officials say.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. What do the thieves do with those identities? They can rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, and establish utility accounts in the victim’s names, among other things. The victim may not discover the theft until they are contacted by a debt collector.
Synergy Recycling team members will also be at this event, to collect unwanted electronic equipment free of charge. Another free service will be provided by the Oyster Point Mariner Lions Club; they will be offering sight and hearing tests for all ages. This is a good time for parents to have their child’s vision checked before the start of a new school year, Sheriff’s officials say.
Event Details:
WHO: Newport News Sheriff’s Office and Stealth Shredding, Inc.
WHAT: FREE SHRED DAY! Open to the Public
WHEN: Thursday, August 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Home Depot, 325 Chatham Drive (near Jefferson Ave. and Bland Blvd.) Newport News, VA
OTHER: FREE sight and hearing tests and FREE electronics collection and recycling offered during the event
