The Rochester Shredding Event hosted by AARP and the Better Business Bureau was a huge success in the fight against scams and identity theft. The event, held at ABC in Rochester, allowed people to safely shred any personal or sensitive documents to protect themselves from potential criminals.
Jay Haapala, the associate state director of community engagement for AARP Minnesota, emphasized the importance of shredding documents with personal information such as social security numbers and account details. He explained that while some people may be hesitant to shred documents with their address on them, it is crucial to protect more sensitive information.
Julie Kiedrowski, vice president of business and consumer services at the Better Business Bureau, advised against shredding tax-related documents, recommending that they be kept for five to seven years in case of an audit. She stressed the importance of following government recommendations to maintain a thorough financial history.
Although the event at ABC was a one-time opportunity, individuals were encouraged to invest in a personal shredder to protect their information in the future. Both AARP and the Better Business Bureau provided resources for individuals to learn more about fraud prevention and report any suspicious activity.
Overall, the Rochester Shredding Event was a proactive step in safeguarding personal information and preventing scams in the community. By raising awareness and providing resources, AARP and the Better Business Bureau are empowering individuals to protect themselves from potential threats.
