The AARP SD Fraud Watch Network is hosting a free shredding event in Rapid City next week as part of Operation: Stop Scams, a series of AARP events nationwide. The goal is to help residents safely dispose of sensitive personal documents which could otherwise leave families vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.
Across the nation, someone’s identity is stolen every two seconds. Despite how common this crime has become, it’s one of the easiest to protect against. As part of “Operation: Stop Scams” the AARP Fraud Watch Network is hosting over 150 free local events in nearly every state.
Free shredding services in Rapid City will be available on Thursday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Rushmore Mall parking lot. Participants are asked to bring their documents in paper or plastic bags as cardboard boxes cannot be shredded. All are welcome and AARP membership is not required. Volunteers will be on hand to distribute information about how you can protect yourself and your family from con artists’ latest tricks.
During a similar event in 2016, AARP SD helped to protect many Black Hills residents by securely shredding more than 6 tons of personal and financial information. Even so, South Dakotans filed nearly 3,300 complaints of fraud and identity theft with the Federal Trade Commission in 2016.
“Many South Dakotans clear out old financial documents at the end of the tax-filing season in April. April also brings the personal finance awareness activities of Money Smart Week,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP SD State Director. “Our shredding events provide a convenient and safe way for people to destroy sensitive paperwork and become smarter about avoiding frauds and scams.”
Money Smart Week, April 22-29, is a collaborative between thousands of organizations across the United States that offer financial education programs, classes and activities.
