SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Identity theft is a crime of opportunity in which the scammer gets key pieces of personal information and uses them to rob you.
The Better Business Bureau is hosting its annual "Shred It Event" tomorrow at three Sioux Falls locations..
Jessie Schmidt with the BBB says this is an opportunity to safely destroy up to three boxes or bags of sensitive document reducing the chances of identity theft. Schmidt says one way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft is to shred records that contain personal information before throwing them away.
She says an identity thief can use your name and information to buy items with your credit card, get new credit cards, open a phone or utility account, steal your tax refund, get medical care or pretend to be you if they're arrested.
It can begin with paper documents that are thoughtlessly tossed in the garbage.
"Shred It Event" is Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at three locations: Minnwest Bank at 5001 S Louise Ave, Washington High School at 6th St and Sycamore St and at the Pavilion Parking Lot/Ramp at 13th St and Main Ave. A suggested donation of $5 per box or bag is requested to help law enforcement in the Sioux Empire fight crime.
Schmidt says you won't have to take personal documents out of their binders or folders because Dakota Data Shred and GoodShred machines will annihilate everything. She says both companies have certification with national accreditation organizations to make sure that they lawfully handle personal or business records.