(Metro Creative)

From Staff Reports

Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas is part of an expansive network of local BBBs across North America which collaborate to produce Secure-Your-ID events. The program is a BBB-branded identity theft, fraud prevention and educational initiative that features on-site document destruction and distribution of identity protection tips and resources to local communities.

“A large number of identity theft victims traced the theft to something which was stolen from their possession,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas. “BBB Shred Day is an opportunity for local consumers and businesses to take some proactive measures to prevent identity theft and help the environment through free on-site document shredding, cell phone and computer recycling.”

On Saturday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to noon at BBB Tyler offices (6115 New Copeland Rd.), companies and individuals can shred up to three hundred pounds of paper per vehicle at no charge. Please note that no boxes will be taken. Please bring your documents in a plastic bin, plastic garbage bag, or in a box you can keep.

Ark La Tex Shredding is generously donating their services. Goodwill Industries will be providing recycling services for electronic equipment. Special thanks to event sponsors Kelly Community Federal Credit Union, Integrity Financial, Thrivent, Burns Commercial Properties, AVCO Roofing, and Childress Wealth Management.

For more information about the events, contact BBB at 903-581-5704 or by going to bbb.org A guide to documents which should be retained can be found on bbb.org.