Identity Thieves Continue to Exploit Trash for Personal Information
When thinking about identity theft, many people imagine sophisticated computer hackers. However, thieves still use old-fashioned methods like rummaging through trash to obtain sensitive information. According to Lechelle Yates from the Better Business Bureau, “They are still going through our trash. They are looking for so many different things.”
Thieves seek various personal details including names, addresses, phone numbers, financial information, and identification numbers. Simply throwing away mail with this information or strip-shredding documents is not enough to protect against identity theft. Strip-shredded documents can be easily reassembled, leaving personal information vulnerable to exploitation.
The consequences of identity theft can be severe. Thieves can open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, take out loans, and even use stolen identities for healthcare or legal purposes. In extreme cases, they might even file bankruptcy under someone else’s name.
For those with many documents to shred, the WFMY News 2 Shred-A-Thon offers a free solution. On Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4 pm to 7 pm, residents can bring up to three boxes or bags of documents to the Greensboro Coliseum. Professional shredding trucks will securely destroy the documents.
To ensure effective shredding, it’s essential to know what to bring. Residents should shred bank statements, documents containing personal information, and account numbers. However, items like magazines and books should not be brought to the event.
Protecting personal information requires vigilance and proper document disposal. The WFMY News 2 Shred-A-Thon provides a valuable service for Greensboro residents to securely shred sensitive documents and reduce the risk of identity theft.
