Freedom Credit Union is giving area residents a free way to safely dispose of sensitive documents this fall as identity theft and financial fraud remain serious concerns across Massachusetts.
The credit union will host four community shred days in September and October. Residents can bring unwanted paperwork containing personal or financial information, including bills, bank statements, tax returns and other sensitive documents.
According to the most recent data from the Federal Trade Commission, Massachusetts consumers reported 27,141 cases of identity theft in just one year. The state ranks sixth nationwide for identity theft reports per 100,000 residents. Massachusetts consumers also reported $210.3 million in fraud losses in one year.
“Protecting your personal information can start with something as simple as being careful about what you put in the trash,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union. “We want to give people an easy and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents, and we welcome everyone in the community who wants to take advantage of this free service.”
The shred days are open to the public and free of charge. Each vehicle may bring up to five file boxes or paper shopping bags of documents.
Saturday, September 12
54 Fair St., Northampton
Three County Fairgrounds
9–11 a.m
Saturday, September 19
74 Main St., Greenfield
9–11 a.m
Saturday, September 26
1976 Memorial Dr., Chicopee
9–11 a.m
Saturday, October 17
645 Center St., Ludlow
9–11 a.m