Community Invited to take part in “Secure Your ID” Day
Last year alone, 8.4 million Americans became victims of ID theft, resulting in the loss of nearly $50 billion. Given the scope and magnitude of the ID theft issue, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Buffalo (CCCS) have teamed up to respond and provide solutions to consumer and business demand. Along with their partners, Evans Bank, WGRZ-TV and Shred-it, BBB and CCCS invite the Western New York community to “Secure Your ID” Day during National Protect Your Identity Week.
This special event will be held Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at E.C.C. North Campus. Residents and small businesses are encouraged to attend and take a key step in identity protection by shredding and properly disposing of their sensitive documents. BBB and CCCS staff will be on-site to provide expert advice, pull credit reports by request and offer tips for identity theft protection.
“Shredding sensitive paper documents is an important step, but it doesn’t end there,” said David Polino, BBB President. “That’s why BBB experts will distribute important advice and simple steps everyone can take to prevent ID theft in their daily lives, both online and off.”
ID Theft FACTS:
· 8.4 million Americans became victims of ID theft in 2007, resulting in the loss of nearly $50 billion, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research.
· The majority (56 percent) of ID theft, noted from this report, occurs when the thief has direct contact with the victim’s personal information, through a stolen or lost wallet, rifling through a personal mailbox or trashcan, or even lifting documents from inside a home or business.
· A recent fraud survey also reported that 18-24 and 25-34 year-old age demographics have the highest incident rates for ID theft in America.
“This is largely a crime of access,” said Paul Atkinson, CCCS President. “Our goal is to make the information less accessible and empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft. We have a tremendous opportunity to reach people with important guidance and, hopefully, prevent a lot of theft.”
BBB Secure Your ID Day Details:
Who: BBB, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Buffalo (CCCS), Evans Bank, WGRZ-TV and Shred-it
What: Free on-the-spot document shredding, Free credit reports by request, Educational Seminars, tips and resources for protecting your identity.
When: Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 10AM to 1PM
Where: E.C.C. North Campus, corner of Wherle and Technology Drive, Building 300, Williamsville, New York 14221, (716-851-1433, Security)
Bring up to three boxes or bags of documents to be shredded and take home the tips and resources you need to help protect yourself. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased not-for-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 126 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.us.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
About CCCS
CCCS of Buffalo, Inc. has been helping Western New Yorkers with financial education and credit repayment problems for over 40 years right here in Western New York. The Agency also offers Creditor Repayment Plans, One-On-One Budgeting Sessions, Credit Report Reviews, and Reverse Mortgage Counseling and Foreclosure/Loss-Mitigation Counseling. CCCS of Buffalo, Inc. offers free financial education courses at the main West Seneca location. CCCS is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children (COA), Inc., a member of the Better Business Bureau and is a certified HUD counseling agency. CCCS of Buffalo, Inc. can also provide a variety of workshops and seminars to local organizations on topics such as Credit Repair, Credit Report, Identity Theft and other valuable services to consumers at low or no charge. For more information please call 716-712-2060 or visit www.consumercreditbuffalo.com.
