March is national Fraud Prevention Month and the Red Deer RCMP is encouraging residents to prevent fraud and identity theft by shredding confidential documents.
On Wednesday, March 31, Red Deer residents are invited to bring their confidential documents to the Carnival Cinemas parking lot to take part in Red Deer Shred-It Day. The documents will be accepted by RCMP officers, secured in locked bins and then shredded on-site by Merlin Shredding.
Confidential documents may include:
- Tax returns and supporting documents (older than six years)
- Bank and credit card statements
- Mortgage/investment statements
- Medical records
- Any document that contains a person’s name, address, age, date of birth, social insurance number, driver’s license/provincial ID number or other personal information
“Everyone has a responsibility to make sure their personal and confidential information is properly stored and disposed of,” explains Red Deer RCMP Corporal Mike Evans, with Community Policing. “When sensitive information falls into the wrong hands it can lead to fraud and identity theft which often results in financial loss.”
Red Deer Shred-It Day is a one-day event that takes place Wednesday, March 31, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the north Carnival Cinemas parking lot. To comply with COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event will be “drive up and drop off” style. Participants are asked to follow all signage and remain in their vehicle until an officer is ready to accept their items. Please also wear a mask if you need to get out of your vehicle. Individuals without a vehicle are welcome to participate, and are asked to take extra caution when attending the event.
The event is geared toward individuals and families only. A three box/bag limit per family will be in effect and only paper documents will be accepted. Red Deer businesses are encouraged to explore commercial shredding service options.
For more information, visit www.reddeerevents.ca or visit The City of Red Deer’s facebook page.
For more information, contact:
Red Deer RCMP
403-391-4034