March is national Fraud Prevention Month, and the Red Deer RCMP is encouraging residents to prevent fraud and identity theft by shredding confidential documents to ensure sensitive information is not recovered and used by those who wish to exploit it.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Red Deer residents are invited to bring their confidential documents to the downtown RCMP detachment for Red Deer Shred-It Day. The documents will be secured in locked bins, then transported off site to be shredded.
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 Inspector Mark Groves. "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 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the downtown RCMP detachment (4602-51 Avenue). 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 invest in commercial shredding services.