NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Americans lost more than $548 million to identity thieves and consumer fraud last year and Hawthorne Credit Union is doing its part to help its members stem the tide.
The credit union recently hosted a Shred It Day event that included a seminar entitled "Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft" and doorprize giveaways of automatic paper shredders.
"Identity theft is America's fastest growing crime, and the best way to protect yourself from being victimized is by educating yourself about potential risks and properly disposing of personal documents," said EJ Donaghey, Hawthorne executive vice president. "Careful document storage and disposal, combined with regular credit report checks, is an effective way to safeguard your personal financial information and reduce the threat of fraud."
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Hawthorne asked consumers to bring in up to three banker's-size boxes of unwanted personal documents, such as old bank statements, canceled checks, old tax documents, and other materials containing sensitive information that crooks can get their hands on via "dumpster diving" or sifting through common household trash.
"The average victim of ID Theft spends $1,500 and 175 hours to undo damage caused when their identity is stolen," Donaghey said. "As a member-owned financial institution, Hawthorne focuses on providing a wide variety of convenient services. This is just one more way we can show our members and friends in the community that we care about their well-being."
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