UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — NASA Federal Credit Union recently held its first Community Shred Day.
The event was designed to provide a way for local businesses, residents and credit union members to properly dispose of confidential information such as old bills, statements, tax returns, pay stubs and other personal documents that, if simply thrown away in the trash, might be at risk for identity theft.
"NASA Federal takes identity theft very seriously. We not only want to educate our members about the potential risk that exists in today's world, but we want to help prevent them from becoming victimized," said Debra Pugh, NASA Federal vice president of member services. "Hosting this free Shred Day is part of our overall commitment to ensure our members' financial information remains safe and secure."
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According to research by the Better Business Bureau, over 68% of identity theft crimes can be traced back to stolen paper documents from stealing a wallet or purse and "dumpster diving" or rummaging through garbage, to pocketing mail or stealing documents from an office.
NASA Federal partnered with Cintas Document Management Company, which utilizes a shredding process that reduces paper to crisscross cut pieces of confetti no larger than 5/8″ for total security. In addition, all shredded items are recycled.
Over 60 individuals shredded 3,000 pounds, the equivalent of 1.5 tons of paper in a three-hour period. Representatives from NASA Federal were on hand to answer questions and distribute copies of informational flyers on "What to Keep & What to Throw Away" and "How to Prevent ID Theft."
Shred Day was so popular that the credit union plans to schedule this free service again in the Spring.
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