Did you know that protecting your identity is largely in your own hands? Many identity theft victims can trace the theft to something that was stolen from their own possession.

Many local BBB offices offer events related to protecting your identity, such as "shred days," where you can shred documents containing personal or sensitive information to help avoid identity theft.

Your local BBB Shred Day Events

If your local BBB is having an event, it will appear below. If not, be sure you have set your location here or click on "My BBB" at the top left to set your BBB location.

Here’s the first rule:

If you don’t need it, shred it - responsibly.

Business woman holding a document and looking at a laptop

BBB is here to help!

Treat your personal information like the valuable commodity it is. Make sure you shred any documents that have your bank account information, Social Security or Social Insurance number, or other personal information. These include credit card applications, insurance forms, financial statements, health forms and billing statements from utilities and phone service. Cut up expired credit and debit cards, making sure to cut through the numbers, before you dispose of them.

For more information on how to avoid having your personal information stolen, read our BBB Tips on Identity Theft.

Tips to keep your identity safe

Secure Your ID Day

Your local BBB Shred Day Events

Here’s the first rule:

If you don’t need it, shred it - responsibly.

BBB is here to help!

How long should you keep records? (United States)

How long should you keep records? (Canada)

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