Identity theft is on the rise. In 2021 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received almost 1.4 million reports of identity theft. This crime occurs when someone intentionally uses another person’s identifying information, such as their name, in combination with other sensitive information, such as a Social Security Number or Driver's License, to gain financial benefits and/or commit fraud. Businesses and individuals are equally vulnerable targets if precautions are not taken to protect sensitive in- formation.
Tax season is a particularly susceptible time for identity theft as Americans compile sensitive data to prepare and submit returns. Sensitive infor mation, which includes earning statements, medical records, and dependents’ data, must be safe- guarded. Don't be a victim. Remem ber to never simply throw away sensitive data. Always incinerate or shred such documents and records. To assist La Grange utility customers, the City of La Grange, the La Grange Police Department, and Citizens on Pa trol are hosting their bi-annual Shred Event on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. Citizens are invited to bring their sensitive documents related to taxes, payroll, human resources, medical records, legal mat- ters, etc. to the LGPD at 243 S. College St. for on-site destruction by Stericycle.
Items with staples, paper clips, and binder clips are accepted.
Items not accepted are cardboard, floppy and hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and USB drives.
For more information, contact Connie Buscha at the LGPD at [email protected] .
