Secure Your ID With BBB

Free Shredding, Electronic Recycling and Rx Drug Turn in Event

Last year Oregon residents reported nearly 4,000 identity theft scams, according to the 2017 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book. Since identity fraud has increased since last year, it’s important to be proactive and protect yourself from identity theft. Keep your personal information secure by joining Better Business Bureau Northwest & Pacific for Secure Your ID Day on April 28.

According to Javelin Strategy & Research, the number of identity fraud victims in the United States increased by 8 percent last year, rising to 16.7 million. BBB’s national event gives community members the opportunity to secure their identities by properly disposing of unneeded and unwanted documents, securely recycling electronics and receiving identity protection tips.

Join BBB, along with U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration, Portland Police, City of Portland, Oregon and Green Century Recycling, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 4735 E. Burnside St. at the Portland PD & Kelly Building in Portland.

During the event, the following items will be accepted:

• Each person can bring up to two grocery bags of personal documents, but no cardboard or three-ring binders, please!
• Take advantage of recycling electronics. A list of acceptable items can be found here.
• Prescription medications and samples, over the counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, medicated ointments and liquid medication in leak-proof containers will also be accepted for the Rx turn in.
• Sunshine Division donation barrels will be available for donations of canned food, dry pasta, and gently-used clothing for needy families. Tax deduction forms will be provided.

Here’s a list of what’s recommended to keep and what to shred throughout the years:

• Documents to shred immediately: sales receipts (or as long as return policy/warranty requires), ATM receipts, credit offers, cancelled checks, expired warranties and junk mail.
• Keep for up to 1 year: Pay stubs, bank statements, paid, undisputed medical bills and paid bills.
• Keep for 7 years: tax-related receipts, tax-related cancelled checks, W-2s and records for tax deductions taken.
• Keep while active: most contractors, auto titles, home deeds, disputed medical bills, home improvement receipts (until sale), insurance documents and records of pensions and retirement plans.
• Keep permanently: birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificate, divorce decree, citizenship papers, adoption papers, death certifications, tax returns and wills.

More details about the event can be found at trust-bbb.org/syid. For more tips on securing your identity and doing a digital declutter this spring, read BBB Tip: Digital Cleaning Spring Cleaning.