Orlando Shred-a-Thon Combats Identity Theft, Promotes Consumer Protection

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Orange County residents receive free document shredding, information on preventing identity theft

December 3, 2007 -- ORLANDO, FL – Orlando residents were today provided with a proactive opportunity to combat identity theft and protect themselves from becoming identity theft victims at a community Shred-a-Thon hosted by the Florida Attorney General’s Office, RBC Centura Bank, and Iron Mountain, Inc. Members of the Orange County community were encouraged to participate in the Shred-a-Thon, which provided free document shredding services for credit card offers, receipts, check stubs, old bills and other outdated personal documents.

“It is important for Floridians to remember that consumer protection often starts with prevention,” said Attorney General McCollum. “By taking the necessary steps to prevent identity theft and to proactively protect themselves from becoming a victim, our consumers are taking a stand against this potentially devastating crime.”

In addition to the mobile Iron Mountain shredding unit on site at a local RBC Centura site, participants received information about preventing identity theft and how to recover from the crime if victimized. Community representatives from the State Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement officials, as well as an ID theft victim advocate from the Attorney General’s Office, were also available to provide information. According to national statistics, Florida residents reported 17,780 cases of fraud and identity theft in 2006 and the state ranks fifth in the nation for identity theft complaints.

“State Attorneys are committed to prosecuting identity thieves who steal and misuse personal information,” said State Attorney Mark Ober, President of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association. “However, the best protection is public awareness. I urge all Floridians to learn how to safeguard their personal information and avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.”

Additional information about preventing, reporting and recovering from identity theft is available on the Attorney General's website at http://www.myfloridalegal.com/identitytheft.

Source: Florida Attorney General