Local Business Owner, Michael Steranka, Urges the Residents of Anne Arundel County to Protect Themselves Against Identity Theft at the Retirement Planning Services Annual Shred Fest & Ice Cream Social
MILLERSVILLE, Md., March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, April 16, 2015, please join Retirement Planning Services for a free paper-shredding event to increase public awareness about identity theft prevention. On Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., you can shred personal documents for free at our offices in Millersville, MD. Personal documents such as bank statements, paycheck stubs and credit card applications will be shredded in industrial shredders.
Local residents are invited to bring mail and other documents that contain personal information to be shredded and securely disposed of. Stapled documents can be shredded; however, documents bound with metal binder clips cannot. Suggested documents include:
- Bank statements that are at least one year old and do not contain tax-related information
- Pay stubs (only after you have received your W-2 Form)
- Credit card applications
- Documents that contain your Social Security Number, account numbers, password/PIN information, birth dates, private contact information and signatures
IT'S YOUR IDENTITY…PROTECT IT! FOLLOW THESE TIPS:
Protect Your Personal Information
Be alert to suspicious offers by phone, mail, text, and email. Avoid giving personal information over the phone, by email, text, or on social media sites. Never click on unfamiliar links even if they are from sources you trust; they could be "phishing" scams that trick you into sharing personal information by looking trustworthy. And remember, email addresses and phone numbers can be spoofed (or faked) to look like they are from someone you know.
Protect your computer, tablet, and smartphone against viruses and "malware" with security and firewall software. Avoid typing your personal information when using unsecured Wi-Fi; create strong, personal passwords; and only download software and apps from trusted sources. Don't overshare personal information on social media sites and be cautious with geotagging softwares. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information on how to be safe, secure, and responsible online.
Be careful when using public computers. Delete any personal documents and empty the Recycle Bin on the desktop before you log off. Check Internet settings and make sure the computer is set to delete your browsing history. Never use your credit or debit card to make online purchases on public computers.
Review your free credit report every year. As one way to see if you have been the victim of identity theft, download your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com.
Limit the cards you carry with you. Only carry credit or debit cards you plan to use and store others in a safe place. Never carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet.
For more information and to register, please call (443) 308-5200, or register online at www.rps123.com (click on events).
Contact:
Tara J. Grier
Director of Marketing, Retirement Planning Services
(443) 308-5200
Email
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150302/178815
SOURCE Retirement Planning Services
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