Fall Great Time to Clean Out Documents -- Get Them Shredded for Free at AARP Event

For many people, the start of fall is like a second January – time to revisit goals such as getting organized and maybe clearing out the clutter.

That is why AARP New Mexico and the AARP Las Cruces Chapter are offering a free document shredding event, Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wal-Mart, 571 Walton Blvd, 88001.

“Getting your old or sensitive documents disposed of safely by shredding them is an important way you can prevent fraud or identify theft,” said Judy Cota, AARP Las Cruces Chapter President.

“Criminals rely on obtaining personal information, even as simple as your name and address, to create fraudulent accounts,” Cota said, “and while they have gotten more sophisticated and a lot of those crimes now are cybercrimes, you can’t discount the simpler ways of getting that information.”

“Criminals are still going through mail and digging through trash to obtain personal documents,” she said.

“That is why it is so important that those types of materials are disposed of safely and why we team up with AARP’s Fraud Watch Network a couple of times a year to provide free shredding to the community,” Cota said.

The event is free and open to the community. You do not need to be an AARP member. Participants are limited to two bankers’ boxes of materials or two small garbage bags. The event runs on a first come, first served basis, until 12 p.m. or until the truck is full.

People can also learn more about what steps to take to prevent fraud and what to do if you are a victim of fraud or identify theft by visiting the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.fraudwatchnetwork.org