A shredding event is scheduled this week at the Hempfield Township Park and Athletic Complex.
Sponsored by State Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Hempfield, the event is scheduled for Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Protect yourself from identity theft by bringing discarded documents containing sensitive personal information to my free, onsite shredding event,” Nelson wrote on his Facebook page.
Examples of items that can be taken to the event include bank and credit card statements, tax documents, insurance claim forms and anything listing a social security number. Documents received will be shredded in a truck onsite and will be taken to a local recycling plant to be treated and reused.
According to AARP, citing figures from the Federal Trade Commission, identify theft incidents reported last year were more than triple those reported in 2018.
Last year, identify theft cases exceeded 1.38 million, compared to about 650,500 in 2019 and more than 444,340 in 2018.
The organization attributed the increase last year to the pandemic, when people were applying to receive government benefits like unemployment. People’s identities also were compromised through driver’s licenses, passports and other government-issued documents.
Those attending the Hempfield event are limited to four bags or boxes per household. Commercial businesses are not permitted.
Paper clips, manila folders and staples are acceptable.
The event may be canceled by the shredding company due to inclement weather during the scheduled time.
Questions can be directed to Nelson’s office by calling 724-834-6400.
The athletic complex is located at 220 Forbes Trail Road.
