The Council of Better Business Bureaus and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling are encouraging consumers and small business owners across the country to fight identity theft by taking part in the Third Annual Protect Your Identity Week, Oct. 17-23.
Identity theft continues to be a growing problem. The number of victims in the U.S. reached 11.1 million in 2009, a 12.5% increase over the previous year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Threats abound both online and offline and no one is completely safe, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft and limit the damage.
As part of Protect Your Identity Week, consumers and small business owners can take advantage of more than 150 events taking place in communities across the country, most offering educational workshops, credit report reviews, and shredding. All events are free and open to the public.
Some locations will also provide safe electronic disposal for mobile phones and computer equipment. Easy-to-follow tips and resources are available online at www.ProtectYourIDNow.org, where consumers can learn how to fight identity theft and data breaches. Advice in Spanish is also available at www.cuidesuidentidad.org.
"Fighting identity theft is a constant battle and the attacks can come at you from all fronts," said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
"Because we are all potential victims, it's important that we all take steps to fight identity theft and Protect Your Identity Week is a great place to start. You can participate in a free shredding event to protect yourself now, and check out the educational events and online resources to protect yourself in the future."
As part of Protect Your Identity Week, Cintas Corp., national shredding partner for PYIW, is providing free document destruction at events nationwide with the goal of making the Guinness Book of World Records for the most paper shredded in a 24-hour period.
A number of national organizations are also putting their weight behind this initiative, joining the NFCC and BBB as supporting PYIW coalition members. This coalition includes the American Bankers Association Education Foundation, American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, American Payroll Association, Consumer Action, Consumer Data Industry Association, Consumer Federation of America, Credit Union National Association, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, FICO, Foundation for Financial Planning, Identity Theft Assistance Center, Identity Theft Resource Center, Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy, Junior Achievement USA, National Association of Triads, National Crime Prevention Council, National Education Association Member Benefits, National Sheriffs' Association, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Social Security Administration.
