Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Conway and Better Business Bureau Announce Free Shredding Event In Louisville

Attorney General Jack Conway is again teaming up with the Better Business Bureau and Iron Mountain Shredding Company to help residents combat one of the fastest growing crimes in America. In 2007, more than 8.5 million Americans were the victims of identity theft, costing consumers about $45 billion.

On Friday, September 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 6 from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. residents will be able to shred up to four large boxes or 100 pounds of documents for free at the Office of the Attorney General on the University of Louisville’s Shelby Campus, 8911 Shelbyville Road. Utilizing Iron Mountain’s mobile shred truck, documents will be shredded on site at no cost to consumers.

“Our free shredding events are wonderful opportunities for residents to assist us in the fight against identity theft,” General Conway said. “By shredding any documents that contain bank account numbers, credit card information, Social Security numbers, birth dates, pin numbers or even old tax returns, you can keep this information from falling into the hands of criminals who want to steal your money or your identity.”

The Attorney General recommends individuals contact their tax preparer or attorney to determine how long they should retain tax-return information and pay stubs or receipts.

“The BBB receives calls from people every day concerned that their identity has been stolen,” BBB President & CEO Charlie Mattingly said. “BBB of Louisville is happy to help in the fight against Identity Theft.”

In May, more than 450 people participated in free shredding events in Louisville and Lexington coordinated by the Attorney General’s Office, the Better Business Bureau and Iron Mountain. More than 20,000 pounds of documents were shredded at the two locations.

Identity Theft Tips

• Do not keep Social Security card in wallet or purse
• Do not put bills or checks in home mailbox for pickup
• Check credit reports, bank statements and credit-card statements often for irregularities
• Shred all documents with personal information
• Never give personal information to someone on the phone, internet or email claiming to be your bank
• Do not store credit-card numbers on shopping websites

Victims of identity theft may obtain a tool kit from the Office of the Attorney General to assist in repairing credit, filing police reports and preparing sworn affidavits. The tool kit is available at www.ag.ky.gov/idtheft or by calling the Office of the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Hotline 1-800-804-7556.