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14 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, March 31, 2011 Protect your identity at Shred-It event this Saturday in Georgetown Crime Stoppers is teaming up with Shred-It to help protect people from identity theft. In recognition of Fraud Prevention Month in March, Halton Crime Stoppers will be hosting Community Shred-It events to give residents the opportunity to have any unwanted private papers or sensitive documents safely destroyed. Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and is now robbing the Canadian economy of more than $2.5 billion a year. "One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to shred any paper that has your name and other personal information," said Cal Millar, chair of Halton's Crime Stoppers program. "Criminals can use a few details collected from a discard utility bill or bank statement to fraudulently obtain credit cards, driver's licences, health cards or other forms of identification in your name," he said. "It can be a nightmare for anyone trying to repair the damage to their credit rating and reputation after becoming a victim of identity theft." On Saturday, April 2, Halton Crime Stoppers will operate a Community Shred-It, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Market Place Mall in Georgetown and at the same time at the Milton Mall. Kelly Gorven, chair of the project, said this is a fundraising event and Crime Stoppers will be asking for a donation of $5 to shred a shopping bag of personal papers or $10 for the equivalent of a banker's box. "It's a unique fundraising initiative," she said. "We want people to shred personal information to prevent the crime of identity theft and we're raising money to pay for tips that may help solve numerous crimes. Everyone wins when we work together to combat crime and keep our community safe." Sergeant Gary Gold, coordinator of Halton's Crime Stoppers program, said Fraud Prevention Month is an excellent time for people to learn about the various types of financial crimes and how to protect themselves from being victims. "Losses can come from someone simply forging your name on a cheque or using your credit card or millions of dollars through complex financial schemes perpetrated by sophisticated criminals," Gold said. "You reduce the possibility of becoming a victim when you are aware of the various frauds that are being committed today, especially those involving identity theft." Halton Crime Stoppers is hoping its partnership with Shred-It will not only increase the awareness of identity theft and the crime that stems from it, but will directly protect residents in this area from becoming victims. Shred-It began as a local company in this area in 1988 and now has more than 140 branches. Inside the Oakville Shred-It building preparing for Saturday's Community Shred-It event are Shred-It's vice-president of marketing Michael Collins, Crime Stoppers board member Kelly Gorven, and Halton Regional Police Inspector Jackie Gordon and Sgt. Gary Gold. Tips to help minimize your risk of identity theft 1. Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared. 2. Guard your mail. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery. Ensure mail is forwarded or re-routed if you move or change your mailing address. 3. Minimize the identification information and number of cards you carry. 4. Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know whom you're dealing with. 5. Keep items with personal information in a safe place. An identity thief will pick through your garbage or recycling bins. Be sure to tear or shred receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements and credit offers you get in the mail. 6. Give your SIN only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible. Don't carry your SIN card; leave it in a secure place. --Government of Canada, Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre FREE DELIVERY HALTON HILLS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 6 week group Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Starting May 3rd Location: Norval United Church, 484 Guelph Street, Norval Are you or someone you know experiencing grief after the death of a loved one? This bereavement group will help you work through the stages of grief. The group is led by Rev. Paul Ivany. Sponsored by the Jones Funeral Home and Norval United Church. PLEASE PHONE THE FUNERAL HOME AT 905-877-3631 TO REGISTER AS SPACE IS LIMITED L Largest Selection S l i of f Patio Furniture in Halton Hills Since 1998 INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE 136 Guelph St., Georgetown (Across from Christ the King School) 905-873-9791 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.furnitureindooroutdoor.ca HEATING · AIR CONDITIONING · FIREPLACES · 905-877-8023