Shred event Wednesday at Big John’s
Identity fraud is a serious issue in Florida and the numbers confirm what law enforcement already knows. Reports from Javelin Strategy and Research show that nearly 15.4 million U.S. consumers had their identity stolen in 2016 at a loss of nearly $16 billion dollars. Add these numbers together with the previous five years and thieves have racked up nearly $112 billion or about $35,600 stolen per minute. In other words, they’ve fraudulently collected enough to pay for four years of college in just four minutes.
To lower your risk of becoming a victim and to help combat the fastest growing crime of the 21st century, the Lee County Sheriff Office encourages you to take advantage of two upcoming community shred events offered this month.
* On Wednesday, April 12, the Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership program will host its annual shred-a-thon. If you live in Cape Coral, you can drop off your shredding at the Big John’s Plaza on 47th Terrace between 911 a.m. In the afternoon, the truck will move to the Lee County Election Center at 13180 S. Cleveland Avenue (behind Robb & Stuckey furniture on 41) in Fort Myers from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. A minimum donation of $5 per person is recommended with all proceeds to benefit LEAPP. For additional information, call United Way 211 (239) 433-3900.
* On Saturday, April 15, The Pilot Club of Fort Myers will host a shred event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the northwest corner parking lot of Miromar Outlets, across from the WINK playground. A donation of $5 per box is suggested with all proceeds to benefit the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Program. Call Joy Augustine at 691-0069 for more information.
Volunteers will be on hand to help drivers unload their shredding documents. Participants are asked to remove paperclips, staples, binders, etc. If possible, limit boxes to 2 per person. No commercial shredding will be accepted.