SEBA Offers Free Document Shredding in Effort to Prevent ID Theft

After a collective sigh of relief on tax day, members of the community can bring their boxes of documents, paperwork, applications, receipts, mail and the like to the free Tax & Tatter Identity Theft Prevention Event on April 18 organized by the Safety Employees’ Benefit Association. SEBA, which represents nearly 3,400 peace officers in the county, has partnered with County Board of Supervisor Curt Hagman to offer residents and business owners a free and painless way to destroy sensitive documents. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce offered to host the event on the lawn outside its offices. Those who participate in the Tax & Tatter event can watch their documents being destroyed on a monitor affixed to the on-sight shredding truck. Deputies who are members of the Safety Employees’ Benefits Association (SEBA) have seen an increase in identity theft crime reports, ranging from compromised existing credit accounts to fraudulent new accounts opened in the victim’s name to false tax returns filed using the victim’s social security number. “This is a crime that is affecting good, hard-working people who don’t deserve to have their lives interrupted by such a violation of their personal information,” said SEBA President Laren Leichliter. “In law enforcement, we know proper destruction of sensitive documents can help prevent some instances of identity theft, so we thought we would offer this free service to our community.” The effects of having one’s personal identifying or financial information compromised is not only costly but time consuming and an overall headache. And while financial institutions are generally quick to reimburse lost funds, there are several procedural steps to take in order to remove fraudulent debts from credit holders and credit reporting agencies. Furthermore, the stolen money may be reimbursed but the costs are recovered through higher fees and percentage rates, which essentially affects all consumers. “Identity theft has become a critical issue for our constituents on a personal and business level,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor Curt Hagman said. “I am thankful for the willingness of the deputy sheriff’s union (SEBA) in taking the lead on this issue. I’m taking my documents to shred at this event too.” SEBA and Supervisor Hagman would especially like to encourage business owners, both small and large, to take advantage of the free event, as improper destruction of sensitive documents is prohibited by law. California Code 1798.81 requires businesses to take “all reasonable steps to dispose, or arrange for disposal, of customer records” that contain personal identifying information after they are no longer needed. Disposal is further defined as shredding, or complete disposal beyond throwing items in the trash. Failure to do so could result in a fine. Law enforcement officers will be on hand at the Tax & Tatter Event to answer questions about identity theft prevention. Supervisor Curt Hagman will be at the event between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. to meet and greet with residents and business owners alike. WHO: SEBA and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman WHAT: Tax & Tatter Identity Theft Prevention Event WHEN: April 18th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. WHERE: Hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce at 520 N. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA in the lawn on the median in front of the office WHY: To provide a free and simple way for residents to destroy sensitive documents and protect themselves from identity thieves. CONTACT: SEBA offices (909)885-6074 FACTS ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT: Identity theft has been the #1 complaint to the Federal Trade Commission for 15 consecutive years. There are an estimated 15 million victims of identity theft per year. It is estimated about $50 billion is lost per year, with each victim losing an average of $3,500. For 10 consecutive years, California has been in the top 10 states with the most reports of ID theft.