El Diario to Host Shred Events Sponsored by AARP New York in Collaboration with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to Protect New Yorkers from Fraud and Identity Theft

(NEW YORK, NY) – El Diario is hosting a series of events to help combat fraud and identity theft in New York City. This effort is sponsored by AARP New York and in collaboration with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. The “Shred Day” events will take place in the Bronx and Queens free of charge. Up to three (3) small bags or boxes per family. Registration is required, sign up here.

“As an institution that looks after the interests of Hispanics in the Tri-state area, El Diario takes the problem of identity theft very seriously. We encourage our community to participate in this campaign to avoid falling into the hands of unscrupulous people,” said Carmen Villavicencio, Executive Editor. “We ask you to shred not only your documents but also those of your children and grandparents because statistics indicate that minors and the elderly are also vulnerable to this type of fraud.”

According to data published by the FTC, in 2021 New York ranked 8th in the number of identity theft reports per capita and 15th in the number of frauds reports per capita. The average person lost $500, but when people aged 70+ had a loss, the median loss was much higher.

Seniors are particularly at risk of identity theft because they exchange personal and financial information frequently with known targets such as medical offices. Combating fraud is a priority for AARP New York, which represents approximately 750,000 members age 50-plus in the five boroughs of New York City.

“Every two seconds, someone is a victim of identity theft, and it is important to destroy papers containing personal information to prevent these documents from reaching the hands of scammers and identity thieves,” said Maggie Castro, Associate State Director of Community Outreach & Engagement for AARP New York.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are victims of identity theft each year, leaving families in emotional and financial distress,” said NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. “My office is happy to work together with El Diario and AARP to enable New Yorkers to take simple steps to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. These events empower communities to protect their identity and their finances, by providing safe ways for New Yorkers to dispose of personal documents.”

The Comptroller’s office has a history of supporting this type of event to combat fraud; including conducting workshops in multiple languages citywide. In recent years, at these events, New Yorkers requested free shredding services to help protect them from identify theft and fraud, which became a drive behind the office efforts to promote Shred Day events.

If you are seeking guidance on fraud prevention, or if you are a victim of identity theft, New Yorkers can reach AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 or the Comptroller’s Constituent service unit at: action@comptroller.nyc.gov.

Sign up here for a Shred Day location below:

Bronx
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Food Choice market, 2244 White Plains RD, Bronx NY , 10467

Saturday, May 21, 2022
Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Associated Supermarket, 1585 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10472

Queens
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Hours: 1:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: CTown Supermarket, 85-08 37^th  Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

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