First Citizens Bank will sponsor a community shred and customer appreciation event on Thursday, July 14, at the Tyron branch, 570 S. Trade St. This free event is to help residents protect against identity theft. The shred event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Shred-It mobile truck will destroy unwanted sensitive materials free of charge for all area residents. A free hot dog lunch will be served at the branch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re pleased we can continue to offer this service to help local residents safeguard their valuable information,” said Greg Burnette, First Citizens area executive. “This event reflects our Forever First commitment to our communities — protecting our customers’ personal information is one of our highest priorities.”

Bank associates will be on hand to provide information about protecting personal information and serve refreshments to customers. The event will be held rain or shine.

Residents are invited to bring old documents such as ATM receipts, checks, tax information, credit card statements, copies of bills, mail and other papers containing personal information that could provide thieves an easy way to steal money or an identity. Dry paper only will be accepted (no plastics, media tapes or cardboard).

There is no need to remove staples, paper clips and other bindings and colors do not have to be separated. All materials should be bagged or in boxes and containers for quick, easy disposal. Bags and boxes must be intact, with no rips or tears. Reusable bags, boxes or containers will be returned.

Destroying documents by shredding them into unrecognizable pieces is the safest way to dispose of unwanted materials and provides greater protection against crime. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of consumer fraud in the United States.

– article submitted

by Frank Smith