AARP New York recently organized a series of “The Big Shred NY!” events aimed at shredding sensitive documents—totalling approximately 420,000 pounds—and raising awareness about the significance of protecting personal information.

It was noted that fraud cost New York residents over $700 million in the previous year. Criminals are known to take advantage of every possible opportunity. Despite sophisticated phishing techniques and account takeovers, they continue to use traditional methods such as stealing personal data from mail or trash for identity theft.

“These events are wonderful,” said Jennifer Pitt, a Senior Fraud Management Analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research. “They not only encourage people to shred unnecessary documents but also educate them on the potential uses of such information.”

Pitt emphasized that personal documents and even junk mail can contain critical information like names, phone numbers, addresses, account numbers, PINs, dates of birth, or social security numbers. Disposing of these items without shredding increases the risk of identity theft, fraud, and scam victimization.

The Use of Stolen Data

Though individual pieces of discarded information might appear insignificant on their own, criminals can now gather data from various sources to create detailed personal profiles, which they exploit in numerous harmful ways. According to Pitt, such stolen information can be used for traditional fraud methods and sold on the dark web.

Criminals can use this sensitive data not only for more conventional forms of fraud but also to perpetrate highly convincing scams.

Digital and Physical Protection

Protecting against these threats is a widespread challenge, but it is particularly difficult for older adults. The FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report indicates that Americans over 60 reported approximately $7.7 billion in losses last year, marking a 37% increase from the previous year.

These tactics are more effective against older adults who might be less familiar with digital environments and more susceptible to social engineering. Thus, it is crucial to enhance fraud education and sustain prevention efforts.

Pitt concluded by urging everyone to secure their information both digitally and physically as a fundamental defense strategy. The events serve as an excellent means to promote such security measures.