March is national Fraud Prevention Month and the Red Deer RCMP is encouraging residents to prevent fraud and identity theft by shredding confidential documents.

From 12 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, Red Deer residents are invited to bring their confidential documents to the Carnival Cinemas parking lot to take part in Red Deer Shred Day. The documents will be accepted by RCMP officers, secured in locked bins and then shredded on-site courtesy of Merlin Shredding.

Confidential documents may include:

• Tax returns and supporting documents (that are from 2015 or earlier)
• Bank and credit card statements
• Mortgage/investment statements
• Medical records
• Any document that contains a person’s name, address, age, date of birth, social insurance number, driver’s license/provincial ID number or other personal information

“Everyone has a responsibility to make sure their personal and confidential information is properly stored and disposed,” explains Red Deer RCMP Corporal Mike Evans. “When sensitive information falls into the wrong hands it can lead to fraud and identity theft which often results in financial loss.”

This year, the Red Deer RCMP have invited Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Red Deer chapter to join the event and collect donations. “We are encouraging a minimum donation of a toonie per box of shredding, and hope the community will help support this important organization,” says Cpl. Evans.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is a charitable, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime.

Residents are encouraged to follow a limit of three small boxes or grocery bags per household. For more information, visit The City of Red Deer’s Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/792737875425144.