INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): State officials say several thousand Hoosiers become the victims of identity theft each year.

Massive electronic breaches have compromised the personal data of folks around Indiana this year, but experts warn a paper trail can just as easily lead a con artist to sensitive information. AARP Indiana wants to help all Hoosiers better protect themselves from fraud by hosting Shred-It events. Community Outreach Director Mandla Moyo says what’s one person’s trash is a scammer’s treasure:

“If I dumpster-dive and get hold of an old tax return I have your birth date, social security number and address. I can then take that information and open up the old accounts, new accounts and credit cards.”

Moyo encourages people to round up outdated bank statements, canceled checks, credit card junk mail and receipts with identifying information to be destroyed. He says old computer hard drives are also welcome. Shredding events will be held October 24 at several locations in Central Indiana, along with an event in Lake County. Volunteers are also holding a shredding event November 6 in Evansville.

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