Other LanguagesVANCOUVER – More than 5,000 Washington residents become victims of identity theft each year according to reports from the Federal Trade Commission. That ranks Washington in the top 10 states for per capita victim reports. Attorney General Rob McKenna will visit Vancouver on Thursday, Sept. 6, to help raise awareness of identity theft prevention and assist the public in keeping sensitive documents out of the hands of crooks.
McKenna will speak to the Camas-Washougal Rotary and the Greater Clark County Rotary then will lead a free public forum in the evening at the Washington State School for the Blind. Consumers and small businesses are invited to bring sensitive documents to be destroyed for free by Data Base Secure Records Destruction.
The visit is part of a 14-city statewide tour, “GUARD IT! Washington,” to educate business owners and consumers on how to keep their personal data safe. The campaign is a partnership of the Attorney General’s Office, Federal Trade Commission and AARP.
During the community forum, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves and their families from identity theft and what to do if they become victims.
What: GUARD IT! Washington identity theft tour
When: Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007
• BUSINESS BREAKFAST: 7 to 8 a.m., Camas-Washougal Rotary meeting at Parker House Restaurant in Washougal. Attorney General McKenna will discuss how businesses can improve data security in the workplace. Please RVSP to janelleg@atg.wa.gov if you are not a Rotary member but would like to attend.
• BUSINESS LUNCHEON: 11:45 to 1 p.m. at the Greater Clark County Rotary meeting, Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver. County club attire. Attorney General McKenna will discuss how businesses can improve data security in the workplace. Please RVSP to janelleg@atg.wa.gov if you are not a Rotary member but would like to attend.
• FREE SHREDDING: 5 to 7 p.m., Washington State School for the Blind parking lot. All are invited to bring their sensitive documents to be destroyed for free by Iron Mountain.
• IDENTITY THEFT FORUM: 6:30 to 8 p.m, Washington State School for the Blind, Fries Auditorium, 2214 E. 13th St. Attorney General Rob McKenna, AARP’s Cheryl Reed and Rebecca Sears from the AGO Consumer Protection Division will speak about identity theft prevention. Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if you are a victim. Register online at www.guarditwashington.com or call toll-free 1-800-646-2283. Walk-ins welcome.
For more information on the tour, visit www.guarditwashington.com.
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Contact: J. Ryan Shannon, Media Relations Manager, (360) 753-2727