Staten Island shredding event draws hundreds seeking to prevent identity theft

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hundreds of Staten Island residents brought sensitive documents and outdated electronics to another free shredding event this past weekend in West Brighton.
The event, sponsored by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, the Staten Island Zoo, and Aurora Computer Technology, was held at the zoo’s parking lot on Martling Avenue.
“Scams and identity theft remain significant drivers of crime on Staten Island,” McMahon said. “While my office has successfully prosecuted countless scammers and returned millions of dollars in restitution for victims, prevention remains critical to protecting hardworking Staten Islanders, their personal information and finances.”
Attendees brought along bank and credit card statements, expired identification and credit cards, medical documents, old tax returns — pretty much anything with their name, address, birthday, bank information, Social Security number, or other information that can be used to steal one’s identity.
“These safe shred events are such a great way to protect your data and personal information,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “I was proud to partner on this free shred event at the Staten Island Zoo with District Attorney Michael McMahon to bring this to the community.”