ANNUAL SHRED EVENT

Craig Olive, Johnston County Register of Deeds, recently spent a Saturday assisting the citizens of Johnston County at his annual Shred Event.  Boxes and bags filled with sensitive and personal information was shredded, protecting these citizens from the potential threat of identity fraud.  In fact, over 20,000 pounds of paper was shredded at this one shred event.

A long time strong supporter of efforts to prevent identity fraud, Mr. Olive believes that his annual Shred Events are a great benefit to the citizens of Johnston County.  “I will continue my efforts to prevent identity fraud as long as I am in public service.  These annual shred events provide our citizens a free way to dispose of personal and sensitive information.  I am happy to assist our citizens in any way that I can.  The shredding of sensitive and personal documents is a proactive way to protect your identity and I am proud to sponsor these events.”

In 2009, he joined forces with then NC Senator David Rouzer to push for a stronger Identity Protection Act in the last session of the General Assembly. In July 2009, Governor Beverly Perdue signed the measure into law. This law allows all Registrars of Deeds across NC to have the authority to cover up sensitive information such as social security and driver license numbers on public documents. Due to our efforts of pushing this bill, our public records are now more secure.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the following are clues that someone has stolen your information:

• You see withdrawals from your bank account you can't explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• Merchants refuse your checks.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
• You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
• A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
• You get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.

If you notice any of the above clues, investigate through your financial institution and contact the three national credit bureaus to report any fraudulent activity.

The Shred Event has been an annual event for Mr. Olive since 2009 and he looks forward to the event each year and has no plans to discontinue the effort.  People traveled from Wake, Wilson and Sampson counties this year to participate in the shred event.  “It was a great success,” states Mr. Olive.  I want to thank WTSB, WMPM, Hinson’s Printing, Local Government Federal Credit Union and Carlie C’s IGA for their support over the years.