LOWER LAKE, Calif. — Identity theft and fraud are more prevalent than ever before. Newly released Federal Trade Commission data show that consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase over the prior year.

One of the best defenses is to securely shred sensitive documents and properly dispose of old computers, phones and other electronics that hold personal data so your private information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Redwood Credit Union invites Lake County residents to be proactive and attend its annual free Shred-a-Thon.

The event will be held at Lower Lake High School, 9430 Lake St., on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, and will feature free document shredding provided by Shred-It and electronic waste (e-waste) collection by Conservation Corps North Bay.

"Destroying old financial records and confidential information securely is essential for safeguarding against identity theft," said Becky Perez, RCU’s Lower Lake branch experience manager. “It’s also great for the environment since we’re keeping these items out of our landfills. My team and I are proud to help bring this event to Lake County every year.”

Attendees may bring up to three standard-sized boxes (15” x12” x10”) of confidential documents for shredding, such as old financial statements, canceled checks and credit card offers. Conservation Corps North Bay will also be on site to collect and recycle e-waste such as old computers, printers, cell phones, and personal electronics.

Monetary donations will be accepted at the event to benefit the Lake County Child Care Planning Council, a group committed to ensuring the availability and accessibility of high-quality childcare for the families and children of the community.

In 2024, more than 3,000 residents in Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties attended RCU Shred-a-Thons. Shred-It trucks helped communities dispose of 134,280 pounds of documents, while the Conservation Corps collected 25,383 pounds of e-waste.

To put it in perspective, the shredded paper alone has an environmental impact equal to conserving 1,145 trees (over 10 acres) and 469,980 gallons of water (enough to water 7,580 lawns for a week).

For additional information and updates about the Shred-a-Thon, visit https://www.redwoodcu.org/about/community-programs/shred-a-thon/, or follow RCU on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.