Chicago Real Estate Leader Offers Green Way to Avoid Identity Theft
Helping families reduce their exposure to identity theft while raising funds to aid Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago is the focus of a unique event planned that will run from 9 a.m. to noon on July 25. It will be held at the RE/MAX Showcase office, 25884 Ill. Hwy. 83 in Long Grove, Ill. RE/MAX Showcase is part of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
RE/MAX Showcase agent William Diehl, a resident of Barrington, Ill., is coordinating the event. A special truck from Docu-Shred Inc. of Westmont, IL, that is equipped with an industrial grade paper shredder will be on site that morning. For a tax-deductible donation of $5 or more to Children’s Memorial, anyone coming to the event can have as many as three boxes of documents immediately shredded and recycled.
“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing categories of crime in the United States, and one important source for identity thieves are the papers we throw in the trash without shredding them first,” said Diehl. “I felt families from around our area would appreciate the chance to see their old documents properly shredded while also lending their support to Children’s Memorial, which helps young patients with serious medical problems regardless of their families’ financial situation.”
The Federal Trade Commission recommends that, to minimize the risk of identity theft, consumers should shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physicians’ statements, checks and bank statements and credit card offers that come in the mail.
For businesses, keeping customer information safe from misuse is an increasingly important consideration. Local businesses are welcome to participate in this shredding event by calling 847-421-7300 to make a donation and send documents for destruction. The material to be shredded will be picked up in advance by volunteers.
RE/MAX is the exclusive real estate partner and a Platinum Sponsor of Children’s Memorial Hospital. Last year, the 3,000 RE/MAX associates in northern Illinois raised $284,000 to benefit the hospital through a variety of fundraising activities as they continued to lead in residential real estate.
Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago … A Journey of Hope
