Get A Grip on Your ID — and Shred

It’s time to get a grip on your identity.

It’s not just in your head. This isn’t about mental health, but rather a chance to clean up and clear up the documents that are most vulnerable to identity theft. The Better Business Bureau has set Saturday, April 17 as Secure Your ID Day, and is establishing 55 locations nationwide to allow small businesses and individuals to shred documents and encourage them do a one-stop check on their personal data.

From Baltimore to Boise, designated locations will welcome visitors with up to three boxes of documents that need shredding, such as pay stubs, canceled personal checks, credit card, debit card and ATM receipts, as well as W-2s and 1099 tax forms.

Stephen Cox, president of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, said identity theft protection is one of the many chores people mean to perform, but never quite get done. The shredding centers are a convenient way to establish a routine, he said.

"BBB is making it easy this spring to get rid of outdated tax documents and other personal information while learning how to protect yourself and your family from ID thieves throughout the rest of the year," Cox said.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau tallied eight tons of shredded paper in two hours, perfect fodder for the recycling efforts that will be emphasized on April 22, which is, of course, Earth Day.