Bronx, NY – Hundreds of people showed up to have their personal documents and information shredded by the “Shreddersaurus” shred truck Sunday morning, marking yet another successful iteration of the free annual Shred Day Event. Assemblyman Dinowitz partnered with his colleagues Senator Jeff Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, and Congressman Eliot Engel to help people safely destroy thousands and thousands of documents containing sensitive information and personal data.

The recent data breach at the Credit Rating Agency “Equifax” has reminded us all about how sensitive our personal information is and how easily it can be stolen for nefarious purposes. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable and often fall victim to scams and fraudulent messages trying to illicitly gain access to their personal information and social security numbers. It is essential that people protect themselves from scammers and thieves by ensuring that any information stored on hard paper is properly disposed of, wherever possible in addition to protecting themselves online. Hosting free shred days enables people without time or access to shredders to safely destroy these documents without fear of them falling into the hands of these kinds of scammers and thieves.

“Properly discarding our sensitive documents is an easy way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft or other illicit scams. I am proud to have co-sponsored the free Shred Day event over the weekend, where hundreds of constituents came out to destroy their personal documents," said Senator Jeff Klein.

“It’s important for members of the community, especially seniors, to take all necessary precautions when protecting their identity,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “There are so many ways in which our identities can be vulnerable to theft. I was proud to join my colleagues Assemblyman Dinowitz, Senator Klein, and Congressman Engel to help constituents safely shred personal documents that could make them susceptible to identity theft.”

“You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal information,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “The recent Equifax breach has shown that everything, including you Social Security number, may be vulnerable to criminals. As a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I and my Democratic colleagues have begun probing Equifax for answers, but in the meantime people should take every precaution to protect their identity including shredding old documents with sensitive information. My thanks to Assemblyman Dinowitz and all our friends for spearheading yesterday’s very successful Shred Day event along with myself, Senator Klein, Council Member Cohen. Together we helped hundreds of our constituents ensure their private information stays private.”

“Shredding physical documents is an essential way that we can keep our information safe. I am proud we could provide this valuable service for members of the community who may not be able to afford a shredder,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Seniors are especially vulnerable to identity theft, and I commend Assemblyman Dinowitz, Senator Klein, Council Member Cohen, Congressman Engel, and all who partnered and participated in such an important effort.”

“I was so thrilled to be able to sponsor this event and I am thankful that my colleagues Senator Klein, Council Member Cohen, Congressman Espaillat, and Congressman Engel were able to cosponsor,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “We got an amazing turnout, with hundreds of constituents from across the district coming to destroy their documents. I think this shows how seriously we have to take our own financial security and how seriously people do take it, and I hope to sponsor more events right outside my office, just like this one.”