DAYTON – While identity theft can happen to anyone, 2020 was the worst year in history for identity theft reports.

The Federal Trade Commission reported cases of identity theft skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FTC announced it recorded about 1.4 million reports of identity theft incidents in 2020, twice the number of cases reported in 2019.

Better Business Bureau serving Dayton/Miami Valley will offer free shredding at the Secure Your ID Day from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (dependent on truck capacity) at Routsong Funeral Home, Inc., 81 N. Main St., Centerville.

This popular event is a great way to dispose of your files – credit card statements, old checks, IRS tax returns, etc. – safely. You can bring up to five boxes or bags of documents to be shredded free at the event. If you have more than five boxes, you’re welcome to go through the line again.

The first 350 cars in line are guaranteed shredding. Others will have materials shredded dependent on the trucks’ capacity. Once trucks meet capacity the event will end and cars may be directed to alternative shredding options.

Documents should be removed from binders, but staples and paper clips are OK to be shredded. Electronics and batteries cannot be included in material to be shredded. Shredded documents will be recycled.

Attendees will be required to remain in their cars while BBB staff unload vehicles. Masks are required, and social distancing will be observed.

Event sponsors include Routsong Funeral Home, Inc., City of Centerville, Vectren-A CenterPoint Energy Company, Druffner Professional Organizing, Shred-It, AIM Media Midwest and WHIO-AM.