Residents looking to safely dispose of sensitive documents will have a free, convenient option this spring when AARP Rhode Island brings its “Fraud Fighting Fridays” shredding event to Newport next month.
The drive-thru drop-off is scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at Edward King House. The event is free and open to the public — no AARP membership required. Participants may bring up to two boxes of documents per person; businesses are not eligible. Bound books, binders and cardboard may not be accepted.
Organizers encourage residents to bring items such as old bank statements, canceled checks, credit card and loan documents, medical and insurance records, tax documents and utility bills or other papers containing account numbers or Social Security numbers.
The Newport stop is one of nine “Fraud Fighting Fridays” events AARP Rhode Island has scheduled across the state between April and June.
“Identity theft and fraud remain serious concerns, especially as criminals continue to find new ways to misuse personal information,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “These free shredding events are a free, simple but effective way for people to reduce their risk and gain peace of mind.”
Taylor pointed to data from the Federal Trade Commission showing Rhode Island consumers reported more than 11,776 fraud cases in 2024, resulting in $20.7 million in losses.
“Fraud prevention is about action,” she said. “When AARP shows up in communities with trusted tools and local events, we’re helping neighbors protect themselves and each other.”
Registration, directions and additional details are available at aarp.org/ri.
