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PrintCOLUMBIA — Even though its only been open for fewer than 90 days, the Better Business Bureau in Columbia is already thinking big.
The branch is hosting a free "Shred Day" from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday for any companies or members of the public interested in disposing of old bank statements, ID cards or any other sensitive documents safely.
A shredder truck sponsored by Shred-it will be parked in the Schnucks parking lot at 1400 Forum Blvd. and members of the community are invited to bring up to three boxes of material per person, branch manager Adrian McBride said.
The event will be modeled after an annual shred day hosted by the Better Business Bureau regional office in St. Louis.
"It has grown over the last few years and they have had sometimes up to five hundred cars come through the parking lot at the St. Louis Galleria," McBride said.
Along with the Better Business Bureau, the Columbia Police Department and the Missouri Attorney General are sponsoring the event.
"We are raising awareness when it comes to identity theft and hopefully as many people as possible will show up," McBride said. "It will be a great first event and hopefully we can build off of it from here."
Here are some tips to prevent identity theft listed on the Attorney General's website:
- Don't give out your Social Security or account numbers unless you initiate the contact.
- Shred trash with sensitive information, including convenience checks and credit card offers you get in the mail.
- Send sensitive mail using a post office drop box, rather than your mailbox at home.
- Carry only the credit cards and documents you need on a daily basis. Don't carry your social security card.
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
("Theories/Speculation
•There is a lot of speculation about whether the BBB is more interested in protecting consumers or protecting the businesses that it represents. Because the accredited companies pay yearly dues to maintain the BBB, the mediation that is provided is seen by some as a conflict of interest for the Bureau. They have been accused of protecting companies that were in the wrong as well as accepting any company that could afford their dues. They also have a policy of not informing consumers about any complaint that is being investigated and do not reveal the nature of complaints that have been filed and investigated.")
Almost like a protections racket.
In fact, the BBB implies that if a dog breeder is not a BBB dues paying member, then it must be assumed to be a puppy mill.
Read more: About the Better Business Bureau
http://www.ehow.com/about_4672405_better...
The Puppies Aren’t Products campaign:
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns...
Mr. Shapiro, My name is Adrian McBride. I am the Branch Manager at the BBB here in Columbia. I am very transparent with nothing to hide. I would love to answer any questions you may have in regards to the BBB and it's mission. One of my roles in this position is to help educate the public about the BBB. I believe some of your comments are way off. My direct number is 573-886-8689. Please feel free to contact me anytime... I would love to gain your support. Thank you.
@Adrian McBride:
I just might accept your invite.
By the way. What's your personal opinion on Proposition B?
Written up as "The Puppy Mill Bill."
Are any dues paying members of the BBB against it?
Do any of your dues paying members have concerns about the agenda of H$U$, the spawn of PETA?
I plan on voting No on Proposition B.
Aside from the outfit you work for, how will you personally be voting on Proposition B, the now branded Puppy Mill bill?
And, please, explain your answer.