Twice a year, Better Business Bureaus across the country sponsor free, local shredding events called “Secure Your ID Day,” in order to bring public awareness of the risks of identity theft.

One of the events will be held in Anchorage on April 18 at The Mall at Sears, 600 E. Northern Lights Blvd., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shred Alaska will have shred trucks in the parking lot by Carr’s and will provide free shredding of up to 3 boxes. There will also be recycling for old cell phones.

The Financial Fitness Fair will take place inside the Mall with vendors offering financial information and free workshops.

The event is sponsored by Better Business Bureau and United Way of Anchorage.

BBB encourages consumers to:

• Shred personal documents including old tax returns; credit card, utility and cell phone statements; and health and insurance forms.

• Protect Social Security numbers as well as all account numbers and passwords. Do not carry these numbers in a wallet or purse.

• Minimize the personal information printed on checks. Include only a first initial, last name and address. Do not include driver’s license or Social Security numbers.

Make photo copies of all cards carried in a wallet, back and front. Keep these copies in a safe place at home as a record of all account numbers, security codes and contact information.

Get a credit report at least once a year. Obtain one free annual credit report from each of the three consumer credit reporting companies at http://www.annualcreditreport.com.