"We're out here encouraging people to protect their personal information and in doing that we're offering a free service to the community."
Bridgette Wiggins is the Department Director of Consumer Protection for the Mississippi Attorney General's Office.
"It's a way to prevent identification theft which is the number 1 growing crime in the nation."
But you can avoid being a part of that crime.
"Never give out your personal information to anyone you don't know. If you didn't initiate the communication then don't give out your personal information."
That communication comes in many forms.
"We're seeing a growth right now in people getting bogus text messages."
Wiggins says scam artists are using any means necessary to steal identities.
"With our economy the way it is, it's just a way to make money. And because the economy is in such a desperate state right now it makes scammers even more creative in ways to try and get your information."
But there is a solution.
"If you receive an email or a text or anything in the regular mail that looks suspicious that requests your personal information just contact our office and we can help verify whether the inquiry is legitimate."
More than 150 people shredded personal documents in Hattiesburg Friday.
"People should invest in a shredder but if you cannot we want you to know we do this every year."
Bridgette Wiggins is the Department Director of Consumer Protection for the Mississippi Attorney General's Office.
"It's a way to prevent identification theft which is the number 1 growing crime in the nation."
But you can avoid being a part of that crime.
"Never give out your personal information to anyone you don't know. If you didn't initiate the communication then don't give out your personal information."
That communication comes in many forms.
"We're seeing a growth right now in people getting bogus text messages."
Wiggins says scam artists are using any means necessary to steal identities.
"With our economy the way it is, it's just a way to make money. And because the economy is in such a desperate state right now it makes scammers even more creative in ways to try and get your information."
But there is a solution.
"If you receive an email or a text or anything in the regular mail that looks suspicious that requests your personal information just contact our office and we can help verify whether the inquiry is legitimate."
More than 150 people shredded personal documents in Hattiesburg Friday.
"People should invest in a shredder but if you cannot we want you to know we do this every year."
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