Houston residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents and learn how to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams at a free community event this weekend.

AARP is partnering with Council Member Martinez to host a shredding and fraud prevention event on Saturday, April 25, in southeast Houston. The event is open to the public and comes as fraud and identity theft cases continue to rise, with scammers targeting victims through phone calls, text messages, emails and even social media.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at The ROCK Church, where attendees can bring documents for secure on-site shredding. Organizers say discarded bank statements, medical records and other personal paperwork are common entry points for identity thieves, making proper disposal a critical first line of defense.

In addition to shredding services, participants will receive up-to-date information on the latest fraud schemes affecting Houston-area residents. These include impersonation scams, where criminals pose as government agencies or utility companies, as well as phishing attempts designed to steal personal data. Officials say older adults are often targeted, but scams impact people of all ages and backgrounds.

Experts at the event will also share practical tips, such as recognizing red flags, avoiding suspicious links, protecting Social Security and banking information, and reporting fraud when it occurs. Organizers emphasize that education and awareness are key to prevention, especially as scammers continue to evolve their tactics.

The event is expected to draw strong community participation and will include opportunities for residents to ask questions, speak with volunteers, and learn how to better protect themselves and their families from financial crimes.