BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- More than eight million Americans were victimized by identity theft last year. That's according to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central New York. On Thursday they hosted a free paper shredding session in Binghamton.

Documents including bills, cancelled checks, medical records, and receipts were collected. They'll then be sent to a company in Utica where they'll be destroyed.

Organizers stressed the importance of preventing ID theft.

"Your ID and your credit report is more than just to get credit. Insurances, home owners insurance, life insurance, car insurance, many employers look at that for your score. That's your life," said organizer Debra Reardon.

Consumer Credit Counseling said they plan on holding another document shredding session soon. Many banks in the area also provide the service.