Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will host a free educational workshop designed to help protect participants from identity theft. The 60-minute workshop, “Identity Theft: What You Need to Know,” will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at Grace Lutheran Church, 2001 Sixth Ave. SE in Austin.

Kathy Wichmann, financial associate with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Austin, will present the workshop, with Mark May, chief deputy with the Mower County Sheriff’s Department, as guest speaker. Participants will learn what identity theft is, where and how identities are stolen and its financial effects. They will also learn how to protect against identity theft and what to do should they fall victim.

“Identity theft is a serious, growing concern,” said Wichmann. “This workshop offers practical information and tips to help people avoid falling victim to this crime.”

A shredder truck will be in the church parking lot from 2 to 4 p.m. for people to have old tax forms and documents shredded. Shredding is open to the public and sponsored by the Austin Chamber and the Mower County chapters of Thrivent Financial.