Identity Theft Protection for Seniors
From LoveToKnow Seniors
Identity theft protection for seniors is a growing concern as seniors too often fall prey to scams and thieves.
Tips for Identity Theft Protection for Seniors
A few simple steps ensure better identity theft protection for seniors.
Prevent Theft
While many people tend to focus on high-tech methods in offering identity theft protection for seniors, some old-fashioned methods still remain. The easiest way for the wrong person to get his hands on your personal information is by stealing your wallet or purse. Keep a close eye on your purse or wallet, and only carry the cards you need. Many people have a habit of carrying their Social Security cards with them, but this card should be left securely at home.
Shred Sensitive Documents
Invest in a paper shredder, and shred every document with personally identifying information on it. The most vital thing to shred is credit card applications. Identity thieves have been known to search through the trash for pre-approved credit card applications. They submit the forms with a change of address notice, and soon they have a credit card in your name. However, you should also shred old bank statements, credit card bills, receipts and invoices with your credit card number printed on them if they are no longer needed. Also include forms with financial account numbers or your Social Security number displayed.
Shop Safely Online
Be cautious when shopping online. A disreputable site or a site with poor security can put your credit card numbers in the hands of an identity thief. Keep your shopping restricted to secure sites. When you visit a secure site, your browser should show an image of a locked padlock, and instead of the usual http, the site's address will start with https. You can also look for the VeriSign logo on the Web site. Companies earning the right to display this logo are held to the highest online security standards.
Another way to keep your credit card information safe online is to mask it. Some credit card companies, including Discover and Citibank, offer "fake" online credit card numbers. These numbers are linked to your account and valid for any purchase. However, they can be easily disabled if the account number is stolen, keeping your real credit card information secure.
Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly monitor your credit reports and credit card statements. If you do become the victim of identity theft, this is an easy way to catch it before too much damage is done. Consumers are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, once every 21 months. You can request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the official site for requesting your report. Other sites offer free reports, but they will only provide them if you sign up for additional services. Examine your credit report carefully, looking for new loans you never applied for or new credit cards you never requested.
Avoid Phishing
Phishing is an increasingly common online identity theft scam. In a phishing scheme, email is sent out telling the recipient there is a problem with an account. The email may explain that there's a large charge that needs to be confirmed, the account password needs to be changed, or some other concern needing immediate attention. The phishers direct the email recipient to a Web site that may appear official, and collect personal information like account logins, passwords, Social Security numbers, and bank account numbers. PayPal and eBay are two of the most common sources of phishing emails.
If you receive a seemingly official notice via email, take the following steps to ensure the safety of your personal information:
- Never click on a link in the email. These links can direct you to highly official-looking sites. For instance, sites claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service have gone so far as to use graphics from the official IRS site.
- Visit the site by typing its URL in your browser and log in to your account.
- If any action on your part is necessary, you should receive a message upon logging in. It's likely there will be no such alert because there was never anything wrong.
- If you're still not satisfied, call or email customer service to ensure that there are no problems with your account.
- Report the fraudulent email to the company or financial institution involved. You can forward fake eBay emails to spoof@ebay.com and fake PayPal emails to spoof@paypal.com.
Phishing emails concerning the IRS should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or through the TIGTA Web site.
For More Security Information
Find out more about identity theft, or report it, at the Federal Trade Commission Web site.
Comments
Charlotte, at this point, you really need the services of an elder affairs attorney. Have your father refuse additional charges on his credit cards by working with each individual account directly. He can also go to the bank manager and review his accounts there and set a new course of action. Also consider asking your father to work with you to make you power of attorney over his remaining assets.
-- Contributed by: TK2I need to know how to protect my father from a family member. My brother took my fathers home, raided his bank accounts, used his credit cards and maxed them. There is so much I don't have enough space for it all. Can up help me? Charlotte
-- Contributed by: Charlotte BussThis page has been accessed 589 times. This page was last modified 00:27, 24 June 2008.
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