fbpx

Senior Identity Theft: Protecting Aging Adults From Fraud

Although we might like to think that identity theft is somewhat rare, recent data breaches and current information show us that the chances of being affected by this form of criminal activity are probably higher than you think. If you’re a person in a high-risk group, like a senior over the age of 60, your chances of being affected are even higher.

Identity theft, which is when a criminal gets your personal information like your social security number, can happen anywhere and at anytime these days. A lot of seniors may think they’re fairly safe because they have the impression that identity theft is something that happens online or through credit cards. But these days, your personal information is found in countless places, from your prescription labels to your driver’s license to even on Facebook. It’s more important than ever to be aware of the risks, the red flags to watch for and things you can do to make sure your information is safe and secure.

According to a recent report by Javelin Strategy & Research, 16.7 million people were victims of identity fraud in 2017, which is a record high. Although there aren’t specific details on which of these victims were senior citizens, we know that demographic is targeted specifically in identity theft scams.

Older adults tend to have more savings than younger people, which makes them especially attractive to identity thieves. Seniors are more likely to be going to the doctor and staying in hospitals or care facilities, which means their personal information gets passed around to lots of people on a regular basis.

Seniors also tend to be more trusting when they receive unusual phone calls or emails and may not see the red flags from unsolicited offers of help. They also are less likely to report identity theft if it occurs, because they’re embarrassed or because they worry their family members will think they can no longer live independently.

Where Identity Theft Happens

Online. This is the most “visible” place where identity theft occurs. Oftentimes, scammers send emails with “phishing” links that look like reputable sites but are used to capture your personal information. Another way is sending emails with malware attachments, which when downloaded, are used to remotely access your computer and your files. There are also larger data breaches that occur when a hacker gets into a company’s files, like a bank or retail store, and gains access to customers’ information.

Unsecured physical documents. If you carry around important documents on your person like driver’s licenses, passports, Social Security cards or Medicare cards, these can easily be stolen by a light-fingered thief who can then use the information to steal your identity. Your mailbox is also a place where scammers can get your information – if your medical bills and bank statements are delivered through the mail, a scammer can snatch the items from your mailbox or pry open your lock to steal the mail inside.

Telephone calls. Not only are older adults more likely to have a landline – they’re also more likely to answer a phone call from a number they don’t recognize. Identity thieves know that, and so seniors are often targeted with phone calls about free medical care, free money, criminals posing as a government agency like the IRS or Social Security or scammers posing as charities.

Medical records. Criminals who gain access to your Medicare or health insurance information can fraudulently use it to file claims or gain medical treatment. This can happen by gaining access to your medical records in numerous ways – sometimes, sadly, by someone working in the medical facility.

Retirement savings. 401(k)s and savings accounts are particularly delicious targets for cybercriminals. Account breaches by criminals and untrustworthy individuals posing as financial advisors can allow for your nest egg to be siphoned away.

On vacation. Identity theft can happen on vacation since you’re spending lots of money and perhaps even making online transactions via public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks. Your mail is also at risk if you’re continuing to have it delivered while you’re away.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Be mindful of your credit. While you may not need to access your credit to buy a home or car, fraudulent activity and errors often appear on credit reports first. At least once a year, request your credit report and go over it to make sure there are no inaccuracies. If you don’t plan on requesting credit anytime in the future, you can also place a freeze on your account – which can be reversed fairly easily if and when you need to use it.

Practice online safety. Educate yourself or let your loved ones know about how to operate safely online. Avoid sharing personal information on social media sites, like exact birth dates or physical addresses. If you receive an email from a company you do business with asking for information, don’t click on the link – instead, go to the official site and contact customer service from there. You can also consider installing an adblocker (since scammers often use pop-ups or ad links to gain information), as well as good antivirus software.

Keep tabs on important documents. Don’t carry important documents around with you – keep your Social Security card, birth certificate, Medicare card and other essentials somewhere safe and secure at home or in a bank deposit box. If possible, consider switching to online statements for your credit card and bank accounts – although it may sound less secure to seniors, safeguards are in place that make online accounts even more secure than physical documents.

Trust, yet verify. While a phone call you receive may be legitimate, never give out your personal information over the phone to someone who calls you. A legitimate organization will never ask you to verify your identity if they’re the ones calling you (obviously, if you’re calling in to them, they’ll ask verification questions). When in doubt, hang up and call the official number for the organization (don’t call the number they give you or that they provide in an email). If you’re being pressured to make a decision over the phone or if they say something needs to happen immediately, it’s a scam. Legitimate organizations will give you plenty of time to make a decision and have no problem with you contacting them at a later date.

Review your records. Identity thieves will almost always leave a trail. Ask your doctor for copies of your medical records, review your bills and statements and overall stay aware of any activity on your accounts. If you see any errors or inconsistencies, call and confirm, and if fraud is happening, report it immediately.

Engaging Lifestyle.

Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable, upbeat and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents to safely exercise their independence and individuality in a secure, calm environment.

Dedicated Memory Care

We provide complete peace of mind for families and residents experiencing early-, mid- or late-stage memory loss. Our expert dementia care, Personalized Services and personalized programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.

Welcoming, Purpose-Built Design.

Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home, where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more joyful lives and where families enjoy spending time together again. Our research-based design features soft lighting and colors, non-glare flooring, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to comfortably move about their homes with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more.

Learn More About Bridges®

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Loading...