For a number of reasons, elders are easy prey for identity fraud. Whether it’s someone stealing their mail, a dishonest personal care assistant, or a telemarketer, many older people are victims of exploitation and theft. It is very important to make sure that the older people in your life know how to protect their privacy, as well as know how to recognize a scam or a thief.
One of the first ways an older individual will fall prey to identity fraud is telemarketers. They know that older people are lonely, and will spend time talking on the telephone. The longer a telemarketer has you on the phone, the more likely he is to sell you something. That means he’s getting personal information, too. Anytime there is a public issue that affects seniors, the phone will start ringing with so called “advocates” offering to help in exchange for personal information and credit card numbers.
Some thieves are low tech. They simply steal older people’s mail. They may steal retirement checks, credit card statements, medical correspondence, and so forth. They’ll get more than they need to recreate that senior’s identity. They’ll probably easily cash any checks they manage to steal, too. If the senior has the mail delivered right to the house, change them over to a mail slot that drops the mail into the house itself.
Finally, in home help can be a security problem. They can literally go through everything the senior owns. For them, it’s super easy to get anything they need to commit identity fraud. Therefore, do deep background checks on anyone you are going to leave alone with an elder. If you’re using an agency, all employees should have already been vetted and bonded. Even so, be vigilant and check in on your loved one often.