Senior citizens have become one of the prime targets of identity thieves. They are thought of as easy prey to felons who are out to defraud unsuspecting or vulnerable individuals. Trusting and usually unaware of the latest scams and schemes of criminals, elders are most susceptible to being conned.
The government recognizes this threat and has issued warnings to elderly Americans. The FBI has put up a page on its website to help address senior identity theft issues. Older American consumers have been victims of health care (Medicare), telemarketing and online scams, investment and even tax fraud. Scam artists have become more and more ruthless as they commit these crimes. They are predators and have very little regard for the damages that their felony can cause.
Explaining Identity theft to seniors
Seniors have lived in an era where crimes were not as advanced and complex as they are today. Older individuals are usually not adept on the concept of identity theft. Rampant as it is in this day and age, seniors would have a difficult time understanding the various ways his or her identity can get stolen. But they have to be made aware that this crime exists. It is our job to help them understand this better. Most elders ask, “What is identity theft?” and “How does identity theft happen?”
First, seniors need to recognize that important personal and financial information such as their Social security number, date of birth, credit card details and even Medicare information can be used to commit identity theft. They have to withhold this information from people they do not trust and especially, from people they do not know. Once they’ve imparted this information to identity thieves, the list of financial crimes and the detriments that they have to face can go on and on. Credit accounts can be opened under their name, loans and debts can accumulate at their expense without them even knowing. Worse would be to have their life savings taken away from them without remorse.
Scams and schemes for elders
Scams for senior citizens can range from telemarketing to health care fraud. Felons have identified elders to be gullible and polite. They use these senior traits to exploit them.
Below is a list of common crimes directed to senior citizens and corresponding tips to avoid identity theft:
- Telemarketing scams may seem like an old trick in the bag but criminals still use this to victimize elders. The FBI states that individuals “age 60 or older—and especially if you are an older woman living alone—you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone.” Most use the bait, “You’ve won a free gift, vacation, or prize.” Swindlers have taken this as an effective method to hook seniors into giving their personal information. Oftentimes, cons even ask for money to settle “federal taxes” or “custom duties” for the “prize” that they’ve won.Tips to avert this scam: To avoid this type of fraud, it never hurts to ask the probing questions that will verify the telemarketers identity and the company he or she works for. No matter how convincing these people sound, never give your information to somebody that wants to complete an important deal with you over the phone. Ask for some literature to be sent through the mail or have them provide you with an official website where you can check the company’s authenticity. It would also be wise to check if they are listed as a legitimate company with the Better Business Bureau. Importantly, the FBI advises older consumers to not pay for a service acquired through a telemarketer in advance.
- Online or Internet scams are almost similar to telemarketing scams, the objective is to get vital data from a victim to carry out various types of fraud. This scheme has become widely used with the emergence of technology. Due to its convenience, elders are also adapting to the digital age and have become more reliant on transacting online. However, they must be wary of the different online scams such as phishing emails and various viruses that are being spread by hackers and cyber criminals. These felons send out bogus emails to netizens, soliciting personal and financial information. The emails can sound intimidating and require urgent response. Oftentimes, it comes as a notice to close a specific account or will urge you to give out information as part of a government campaign that you must participate in. A good example would be tax fraud against seniors.Tips to avoid this scam: Never give your information out even if the email threatens you that ignoring that notice will cause a foreclosure of an account or disqualification from government incentives or benefits. Again, make it a habit to VERIFY with your bank or government agency! Do not download attachments from emails sent by strangers or fill out online forms asking for your Social security number, date of birth or credit card details. Always confirm if you are receiving a legitimate email by contacting that company’s toll-free number. It never hurts to verify. Lastly, when you avidly do online transactions, it’s always best to do these activities over a secured network and make sure that you change your passwords routinely.
- Medicare scams have victimized a lot of senior citizens as felons know that this will easily grab their attention. Beneficiaries have been hoodwinked by individuals who contacted them over the phone and posed as representatives of the government’s “Health and Welfare Department”. Seniors are asked to verify their personal information and banking details as they will soon receive a new Medicare card in the mail. This is but another clever scam by identity thieves!Tips to avoid this scam: To employ vigilance will save one unnecessary stress and embarrassment from being victimized by a scam. Signing for blank insurance or medical forms should be avoided if it is not for legitimate medical purposes. Never give out your data unless the information is asked for by your trusted and official physician or medical institution.
Senior citizens have to be protected from the merciless harm that identity thieves cause. Weak and sometimes disabled, elders should be spared the hassle that these identity thieves instigate. If you find this article helpful, feel free to leave your comments and any helpful tips you may have below.
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