Identity theft is an increasing concern, and seniors are frequently targeted due to their trusting disposition. Protecting seniors from identity theft requires consistent monitoring, care, education, and proactive actions to protect their personal information. The good news is that senior home care providers and loved ones can work together to make sure seniors stay safe and aren’t taken for granted.
Educating About Common Scams
Seniors should be aware of scammers’ strategies for acquiring personal information, such as phishing emails, phony phone calls claiming to be from government authorities, and fraudulent award notifications. Consistent and open discussions about these frauds can teach seniors to recognize red flags.
Maintaining Personal Information
Both senior home care providers and loved ones can encourage seniors to protect critical information such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and Medicare numbers. It’s important to remind them not to share these over the phone or online unless they know they’re talking with a reputable person or organization.
Shred Sensitive Documents
Identity thieves frequently sift through trash to obtain personal information. Before disposing of old bank statements, medical data, and other documents holding personal information, senior home care can remind seniors to shred them using a cross-cut shredder.
Secure Mail to Avoid Theft
Seniors should use a locked mailbox or consider mailing essential documents to a trusted family member’s address. They should also retrieve their mail quickly to decrease the risk of mail theft.
Monitor Financial Accounts
Regularly monitoring bank statements, credit card accounts, and medical bills can help seniors detect suspect activity early. Many banks and financial organizations provide warnings for unexpected transactions, which can be useful for seniors and caregivers.
Freeze Credit Reports
A credit report freeze can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in a senior’s name. Freezing credit with all three main credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—is free and can be lifted temporarily as needed.
Be Cautious Online
Seniors should create strong, unique passwords for their internet accounts and use two-factor authentication wherever possible. Antivirus software and system updates can also help to lower the danger of cyberattacks.
Avoid Using Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions
Public Wi-Fi networks are frequently insecure, making it easy for hackers to capture data. When seniors are out and about, senior home care can remind them of this and ensure they’re being careful with personal information while using public Wi-Fi.
Beware of Unsolicited Calls or Emails
It’s also important to remind seniors to hang up on unsolicited phone calls and delete any emails requesting personal information, as scammers frequently impersonate real organizations. Loved ones and senior home care providers can help seniors determine if the email is from an actual person or organization.
Check for Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft poses a substantial concern to seniors. Reviewing Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and contacting insurers if there are any discrepancies can help them know their health information is not being exploited.
Protecting seniors from identity theft is a shared responsibility that both loved ones and senior home care can share. It requires staying informed, implementing security measures, and reminding seniors to be cautious. By adopting these safeguards, seniors can protect their identities, retain financial security, and enjoy peace of mind.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Glendale, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources today. Call (602) 443-4700
Home Care Resources is a top provider of home care services in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.identityguard.com/news/best-identity-theft-protection-for-seniors
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-protect-seniors-from-identity-theft
- https://www.takechargeamerica.org/protecting-seniors-from-identity-theft/
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