According to the Bureau of Justice, more than 3 million older adults in America have their identity stolen each year. The number is excessive as predators often mark older adults as their preferred senior identity theft target. Older adults are often isolated from society and they tend to be more vulnerable and trusting. They may also be suffering from dementia or memory loss which increases their risk of becoming an identity theft target. Here are some tips for you to help your older loved one from falling victim to the crime.
Watch Out for Shoulder Surfers
When keying in a PIN number at an ATM machine or entering a credit card number at a digital kiosk or computer, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure nobody is peering over your shoulder to record down your personal details.
Require Photo ID Verification
Instead of signing on the backs of your credit cards, write down “See photo ID”. In most cases, store clerks do not even look at the signature found on the back of credit cards. This makes it even easier for identity thieves to make use of a stolen credit card to make online purchases that do not require signature verification. For rare cases where they do actually verify the signature, matching the user to the photo ID can provide added security.
Shred Everything
One of the methods used by identity thieves to acquire information is through the dumpster-diving technique. They pick on trash to retrieve bills and credit card statements or even ATM receipts. Do not leave too much information lying around in the trash. Shred everything that is important before disposing of them.
Destroy Digital Data
When you trade, sell or dispose of a computer system or any memory device like a hard drive, always take extra steps to ensure that the data contained inside is completely destroyed. Delete the data or simply reformat the memory device. For added assurance, you can choose to physically destroy the memory device before tossing it inside the trash. There are also e-waste services that shred the devices before disposing of them through a proper channel.
Practice Diligence When Checking Statements
Always check your bank statements diligently each time you receive them. You can detect any suspicious activities that you have not performed. Quickly report the activities to your bank to inform them of the false entries. The bank may also block your card to prevent any further illegitimate transactions.
Pay Bills Online or at The Post Office
Never leave your paid bills in your mailbox to be delivered. A thief may raid your mailbox and in turn, be able to acquire crucial personal information in just one envelope. Information like your credit card number, account number, and even your signature will all be at the thief’s disposal. Drop your bills directly at the post office or make online transactions through secure websites.
Limit Information on Checks
Many users find it convenient to have their social security number or driver’s license number imprinted on their personal checks to save time. If your checks end up in the wrong hands, thieves can easily acquire important information about you.
