Identity Theft and Senior Citizens: What Do You Need to Know?
There are new ways that identity thieves are getting to seniors every year, sometimes even more often than that. As a family caregiver, you must learn all you can about identity theft when it comes to senior citizens. The more you know, the more you can protect your elderly loved one. If you aren’t going to be home or if you live far away from your loved one, you can have homecare providers keep an eye on your loved one.
Stealing Medical and Other Information
Homecare Anderson OH – Identity Theft and Senior Citizens: What Do You Need to Know?
Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t realize that they shouldn’t be carrying around their Social Security or medical insurance cards all the time. While they might need them for an appointment, they shouldn’t be carrying them around all the time. This increases their chances of having their medical information and social security number stolen. When stealing these cards, an identity thieve can take out credit cards, loans, and other things in your elderly loved one’s name. They can even file your loved one’s income taxes and take their tax refund.
Stealing Mail
Identity thieves may steal your elderly loved one’s mail, as well. They may take mail directly from your loved one’s mailbox. Some of the things they might steal include insurance documents, medical bills, investment documents, bank statements, and more. The more documents the identity thief gets from your loved one, the easier it becomes for them to steal your loved one’s identity.
Scam from Grandchild
Unfortunately, there are some identity thieves that will play the grandchild scam on your elderly loved one. The identity thief would call your loved one and claim to be one of their grandchildren. They will beg for your loved one to send them money or ask for credit card information to pay for something. The identity thief may even go as far as to say they are in trouble and need help. Many elderly adults will comply, not thinking twice about helping a “grandchild”. However, this is always a scam. It is important to talk to your loved one and let them know to avoid these phone calls and to not give out any information to someone who calls to play this scam.
IRS Scam
There are other identity thieves that will pretend they are an IRS agent. They will call your elderly loved one and say they owe the IRS money. The identity thief will ask your loved one to give them their bank account information or credit card information. They may also ask your loved one to wire them money to pay for their IRS fees, taxes, or charges. Let your loved one know they should never believe these phone calls. The IRS doesn’t call about debts. They will send a letter about debts instead.
These are some of the ways that an identity thief will try to take advantage of elderly adults. If you or an homecare provider is caring for your loved one, be sure they are aware of these scams, so they can protect themselves from being scammed.
Sources: https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_comments/ftc-seeks-public-input-how-identity-theft-impacts-senior-citizens-project-no.p065411-00009%C2%A0/00009-83187.pdf
https://www.acfe.com/fraud-examiner.aspx?id=4294997223
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Homecare Services in Anderson OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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