Elder Angle
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud
According to Federal Trade Commission, an estimated 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card and/or bank account number, and uses it to commit fraud. Criminals often use deceitful methods to obtain your personal identifying information, which is then used in illegal activities. Fraud against the elderly is a form of abuse.Common types of fraud against Seniors include credit card, telemarketing, and home repair fraud. Credit card fraud involves making unauthorized purchases or using the victim's personal financial information to open a credit card account. Telemarketing fraud can involve a telephone call offering a prize in exchange for money from the senior. Home repair fraud may involve individuals posing as home repair specialists who may be con artists looking for easy access and money.
Helpful tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft:
* Request annual free copies of credit reports at 1-877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com. Review for errors and dispute inaccurate information with credit bureaus.
* Review bank and/or credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Unauthorized charges may indicate fraudulent activity.
* Ask for the name and address of the company, if the nature of the telephone call is unclear, and to receive written materials prior to purchasing any products or receiving any prize.
* To help reduce telemarketing calls, list your telephone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov.
* For home repair needs, be wary of door-to-door offers of free estimates. Never pay cash or pay for unfinished work.
Report suspected cases of elderly abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). For the hearing impaired, the Abuse Hotline can be accessed through the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-453-5145 TDD. It is available twenty-four hours a day and seven days per week.
For additional information on financial exploitation or about presentations on elder abuse and financial exploitation, contact the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). §
