Scam Alert-Tips to Prevent ID Theft

Posted: 02 Apr 2008 | Categories: Finance

Scam Alert: Identity Thieves Target Seniors

Senior citizens residing in assisted living centers or nursing homes are increasingly targeted by unscrupulous identity thieves. And it is not always outsiders who commit these offenses. While most relatives and caregivers act in the best interest of seniors, there are predators who use insider knowledge to commit identity theft.

Seniors are seen as easy targets because of their trusting nature and because they have more financial assets than younger people. In many cases, their dependence upon caregivers makes them more vulnerable to financial fraud, especially when these caregivers have access to their personal and financial records.

Here are some recent examples of crimes targeting nursing home residents:

A group of 17 scammers, including certified nursing assistants, teamed up to steal the identities of hundreds of nursing-home residents, using their names to seek more than $13.1 million in fraudulent tax returns.
A woman used a phone scam to steal personal information from seniors in several nursing homes and retirement communities. She used this data to open credit card accounts, make purchases and get cash advances totaling more than $100,000.
A home health aide working at an assisted living facility stole the identity of an 89-year-old resident and used the information to run up over $3,500 in fraudulent credit card charges.
A former admissions director at a nursing home stole the identity of a resident in order to obtain a cellular telephone account.

Tips to Prevent ID Theft

Fortunately, by taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud. You’ve already taken an important first step by using the Suze Orman Identity Theft Kit, which automatically sends you alerts if any suspicious activity occurs. When it comes to preventing identity theft, it is important for seniors and their caregivers to be proactive by taking these additional steps:

If you live in a nursing home or assisted living center, ask your provider to describe the precautions taken to protect your private information (including your Social Security number) and ensure that only those who have true need for this information have access to it.
Give your insurance/Medicare number only to those who provided you with certified medical services.
Never give out personally identifying information (such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers) via telephone or e-mail.
Use a shredder to shred your personal mail and receipts.
Check your medical file regularly to make sure it’s accurate and to keep a close eye on your insurance statements.
Don’t put bills or other mail with personal information in unsecured mailboxes.
If you find evidence you’ve been victimized, contact Protect Your Identity and Credit