In many cultures worldwide, elderly members of society are honored and respected for their wisdom and life experiences. While this is true for many in the United States, unfortunately, some take advantage of the vulnerability of older individuals, with many over the age of 65 at risk of identity theft scams. As such, if you have an older loved one, understanding the common tactics used to scam them and the steps to take if you believe they are a victim is critical. Luckily, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why it’s in your best interest to connect with a senior identity theft lawyer in San Diego to explore your legal options.
Why Are Seniors Often Victims of Identity Theft?
While anyone can fall victim to identity theft, senior citizens and children are two of the most vulnerable groups to suffer the impacts. Children are often considered good targets because they do not have a credit history. However, they are often the victims of identity theft at the hands of close family members who have access to their information.
Senior citizens, on the other hand, can be the victim of identity theft as the result of scams perpetrated by scammers and thieves. Unfortunately, as many older adults are more trusting and unfamiliar with advancements in technology, they may believe a phone scammer when they hear their account has been compromised or that they need to reapply for certain government benefits.
What Identity Theft Scams Are Used Against Older Adults?
Unfortunately, there are several scams that commonly impact older adults. Generally, phone call scams are among the most common. Common tactics used to solicit money and personal information from the victim include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pretending to be a charity organization
- Pretending to be a sweepstakes host
- Posing as a child or grandchild in trouble
- Pretending to be a government official
- Pretending to be a lawyer or police officer
In these instances, scammers rely on confusing, threatening, scaring, or manipulating the older adult into complying with their orders to provide sensitive information like social security numbers, bank account information, or other personal details.
However, you may find that some look to take advantage of the emotional state of older adults. Unfortunately, romance scams involving older adults are increasingly common. In these instances, a scammer will pretend to be romantically interested in the victim, using their fake relationship as a means of obtaining personal information that can be used to commit identity theft.
If you or a loved one believes you are the victim of identity theft, understanding your legal options and ways to reclaim your identity is critical. Unfortunately, recovering after identity theft can be complex, so it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Barthel Legal. Our team is committed to helping those taken advantage of recover from this crime. Connect with us today to learn more.
