Identity theft can, unfortunately, impact almost anyone. Whether your sensitive mail is stolen, your information is involved in a data breach, or you accidentally click a spam link, your finances and credit score could be at risk. However, certain groups are at an increased risk of identity theft. It’s important to understand who is at risk and what steps those impacted can take to reduce the possibility of having their identity compromised. The following blog explores this in further detail and how a San Diego County identity theft lawyer can assist you through these complicated times if you have reason to believe your information was compromised.
Are Certain Groups More At Risk of Identity Theft?
While anyone can be a victim of identity theft, there are typically three groups of society that are at an increased risk of identity theft compared to others. The first group most vulnerable is senior citizens. Unfortunately, thieves will target older adults as they often have good credit scores and may have more trouble navigating technology. As such, they may be more susceptible to phishing scams or other ruses commonly used to steal identity and sensitive information.
The next group most targeted for identity theft is children. This is because they often have a clean slate, and parents do not check their children’s credit scores until they’re ready to co-sign a loan or open a credit card. Unfortunately, by the time the child turns 18, their credit may be destroyed because of identity theft.
Finally, those in the military are also at an increased risk of identity theft. This is because active duty servicemembers often do not have the ability to regularly check their bank account and credit reports for signs of theft. As such, they may be unaware their identity has been compromised until it’s too late.
How Can Vulnerable Individuals Secure Their Identity?
If you are at risk of identity theft, there are important steps you can take to help secure your identity. If you are older or have young children, it may be in your best interest to place a credit freeze on the account. This can help ensure no one can access your credit report or open an account in your name or your child’s name. A credit freeze is more ideal than a fraud alert for long-term protection.
Those in the military may not want to place a credit freeze on their account, especially if they plan on taking out loans or applying for a mortgage. For those enlisted, you can place an active duty alert on your report. This will last for one year and requires potential creditors to confirm your identity. However, as you may not be able to converse with potential creditors, you can appoint someone to speak on your behalf.
Unfortunately, identity theft can be devastating for those impacted. As such, if you discover that your information has been compromised, working with the team at Barthel Legal can help you fight for the best possible outcome. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to assisting you in recovering your identity and repairing your credit score. If you’ve been impacted, contact our team today to learn how we can fight for you.
