One thing many different communities and cultures have in common is a deep respect for the elders in their lives. Unfortunately, some choose to look past the wisdom and culture that older individuals can impart on future generations, instead taking advantage of the often kind nature of seniors. As such, familiarizing yourself with the steps you can take as an older individual to protect your identity and finances is critical. The following blog explores what senior citizens should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a senior identity theft lawyer in San Diego to help you discuss your legal options.
Why Are Senior Citizens At an Increased Risk of Identity Theft?
One of the primary reasons that senior citizens are more prone to identity theft than others is that they often have ideal credit scores that are seldom used. Many senior citizens have good consumer habits from years of saving and careful investing. As individuals grow older, they are less likely to use their credit, meaning reports often go unchecked. As such, someone who accesses this information may have more opportunities to
In addition, many senior citizens grew up in a world without the advanced technology we have today. As such, this means that many seniors are not able to keep up with the ever-changing technology that many identity thieves utilize for their schemes and scams.
What Steps Can Older Individuals Take to Protect Themselves?
It’s important for senior citizens to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their identities. Generally, one of the most important steps in this process is to place a credit freeze on their credit reports. This process essentially blocks anyone, including creditors, from accessing your credit reports without prior authorization. As such, this makes it impossible for thieves to open up accounts in your names, as the creditors will be unable to access the account.
However, seniors should also be aware of the risks associated with synthetic identity theft, which occurs when a thief combines the different sensitive information of others to create an entirely new identity. As such, seniors should take extra precautions to secure information like their Social Security numbers, passwords, and dates of birth. It’s imperative to remember that this information should never be provided over the phone unless the call is initiated by a consumer using a verified phone number.
Taking the necessary steps to protect yourself is critical if you are getting older and have concerns about the future of your credit. In the even you discover that your identity has been compromised, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with Barthel Legal. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will take the necessary steps to protect you during these times. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
