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Have you ever heard of identity theft? It’s a severe problem that can happen to anyone and ruin your life. Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information, like your name, credit card number, or Social Security number, to commit fraud.
There are many ways for thieves to get your information. They might go through your trash, looking for bills or other documents with your information. They might pretend to be a business or government agency and ask you for your information over the phone or online. Or they might hack into a company’s computer system to get your information.
Once they have your information, they can open new credit card accounts, take out loans, or even get a job or a driver’s license in your name. This can ruin your credit, and it can take years to fix the damage.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft:
Avoid Telemarketers
The best way to avoid identity theft is to simply not answer calls from telemarketers. Often, these are scams where someone tries to get your personal information over the phone. Do not give them your information, and just hang up.
Telemarketers often target seniors, so if you have elderly family members, ensure they know not to give out their information over the phone. You can also invest in senior identity theft protection services, which will help to monitor their information and protect them from scams. Identity theft services often include credit protection, a VPN, antivirus software, and antivirus software that can help to protect your computer from identity theft.
Shred Important Documents
When you get rid of old bills or other documents with your personal information, shred them before you throw them away. This way, if a thief goes through your trash, they will not be able to gather enough information to steal your identity.
You should also shred any pre-approved credit card offers in the mail. These often have your name and address, and a thief can use this information to apply for a credit card in your name.
Be Cautious with the Information You Share
A thief can use every tiny piece of information that you share to steal your identity. Be careful about the information you share on social media, and only give out your personal information when necessary.
Never give out your Social Security number; only give out your credit card number when making a purchase. If a company asks for your Social Security number for any other reason, do not give it to them.
Check Your Financial Reports Regularly
You should check your credit report at least once a year to ensure that there is no fraudulent activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus every 12 months.
Contact the credit bureau immediately if you see anything on your credit report that you do not recognize. This could be anything from an incorrect address to an account you did not open.
You should also check your bank and credit card statements monthly for any unusual activity. If you see any charges you did not make, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
Don’t Carry Around Important Documents
You should not carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport unless necessary. If you need to take these documents with you, keep them safe so they will not be lost or stolen.
You should also limit the information that you carry in your wallet. Only carry the credit cards and IDs you need and leave anything else at home.
Identity theft is a serious problem with devastating consequences. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. The key is to be vigilant and to never give out your personal information unless necessary.
Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.
