The Federal Trade Commission has reported identity theft as the top consumer complaint, the millions of Americans each year. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to identity theft has increased by 200% affected the elderly. The elderly are attractive targets because they usually have higher credit lines, home equity and more savings than younger people. The elderly are also easy targets for e-mail scam, fraud, and charity. Internet fraud is often instruct, an elderly, access to online bank accountto "correct a mistake." Most of the time seniors are invited to click on a link in the e-mail and will be taken to a site, such as your bank or credit card is your site. You will be asked for PIN numbers, account numbers and personal information. Then receives access to their accounts identity thief to open new credit cards and steal money.
Never release this type of information over the Internet unless you are absolutely sure that they arecorrect site. The best way to be sure is to go directly into a web page, or call the customer service of bank. Most banks and credit cards have 24-hour toll-free telephone customer service and victims of identity theft. If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact your bank and credit card companies. Cancel all: if you are wrong, then you can feel a slight discomfort, while waiting for your new credit cards. If you have rights, and identity theft isHas occurred, you can save thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches if you act quickly.
The elders are responsible to bring your Medicare card. Your Medicare card, which in turn have a Social Security number printed clearly on the front. If possible, always leave the card Social Security and Medicare card at home. If you are a new doctor, you take, and then send it in a safe place when you get home.
If a company requires your Social Security number, withouta legitimate reason to refuse to give. Health care providers, the Social Security Administration and the IRS are some organizations that have a legitimate reason for the request to have your Social Security number. Small businesses, such as your veterinarian, craftsmen and food store employees should not ask for your Social Security number.
5 Simple Tips Protect Your Identity
1 Print checks with less information as possible. Use only their first initial, last name andAddress. If you have a business address, use instead of your home address. So if your controls are ever stolen, your home address is protected. This is especially important for older women who may live alone. Do not print your phone number or social security number on your checks.
2 Obtain a copy of your credit report every year. It 'free, and if you find errors in your report, you can still get free report until the errors are corrected. All three credit-reportingAgencies are required to provide a free report if you have been denied credit, or you suspect fraud in your account. To obtain a free copy of the report go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also check your credit report by phone. Call 1-877-322-8228 to request credit reports by phone. Their reports will be sent by post.
You can contact all three credit reporting bureaus of business directly. Telephone numbers for the three credit reporting agencies are:
Equifax (800)525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
Trans Union (800) 680-7289)
3 Protect your e-mail. You can not send e-mail in your box at night. Get a locking mailbox to save the local shop. They are relatively expensive and well worth the investment. E-filing in the U.S. post office boxes or U.S. mail. Do not leave your mail from the postman to get, especially if your e-mail contains personal checks!
4 Shred all important documents. Use a shredder to destroy all majorFinancial documents. Identity thieves often trash "troll" for personal information. This technique is known as "dumpster diving" and is one of the most common methods that thieves use to steal financial information.
5 Never reveal personal information over the phone if you initiated the call. A common scam is for a thief to call you, and pretend to call the doctor's office. It asks to "confirm" your insurance information and Social Security number, theMost people care, without thinking. Do not be a victim of this scam! The doctor's office directly and ask if they need information. If the call is fraudulent, contact your insurer, and the police.
If you are a victim of identity theft yet, do not panic. Go to your local police department and submit a police report. Your bank and credit cards can not be legally responsible for crimes committed in the name of an identity thief. Contact the credit reportingAgencies and place a fraud alert on your account. If creditors begin calling, tell them that you are a victim of identity theft, and I ask to be contacted in writing. This way you can receive a notification with a copy of the police and respond to a letter. DO NOT pay your creditors for fraudulent charges! Many collection agencies to intimidate and threaten a victim of identity theft deliberately. This is sad, but true. After consultation with several victims of identity theft, I am constantly shocked at how manyVictims of abuse by the creditor. If you are a victim of bullying become creditors to report credit card company or creditor, the Federal Trade Commission.
The address to report to creditors Abusers
Federal Trade Commission
Office of Consumer Protection
55 east towards Monroe Street, # 1437
Chicago, IL 60603
312-353-4423
