Tips to Portect Senior Citizens from Elder Abuse Identity Theft (USA)

Tips to protect senior citizens from elder abuse identity theft

August 9,

Houston Family Examiner

BY Lisa Carey

There are far too many sad, but true crime stories of seniors and the elderly being abused, whether physically, emotionally, mentally or financially.

What can you do to protect yourself or your elderly loved ones?

• Stay educated about identity theft, recent identity theft scams, identity theft laws, your rights, remedies and so on. Here’s a great list of resources to check out and save.
• Trusted Sources for Helpful Information on Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft: AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons offers tips through their magazine and their website.
• IDtheft.gov is the federal government’s website resource.
• The non-profit organization, Identity Theft Resource Center, has information on their website, , as well as a toll free number, 1 (888) 400-5530.
• The US Department of Justice

· Visit this website to learn more about the Older Americans Act,
If you’re not internet savvy, your local library can assist you with internet research.

Many seniors have carried their social security card and number around for decades and it is a hard habit to break but seniors need to understand that today the practice simply isn’t smart or safe. Medicare card numbers put seniors at risk too. Instead seniors can leave their cards secured at home and instead carry a copy of their Medicare card with them, with the SSN blacked out. This will help you get the medical treatment you need in case of emergency and but still keep your information safe in case of a theft. Hospitals will not deny treatment based on carrying a copy of your Medicare card. The real card can be presented later.

Abridged

SOURCE: The Houston Examiner, TX. USA

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