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Identity theft among Americans 50 and older is rising, according to
the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics. In
2010, more than 3.5 million households headed by people 50 and older
experienced identity theft, according to bureau figures.
Identity thieves find seniors attractive targets for a number of
reasons, according to the FBI, including for their financial
stability. Seniors are more likely to have savings, own a home and
have good credit. Fortunately, taking precautions -- including
monitoring one's identity and credit through products like
ProtectMyID.com -- can help seniors reduce their risk of identity
theft.
Two types of identity theft that have targeted seniors in the
past are phone scams and medical fraud.
The FBI advises seniors to be wary of telemarketers and phone
solicitations, since money lost through a phone call is very
difficult to get back. The bureau recommends taking precautions when
doing business over the phone, including:
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Asking for written
material before committing to any charitable request or special
offer. If you receive written material, review it with someone
you trust.
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Avoid dealing with
companies you don't know, and research unfamiliar companies
through consumer agencies like the Better Business Bureau, state
attorney general or National Fraud Information Center.
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Know who you're
talking to. Ask for the person's full name, business title,
phone number, physical address, mailing address and business
license number. Verify the information before any transactions
take place.
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Don't pay in advance for services, and
be wary of high-pressure tactics that require you to act
immediately in order to receive a special price or offer.
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 Medical fraud is another area of particular risk for seniors, who
tend to have more doctor visits, hospital trips and prescriptions,
and since Medicare can be confusing and complicated.
It's important to protect your identity by guarding Medicare and
health insurance information, just as you would your bank account
number or Social Security number. The FBI offers these tips for
avoiding health insurance fraud:
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Never sign blank
claim forms or give a medical provider blanket authorization to
bill for services.
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Make sure you
understand what your medical providers will charge and how much
of it you will be expected to pay out of pocket. Review your
coverage with your health insurance company so you understand
what your financial responsibilities are.
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Don't do business
with anyone selling medical equipment door-to-door or over the
phone, or who tell you that you can get services or equipment
for free.
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Provide your
insurance or Medicare information only to those who have given
you a medical service.
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Keep accurate records of all your
medical appointments and prescriptions.
Finally, if you're having trouble keeping track of your medical
information, ask for help from a trusted friend or family member.
Navigating Medicare, health insurance and health care can be
challenging. Getting assistance and staying on top of your medical
information are key steps toward protecting your identity, and help
minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
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