Common Types of Senior Identity Theft
Tech Support Scams
This type of scam often starts with a phone call, email, or pop-up message claiming your computer has a virus or outdated software. Scammers may ask for your credit card number, email address, or password to “fix” the issue.
Medicare and Medical Identity Theft
Someone claims to be from Medicare or your health care provider and says personal information is missing from your records. They may ask for sensitive details like your Social Security or Medicare number.
IRS and Tax Scams
These scams often appear during tax season. The scammer threatens arrest, foreclosure, or legal action over unpaid taxes and demands immediate payment.
Estate and Funeral Scams
Scammers may search obituaries to collect personal details about the deceased. Some even attend funerals to take advantage of grieving families or burglarize homes while services are taking place.
Military Identity Theft
Scammers use stolen personal information to claim military benefits or pretend to represent the Veterans Administration to request sensitive details.
Phone Scams and Robocalls
These calls may offer free vacations, charity requests, or “special deals.” The real goal is to collect your credit card number or personal information. Always ask for a number to call back and verify the offer.
Grandparent or Relative Scams
A caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble, often claiming they were arrested or robbed while traveling and need money immediately.
Romance Scams
Someone you meet online builds trust and asks personal questions. Eventually, they claim to have a financial emergency and ask for money or credit card information—then disappear.
How to Prevent Senior Identity Theft
Phone and Computer Safety
- Save contact information for family members, close friends, and health care providers so you can recognize legitimate calls.
- Let calls you don’t recognize go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages.
- Don’t be afraid to hang up if someone asks for personal or financial information.
- Never wire money or send gift cards because of an email or phone request, even if it seems urgent.
- Don’t click links in unsolicited emails. Call the sender directly to verify requests.
- Look for a padlock symbol and “https” in website addresses before entering information.
- Verify insurance offers or requests by checking with the Better Business Bureau.
Statements and Important Documents
- Review bank statements, credit card statements, and financial records regularly.
- Do not carry your Social Security card. Only carry Medicare or insurance cards when needed.
- Set up direct deposit to reduce the risk of stolen checks.
- Ask for help if you’re unsure about a call, email, or letter.
- If it sounds too good to be true or feels threatening, it’s likely a scam.
- Keep insurance cards and sensitive documents locked in a secure place.
- Review insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements for charges you don’t recognize.
- Shred paperwork that contains personal or medical information when it is no longer needed, including prescription labels.