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Identity theft – are your parents and grandparents safe from it?

On Behalf of | Apr 13, 2023 | Elder Law

Technology may have improved dramatically over the years, but scammers continue to target older people to commit identity theft.

How bad is the identity theft crisis in Texas? According to the Texas Department of Insurance, over 6,700 Texans aged 60 and above reported losing more than $159 million to fraud in 2021.

As a guardian of an elder, it’s essential to learn what to do when your ward is potentially a victim of identity theft and how to prevent them from falling victim to scams.

How do scammers steal the information of older people?

Older people remain popular targets for criminals because they’re more vulnerable to suggestions and could end up trusting the scammer. A common approach is for fraudsters to look up the name of the victim’s grandchildren online – a terrifyingly easy thing to do in the age of social media – then call the elder while posing as one of the grandchildren.

If the elder falls for the trick, the fraudsters can make up whatever demands they can think of. They might pretend to be in a financial pinch and ask the victim to give up their bank account information. They might even ask for passwords to access the victim’s online accounts.

Mail theft is another surprisingly easy way to steal another’s personal information through bills and financial statements. Some thieves have even used Google Maps and real estate platforms like Zillow to locate wealthy neighborhoods to steal mail from. Savvy crooks might use the stolen mail to change the mailing address and prevent news of fraudulent charges from reaching victims’ mailboxes.

Scammers could pose as tech support personnel, preying on older people unfamiliar with the latest gadgets and electronics. They might even offer to look at the victims’ computers to check for any issues, but instead use the opportunity to find sensitive information.

What are the signs that an elder’s identity is being targeted?

If any of these things happen to your loved one, consider the possibility that scammers are targeting them:

  • Unsolicited contact: If a message – whether a phone call, mail, email, or text message – claims to be from the government or a business and asks the elder to provide their personal information, be careful as it might be an attempt to steal information. Government agencies and legitimate organizations will never make unsolicited contact with individuals.
  • Prizes, but with a catch: Messages claiming the recipient won the lottery but requiring them to pay upfront for a “fee” are equally suspicious.
  • Missing or incomplete mail: Mail theft could mean a fraudster is misusing the information. Don’t hesitate to call the companies who sent the mail if you think a document is missing.
  • A suspicious sense of urgency: If a message asks the elder to immediately perform a task – for instance, because their grandchild was in an accident and needs money soon for medical treatment – be aware that most social engineering attempts try to get the victim to act on impulse.

Fraudsters constantly find new ways to target older people. It is crucial to learn how your loved ones can be victims of identity theft and what you can do to protect them.