‘Tis the season to keep the ID scam artists at bay.
As a senior, there are few things that make me more uncomfortable than the exposure to ID Theft. It is a mystifying, ever-present reality that I, like most seniors, feel ill-equipped to deal with.
However, there are some simple steps that anyone can take to limit their exposure. There are more extensive steps to take than these that you can access at the links below, but you should at least attempt to follow these basics.
Telephone -
- Place your telephone number on the national Do Not Call List. An enrollment is good for five years.
- If you receive any call from a government entity, bank, mortgage company, credit card company, or retailer asking for any information, just SAY NO! Ask them to make their request in writing, and then HANG UP!
- Unfortunately, some charitable organizations use the phone to solicit donations. Again, just say NO! Ask them to send a written request. Hang up.
Email -
- If you receive an email from a government entity, bank, mortgage company, credit card company, or retailer asking for any information, just delete. No trustworthy organization operates in that fashion.
- Do not even open emails from sources you do not recognize. Most especially, do not open their attachments.
Regular Mail -
- Rip to bits any piece of mail that includes an account number or any personal information. Discard it with the food garbage, the wetter the better.
- Rip up and discard into the garbage any unsolicited credit card applications.
Credit Card and Bank Statements -
- Keep credit card and ATM receipts, and compare the items on the statements you receive to these receipts.
- Contest any unfamiliar transaction. This is your first alert system and first line of defense against ID Theft.
These are just basic activities. Additional information can be found at -
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