Identity thieves target older Americans
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Updated: 7:25 PM Jul 2, 2009
Identity thieves target older Americans
You don't have to be on the internet or using high tech devices to have your identity stolen. That's why SARCOA looks to spread word amongst the elderly be careful or they might become a statistic.
Posted: 4:28 PM Jul 2, 2009
Reporter: Patrick Claybon
Email Address: Patrick@wtvy.com
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While they open doors to convenience, not everyone is ready for new technologies but as more technology makes its way into our lives groups are sending a message to older Americans, if you're careless someone can take your identity.

“The number of older Americans who are victimized by identity theft is growing," said Mark Kelly, spoke to a group at SARCOA headquarters on Thursday to give some tips to keep identity safe.

"There's no such thing as a secure email, I try to share that with them how to be careful and use only secure websites and be careful that whoever you talk to on the phone or on the Internet that you know who you're talking to."

Organizers say these programs are most successful when attendees share information with friends or relatives keeping each other safe through word of mouth.

Another tip, mailbox safety while the red flag acts like a beacon to tell your mail carrier that you have mail, it can also act like a green light for an identity thief to let them know that you have bills or private information in here that they might use to steal your identity.

Kelly says use the blue box to send things with sensitive information, and while Internet fraud and phishing or scanning get a lot of attention, tried and true thievery is still the most prevalent way an id thief works.

Some Tips to protect your identity:

For Business

  • Restrict requests for personal information
  • Minimize the number of employees with access to personal information shred, shred, shred
  • Always update Virus and Firewall software
  • Do NOT use a Social Security # as an identifier.

    For Individuals

  • Promptly remove mail from mailbox
  • Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection mailboxes or at local post office.
  • Never give personal information or the telephone or Internet unless you initiated the contact.
  • Shred pre-approved credit card applications and credit card receipts


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