Knowing how to protect your information and your identity is
a must in the 21st century. Your personal information is an
extremely valuable commodity however; to an identity thief it can be the key to
your bank information, credit cards and more. According to research, seniors
tend to be one of the top victims of identity theft1,
but not to worry, there are some precautions you can take to thwart off any
pesky criminals after your identity.
Although technology has made our identities and lives a
little less secure, there is an amazing product created by technology which has
inspired senior safety for independent living and is currently being used by
over hundreds of thousands aging seniors that are searching for the ultimate in
personal protection, Life Alert’s emergency pendant offers any independently
living senior an emergency medical response fast at a single touch of a
button. No matter the time of day! Should
you encounter a home invasion, a fire or serious fall, Life Alert’s 24/7
dispatch center will send the proper authorities to your home fast!
You can be sure that your body and health are fully
protected with Life Alert Protection while you battle in with technology to
keep your identity out of the hands of the wrong people. The world of
technology can be a cruel place, but Daily Finance[1]
has a few tips and suggestions to keep you and your identity safe.
1.
Don't carry your Medicare card in your
wallet: Make a copy of
your Medicare card and block out the last four digits of your Social Security
number so if you lose it or your wallet is stolen, no one can get your full
Social Security number.
2.
Be wary of requests for information by phone: Seniors are often the target of phone scams. Don't
respond to incoming phone calls requesting personal information. If a creditor
or organization calls with a seemingly legitimate need for your personal
information (account numbers, Social Security number, or credit card
information), hang up and verify the phone number and legitimacy of the caller
before returning the call. Life Alert
never cold calls or telemarkets, so beware of phone scammers claiming to be the
“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” company.
3.
Secure your information: Don't carry more personal documents than necessary with you when you leave
the house. Leave Social Security numbers, checks, extra credit cards, Medicare
cards, and financial statements in a locked security box at home or another
secure location. If you're ever admitted into the hospital or other care
facility, credit cards and personal documents should be locked up or put in the
hands of someone you trust. Adopt a need-to-know approach to your Social
Security number and mother's maiden name. If a business asks for this
information, ask what it will do with the information, why the company needs
it, how the company will protect it, and what will happen if you refuse to
provide this information
4.
Shred
it: The federal
government offers a guide to help you decide how long you need to keep various
types of paperwork. Shred
anything you don't need to keep, such as documents that contain account
information, Social Security numbers, PINs, or sensitive information --
including credit card statements, other bills, credit card receipts, unused
checks, canceled checks, and credit reports. Also shred or otherwise destroy
expired credit cards and driver's licenses. And never leave receipts at bank
machines, bank counters, trash receptacles, or gas pumps.
5.
Protect your computer: As tech-savvy seniors know, you should protect your computer and your
Internet activity. Consult with a network professional to make sure your
computer system is secure. Install antivirus software, anti-spyware, and
firewall software to prevent cyber-programs that steal personal information.
Use unique passwords for your computer and any online accounts and change them
on a regular basis. A strong password includes a mix of numbers, symbols, and
both upper and lowercase letters. Don't use your birthday or pet's name, your
phone number, or anything that could be easy to guess. Never send personal information
via email, and never respond to emails asking you to verify your password,
account number, Social Security number, or credit card numbers.
6.
Be vigilant when traveling: When you're out of town or out of the country, consider purchasing a
portable router to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot so you can safely use your
laptop, tablet, or smartphone while on the road. You'll need a local SIM data
card, which is available at most electronic stores and at airport kiosks for
travelers. This will help you avoid using public Wi-Fi spots. Also, before
going on vacation, ask the post office to place a vacation hold on all mail.
7.
Check
your credit regularly:
Many seniors don't think about checking their credit since they're often not in
the market to borrow money for a house or car. You should, however, request a
free credit report via annualcreditreport.com on a regular basis. You can request your credit
report from one of the three credit reporting agencies at a time (and therefore
check your credit three times each year for free) or sign up for a credit
monitoring service to make sure no suspicious activity occurs.
Whether you're a senior yourself or are concerned about an elderly loved
one, maintaining vigilance over personal information can prevent identity
theft. The tips above will help to protect your finances, but Life Alert
Protection will help to protect your life! Their amazing emergency pendant can
be worn 24/7, even in the shower since it is waterproof! If you should find
yourself in the middle of a major or medical emergency, simply push the button
on your pendant and receive an emergency medical response fast! So take the
opportunity to secure the things that are in your control; get Life Alert
Protection and do your body some good! Call 1-800-513-2934 to receive a free brochure to learn about all
of Life Alert’s services.
Works Cited:
1.
Lerner, Michele. “7 Identity Theft Prevention Tips for Seniors.” Daily Finance. 25 September
2013. <http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/09/25/identity-theft-prevention-tips-seniors/
>.
