If You are a Victim of Identity Theft or a Scam
When Identity Theft Strikes Senior Citizens
Unfortunately, preventative measures alone do not stop some senior citizens from becoming victims of identity theft. Because over 500,000 cases occur annually, there is always a chance it will happen to you. There are many common frauds and scams thieves use to target senior citizens online, over the phone and in person.
Therefore, should your wallet or purse get stolen, or if you believe your personal information has been compromised in any way, take the following steps immediately:
Therefore, should your wallet or purse get stolen, or if you believe your personal information has been compromised in any way, take the following steps immediately:
1. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency. Complaints can be filed as well by calling 877-IDTHEFT.
2. Call your bank and credit card companies
Ask them to cancel your existing accounts, and to reissue you new accounts, cards and checks. It is a good idea to keep a list of toll free numbers for your bank and credit card companies for this purpose. If you’ve made photocopies of your cards like we discussed on our prevention page, then you should already have the necessary contact information.
3. Change all of your passwords and codes
Make sure your new passwords and codes are different and more secure than your old passwords were. The best passwords are a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Never use your birthday, anniversary, the names of pets, spouses, children or grandchildren—or any other information a thief can easily find out about you and your loved ones.
4. Contact the credit bureaus
Ask for a freeze to be placed on your accounts immediately. The 3 major bureaus are:
5. Alert the Social Security Administration to your identity theft case
The Senior Citizen Fraud Line Phone number is (800) 269-0271
6. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Ask for a flag to be placed on your driver’s license. This will prevent a thief from applying for a new copy of your license.
- Senior fraud help line: 800-243-5377
- Identity theft hot line: 866-999-5630
2. Call your bank and credit card companies
Ask them to cancel your existing accounts, and to reissue you new accounts, cards and checks. It is a good idea to keep a list of toll free numbers for your bank and credit card companies for this purpose. If you’ve made photocopies of your cards like we discussed on our prevention page, then you should already have the necessary contact information.
3. Change all of your passwords and codes
Make sure your new passwords and codes are different and more secure than your old passwords were. The best passwords are a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Never use your birthday, anniversary, the names of pets, spouses, children or grandchildren—or any other information a thief can easily find out about you and your loved ones.
4. Contact the credit bureaus
Ask for a freeze to be placed on your accounts immediately. The 3 major bureaus are:
- Experian 888-397-3742 www.experian.com
- Equifax 800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
- TransUnion 800-680-7289 www.transunion.com
5. Alert the Social Security Administration to your identity theft case
The Senior Citizen Fraud Line Phone number is (800) 269-0271
6. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Ask for a flag to be placed on your driver’s license. This will prevent a thief from applying for a new copy of your license.
Don’t Remain a Victim Even if You Have Been Victimized
If you think you might be the victim of senior citizen identity theft, but are apprehensive or physically unable to take reactive measures, we urge you to seek out a trusted family member, friend or agency to help. Please do not wait and hope the situation will work itself out for the best. The only way for senior citizens to deal with identity theft is by taking control of the situation immediately, and asking for help when necessary.