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Internet Identity Theft

Senior Internet Identity Theft

Did you know that 11% of senior citizens, 65 and over are the most likely victims of Internet identity theft.  Yet, The Experian Gallup Personal Credit Index indicates that seniors are least likely to be hit.  T’aint true!!  Google “seniors Internet Identity theft” and peruse 661,000 options.

According to cpcusociety.org, thieves target anyone, but seniors are particularly vulnerable because seniors have more cash reserves and also higher disposable income.  Seniors are more trusting in their elder years and most importantly, seniors are not necessarily Internet or computer savvy.  And seniors don’t check their credit rating very often.  And believe it or not, seniors have credit solidly set up and they owe very little.  Listen to that you youngsters.

And, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that identity theft targeting seniors over age 60 jumped from 1,800 cases in 2000 to almost 6,000 cases the following year, with most cases involving the use of social security numbers.  Seniors beware!  These are frightening statistics for seniors who use the Internet. 

Seniors, here are some suggestions that will assist you in preventing Internet identity theft:

1.     Use complex (alpha-numeric character) passwords on credit cards, bank accounts, etc.

2.    Don’t give personal information over the Internet; and if you do, make sure it is a secure site (signified by https://... at the prefix of the URL).

3.     If you use a computer, update your virus protection software regularly.  Computer viruses can make your computers send out files or other stored information.

4.    Don’t download files from strangers or click on e-mails from people you don’t know.  Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program, which could hijack your modem.

5.    Delete personal information stored on your computer before you dispose of it.

6.     Be alert to suspicious looking forms requesting information or a transaction or form which you did not request.

And contact http://www.consumer.gov to report any senior Internet identity theft. You may call toll free 1-877 438-4338 to file a complaint.  (TDD:  202 326-2502 or write: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.  20580.

As seniors become increasingly more comfortable using the Internet, they must also become more aware of senior identity theft.  Be aware that Senior Internet identity theft studies find California with the highest rate of Internet crooks followed by New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois. 

Remember, seniors, e-mail is what most crooks use. 

Seniorjournal.com advocates making sure you seniors on the Internet pay close attention to the charges that appear on your credit card bills.

AARP has a Consumer Protection Team.  Go to AARP.org and search Internet identity fraud.  The Washington Post reports on August 19, 2005 that, “purveyors of consumer technology need to do more to make their customers understand the hazards of the online universe.”  This means, it is up to online businesses to explain the threats, their avenues of delivery and steps people can take to defend themselves, all in simple but accurate language.