Originally published February 26 2006
Trusting seniors are a prime target for ID theft
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Paper warns elderly to be aware of identity thieves who prefer targeting senior citizens because of their tendency to be more trusting.
As people are busy shopping for the perfect gift, identity thieves are also on the prowl for new victims, including those who are elderly, consumer advocates warn.
Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 645,000 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints, with more than 22 percent coming from consumers older than 50.
Consumer and elderly advocates say seniors make lucrative and sometimes easy targets.
Depending on their age, they may also be from a generation more trusting of strangers.
''We are talking about people for whom a handshake was all that was needed to trust someone,'' said Lynn Bawdon, who oversees the senior center in Clovis.
At the worst, identity theft victims have lost their homes, their life savings and are left with little or no hope of getting either back.
''We get calls all the time at home from people asking us for help,'' Tabak said.
Ken Kemmerer, an elder abuse prevention consultant in Clovis, said it doesn't take much for a skilled identity thief to lure someone into providing personal information over the phone.
''We call the little red flag for outgoing mail the 'come-steal-me flag,''' said Jay Foley, founder and co-director of the Identity Theft Resource Center in San Diego.
Jeri Busch, 78, of Clovis said her experience as a manager for the Social Security Administration taught her the value of protecting her personal information.
One of the most insidious online scams is known as phishing: a phony e-mail sent by a bank or other businesses to get your bank information, Social Security number or other personal information.
Hurme said the AARP has been working for several years to make older Americans aware of how to avoid being victims of identity theft.
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