Senior citizens are likely victims of fraud because they’re trustworthy, often live alone and are likely to have a large savings and great credit. Thieves use their victims’ personal information to open up bank accounts, credit cards, rent homes or even get jobs.
To help fight fraud, your BBB suggests you:
• Check your credit reports regularly. You’re allowed one free credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus. You can request yours at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Monitor account statements to be sure you were the source for all activity.
• Shred credit card applications and statements before throwing them away.
• Never give out personal information to unfamiliar people or organizations.
• Memorize your passwords and change them regularly.
• Make sure your phone number is added to the national do not call registry. You can do so by visiting www.donotcall.gov.
• Cut up credit cards before pitching them and limit the number of cards you carry.
• Update your computer with the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
• Only submit personal information on secure websites. They should have “https” in the address and the padlock symbol on the page.
• Don’t respond to e-mails requesting you verify personal information. Avoid unsolicited e-mails and never click on links from unknown sources.
• Keep your mail safe. Stop mail delivery if you’re traveling.
Your BBB will be hosting its Secure Your ID Day on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Routsong Funeral Home, Inc., located at 81 N. Main St., Centerville. At this free event, your BBB will shred documents containing personal information for you onsite. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders, but staples, paper clips, CDs and floppy discs are OK to be shredded. Electronics and batteries can’t be included in material to be shredded. All documents shredded will be recycled.
Remember, do business with people you know and be an informed and savvy consumer. Start with trust and check with your BBB. If you have any questions regarding fraud, visit www.bbb.org/dayton or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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