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Hello, and welcome to the New York Senior Information Line sponsored by the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection, the State Office for the Aging and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. Each month, we bring you news you can use to be a smart senior in your everyday life. And remember, the information you hear on this phone line - - and more - - is also available online at www.nysconsumer.gov.
Avoiding Identity Theft
Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. New data recently released by the Federal Trade Commission finds that New York State ranks 8th per capita in the nation in identity theft complaints. While identity theft can occur to anyone regardless of age, about 28% of identity theft complaints nationwide were lodged by adults over the age of 50.
Here are a few tips on how to avoid identity theft.
Watch for "Shoulder Surfers"
When using your credit card or debit card in public, or filling out a form that calls for personal information, look out for people standing close by. If you're not careful, someone can look over your shoulder to see - - and possibly photograph - - your card number, PIN or other personal information. Shield the keyboard or paperwork to prevent others from shoulder surfing.
Shred Sensitive Documents
Thieves are known to go through people's trash looking for documents - - such as bank statements, credit card bills and receipts, and pre-approved credit card solicitations - - that contain personally identifying information. Shred your documents containing personal information before throwing them away.
Keep Sensitive Documents Out of Sight in Your Home
A visitor, contractor or caretaker who enters your home can put you at risk of identity theft by taking documents that contain personally identifying information. Therefore, do not leave sensitive documents such as checkbooks and bank statements in plain view. Keep them in a secure place.
Safeguard Your Mail
ID thieves look for mailboxes with the red flag up - - it their cue to steal outgoing mail. That's why outgoing bills and other correspondence that contain personal information should be mailed at the post office or in a blue postal collection box, not using an unlocked mailbox at the end of your driveway.
Your incoming mail also contains personal information about you, so collect your mail promptly each day. If you'll be away, ask someone you trust to collect your mail or have the mail held at the post office.
Watch Your Purse and Wallet
Only carry around documents in your purse or wallet that you need for that day or trip. Unless you have a specific need, do not carry your Social Security card, checkbook, any credit cards you don't use regularly.
Beware of Vishing (or voice phishing)
Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. You never know if the caller really is who they say they are. For example, you a get call at home. The caller says he is from the security department of your credit card issuer and claims that your account has been compromised. Then the caller says "we need to verify that you are in possession of your card," and asks for the three or four digit security code on the back of the card. Armed with that additional piece of information, the con artist can now process charges against your account. So, if you receive an unsolicited call from someone who claims to work for the security department of your bank or credit card company, hang up immediately if the caller asks you for personal information. Financial institutions don't request identifying information over the telephone, as they already have that information on file. Then call your bank or credit card company using the telephone number on the back of the card or on your billing statement and report the incident. And don't automatically trust the authenticity of a call based on Caller ID, as con artists can "spoof" Caller ID and make it appear that the call is coming from your financial institution.
Check Your Credit Report
Order a free credit report once a year from each credit bureau to check for accuracy and possible fraud. You can order free credit reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
More tips are available at the Division's website at www.nysconsumer.gov. Thanks for calling the Senior Information Line. A new message will be posted next month.