World Elder Abuse Month: Prevention Through Education
World Elder Abuse Awareness month is celebrated every year in June to reiterate the importance of protecting our senior citizens from abuse and neglect. Among the various forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation stands out as a significant threat, with identity theft and fraud being common tactics used against seniors. As we observe World Elder Abuse Month, it's essential to empower our elders with knowledge and resources to protect themselves.
Understand the Risks
Identity theft and fraud can take many forms, including phishing scams, telemarketing fraud, fake charities, and Medicare scams. These schemes can result in devastating financial losses and emotional distress for victims.
Empowerment Begins with Education
Be informed about common scams and tactics used by fraudsters and be cautious when sharing personal information, especially online or over the phone. Never give out sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords to unknown individuals or entities.
Strengthen Security Measures
Implement robust security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information. This includes regularly monitoring bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, shredding documents containing sensitive information, and using strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Additionally, consider enrolling in identity theft protection services for an extra layer of security.
Seek Support
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, seek guidance from trusted family members, friends, or financial advisors.
