Did you know identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States? Nearly 15 million citizens are victims of identity theft annually, most of whom are elderly. Senior identity theft is at an all-time high, and people must protect their older family members and friends from scams and fraudulent activity by providing professional senior home care.
Many factors make older adults vulnerable to identity theft, such as dementia and cognitive decline, a dead spouse, failure to check credit reports, and a substantial checking or saving account balance. These are the common draws for identity theft and can be prevented by working with a senior home care professional. Here are ways to protect your senior loved one from such scenarios.
Find Trustworthy Caregivers
This may sound shocking, but phony senior caregivers are the main culprits of senior identity theft. Unsavory caregivers can easily create fake accounts in the senior’s name because they can access the older adult’s assessment documentation, checking account numbers, and credit cards. With this in mind, conduct an in-depth background check before signing any paperwork, ensuring the identity of your loved one remains safe.
Help the Senior Know Common Scams
A phone call or email stating a senior has won money is enough to excite them. If you don’t help your senior know the different scams fraudsters employ, it can wreak havoc on their checking and saving balances. If you are unaware of common frauds and scams, the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force has a website that can help. Better yet, having a professional senior home care service can protect your older adult from becoming a victim in your absence. The last thing you want is to have the senior provide critical financial and personal information to a stranger.
Monitor a Senior’s Financial Activity
The most efficient way to protect seniors from identity theft cases is to monitor their financial activity regularly. Common scams come in the form of emails and credit cards. Monitoring bank and credit card, statements can help catch fraudulent activity before the damage is done. Many older adults barely go through their mail and need help to detect financial discrepancies. You can take on the role of monitoring your loved one’s financial activity, protecting them from financial-crippling scams.
Consider Hiring a Senior Home Care Service
In the early stages of mental deterioration or Alzheimer’s, older adults begin to make risky financial decisions, making them vulnerable to scams. If you notice such signs with your family member, consider hiring a senior home care professional. Besides helping your elderly loved one with everyday tasks, they can also prevent financial trouble and protect seniors from scammers.
As mentioned, older adults are easily caught in the clutches of scammers. If you have a senior loved one under your care, these tips can help you mitigate financial risks. Schedule a consultation today with a reputable senior home care company to guarantee professional help and financial safety.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Frisco, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today. Call (469) 596-6500
HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
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