What Is Identity Theft? And How Seniors Can Protect Themselves

Identity Theft

In today’s world, your personal information is just as valuable as your wallet—and sometimes even more so. Identity theft happens when someone steals your information and uses it to open credit cards, drain your bank account, or even pretend to be you.

Older adults are especially targeted because scammers believe they’re more trusting, have better credit, and may not check their accounts as often. But with a few simple steps, you can protect yourself.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is when someone gets access to your personal information—like your:

• Social Security number
• Medicare number
• Bank or credit card numbers
• Date of birth
• Login or password for important accounts

Once they have it, they can:

• Open credit cards or loans in your name
• File fake tax returns
• Steal your Social Security or Medicare benefits
• Make purchases with your money

You might not know it’s happening until you see unusual charges or get bills for things you never bought.

How Thieves Steal Your Information

Here are some common tricks identity thieves use:

• Phishing emails or fake websites that ask you to enter personal info
• Phone calls pretending to be from Medicare, the IRS, or your bank
• Stealing mail with bank statements or Social Security letters
• Looking over your shoulder in public or stealing your wallet
• Public Wi-Fi—if you check bank accounts or shop online at a coffee shop, they might intercept your data

Signs Someone May Be Using Your Identity

Watch out for:

• Bills for things you didn’t buy
• Letters about accounts you never opened
• A notice from the IRS about a tax return you didn’t file
• Medical bills or claims that aren’t yours
• Calls from debt collectors for debts you don’t recognize

How to Protect Yourself

• Shred documents with personal info before throwing them away.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
• Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
• Avoid giving out personal info unless you’re 100% sure who you're talking to.
• Check your bank and credit card statements every month.
• Review your credit report once a year for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Set up fraud alerts with your bank and credit card companies.

What to Do If You Think You’re a Victim

• Contact your bank or credit card company right away.
• Call the three credit bureaus to freeze your credit: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Report the theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov—they’ll help you create a recovery plan.
• File a police report if necessary.

Final Thoughts

You’ve worked hard your whole life—don’t let a scammer steal what you’ve earned. The best defense against identity theft is being aware, staying cautious, and checking your accounts regularly.