Because No One Does You ... Like You!

Scammers love older adults because they assume you’re trusting, gullible and easily confused. Joke’s on them though because you’re a fortress! Most identity theft starts with simple tricks like a fake email or phone call. Beware of “urgent” messages, even if they appear to be from someone you know or a company you regularly do business with. 

If you receive an email, text, or phone call saying “Your account is locked!”, “Your package is delayed!” or “Your grandson is in jail in Mexico!”, stop, take a breath. Ninety‑nine percent of the time, it’s a scammer with a script and a dream. If someone contacts you out of the blue and wants personal information or money, it’s safe to assume they’re up to no good.  Hang up the phone, don't click on any links, and confirm your suspicion by calling back the person or company on a trusted number off of a bank statement, the back of your credit card or the company website. 

Guard your mail like it’s a love letter from someone other than your partner.  Mail theft is still a thing, even in 2026. Scammers love bank statements, credit card offers and tax documents.  To stay safe use a locking mailbox for incoming mail. And for junk mail on its way out, protect yourself from dumpster divers by shredding sensitive papers and using a roller stamp for items with sensitive information that can't be shredded.

It is important to use strong passwords to keep hackers out of your digital stuff too.  Strong passwords don’t have to be cryptic puzzles, unless you enjoy suffering. Try using short phrases you’ll remember, like "Takeme2thebeachPlease!".  Just be sure it is unique for each account, and consider using a password managing app, to let technology do the remembering. 

It's OK to trust ATMs, gas pumps and other places that you let eat your plastic cards.  But you will also want to be cautious.  There are tiny devices called skimmers that can be attached to these machines to steal your card info. Think of them as the pickpockets of the machine world.  To stay safe tug the card reader (gently — no need to look suspicious), if it is loose don't use it.  Use indoor ATMs whenever possible and cover keypads like you’re shielding your poker hand in Vegas.

Another easy win for protecting your identity is upgrading to an RFID‑blocking wallet. Think of it as a tiny, stylish force field for your credit cards. Some scammers use handheld scanners to “skim” card information without ever touching your wallet.  But an RFID wallet shuts that down faster than a maximum‑security prison slams a cell door. They look just like regular wallets, but with built‑in shielding that keeps your card data locked up tight.

Be sure to check all of your accounts regularly.  You don’t need to obsess over every transaction. Just glance at your bank statements, credit card bills and Medicare summaries once a month. If you see a charge for something you definitely didn’t buy, call your institution immediately and place a hold on the account. 

One of the easiest ways to catch identity theft early is to keep an eye on your credit score. Think of it like checking the oil in your car.  not the most thrilling task in the world but ignoring it can lead to some very expensive surprises. A quick peek every few months can help you spot anything suspicious, like accounts you didn’t open or loans you definitely didn’t apply for. It’s a simple habit that keeps your financial identity locked up tighter than Fort Knox.  And don't worry about spending a fortune or impacting your score, there are plenty of free inquiry options through your bank, credit card company or online service like Credit Karma or Experian that do not have any impact on your actual score. 

Protecting your identity doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart habits and a good dose of patience, you’ll stay so far ahead of scammers they'll think they are the ones being scammed.  So go ahead, protect your identity ... BFore Aging in Place.