Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in today’s digital and increasingly interconnected world. From financial fraud and medical identity theft to the misuse of your Social Security number or driver’s license, the consequences can be devastating. In the United States alone, over one million reports of identity theft were filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2023—a number that continues to rise each year. For many victims, identity theft leads to drained bank accounts, damaged credit, fraudulent purchases, and even legal troubles they didn’t cause. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or tech-savviness. But the good news is this: with the right knowledge and a few smart habits, you can significantly lower your risk. And if your identity is stolen, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference in limiting the damage and reclaiming control over your personal and financial life.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

• 10 practical tips to prevent ID theft
• What to do if your identity is stolen
• Where to get help and support
• Final thoughts and next steps

If identity theft has impacted your finances, don’t worry—you still have options. Check out our blogs on starting to invest after 60 and unlocking home equity for seniors to explore smart ways to rebuild financial stability.

Let’s dive in.

10 Smart Tips for Preventing Identity Theft

The first and best defense against identity theft is prevention. These 10 tips, compiled by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA), offer a strong foundation to keep your information safe:

1. Only Carry What You Need

Don’t bring every card or document you own. When going out:

• Leave Social Security cards, extra credit/debit cards, and checks at home.
• If you need Medicare information, carry a copy with the first five numbers of your Social Security number blacked out.

Example: If you’re running errands, bring only your ID, one credit card, and medical insurance card if necessary. That way, even if your wallet is stolen, the damage is limited.

2. Carry Your Wallet in a Safer Spot

Men: Use your front pocket, not your back one.
Women: Consider a cross-body purse, neck pouch, or fanny pack that stays close to your body.

These small changes can stop pickpockets in their tracks.

3. Never Leave Bags Unattended

Whether you’re at a coffee shop, religious service, or family event, don’t assume your belongings are safe just because the environment feels familiar.

Thieves often target places where people feel most relaxed.

4. Keep a List of Your Cards

Write down:

• What cards you carry
• Their customer service numbers
• Your check numbers

If your wallet is stolen, you can quickly contact banks and credit companies to freeze accounts and report the theft.

5. Lock It Up Before Company Comes Over

Before inviting guests into your home:

• Lock your personal files, documents, laptops, and mail.
• Log out of computers and shut them down.

Even friendly visitors might snoop—or accidentally access your private information.

6. Be ATM-Savvy

If you use an ATM:

• Choose one that’s well lit and in a secure area.
• Take your receipt and shred it at home.

Better yet, use your bank’s indoor machines when possible.

7. Light Up Your Home to Deter Crime

Use:

• Timers for lights, radios, and TVs
• Motion sensors for outdoor lighting
• Night lights if you’re away

Why? Thieves are less likely to break in if they think someone is home.

8. Don’t Share Personal Info with Strangers

Never give out your:

• Social Security number
• Account numbers
• Passwords or PINs

Not even if someone claims to be from your bank or Medicare. Hang up, then call the real number from your card or statement.

9. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Choose passwords that mix:

• Upper and lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols (like !, @, #)

Avoid using your name, birthday, or “123456.”Additionally, you can check out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) tips for creating strong passwords.

10. Verify Before Giving to Charities

Scammers often pose as charities. Before donating:

• Research the organization
• Check sites like CharityNavigator.org
• Avoid donating to unsolicited callers or emails

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What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

Even with all the right precautions, identity theft can still happen. If it does, take these steps immediately:

1. Alert Your Creditors

Contact all your credit card companies, banks, and lenders. Share:

• When you discovered the theft
• Who you talked to and when
• What actions were taken

Keep a record of every conversation.

2. Close Affected Accounts

In writing, request to:

• Close accounts
• Stop all activity
• Send written confirmation

Use certified mail and keep copies of your letters.

3. Set Strong Passwords on New Accounts

When opening new accounts:

• Use brand-new, secure passwords
• Avoid names, birthdays, or previous passwords

4. Report Lost IDs

Call the agency that issued:

• Your driver’s license
• Employment ID
• State or federal ID

Ask them to flag your file and prevent duplicate issues.

5. File a Police Report

If your local police accept identity theft reports:

• File in person (not online)
• Request a copy of the report
• Use it as evidence for banks and agencies

If your department doesn’t accept these, ask for a “Miscellaneous Incident Report” or contact your state Attorney General’s office.

6. Clarify What Needs to Be Fixed

Ask creditors:

• What actions are required
• What documents you need
• What timeline to expect

Document every step and save every response.

7. Request Letters Confirming Resolution

Once disputed charges are removed:

• Ask for letters stating the accounts are closed
• Keep them in case the issue resurfaces later

These are essential for fixing your credit report.

8. Follow Up Regularly

Even after closing accounts, monitor:

• Your mail
• Bank and credit card statements
• Your credit reports

9. Alert Credit Bureaus

Report fraud to:

• Equifax – 1-800-685-1111 | equifax.com
• Experian – 1-888-397-3742 | experian.com
• TransUnion – 1-800-916-8800 | transunion.com

Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

10. Avoid Credit Repair Scams

Scammers may promise to “clean” your credit—for a fee.
Avoid them. Only you can legally dispute or remove inaccurate info.

Resources for Victims

You don’t have to face identity theft alone. These organizations offer help:

Identity Theft Resource Center

Victim Help Center
Call: 888-400-5530

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

Internet Crime Complaint Center
Website: www.ic3.gov

FBI Local Field Office

Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us

24-Hour ID Theft & Fraud Hotline

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Phone: 1-855-443-3489
Contact: Hazel Heckers
Email: hazel.heckers@state.co.us

National Center on Elder Abuse

Website: www.ncea.acl.gov

Federal Trade Commission

Phone: 1-877-382-4357
Website: www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm

Case in Point: How ID Theft Can Start Small

True Story:
Linda, a 63-year-old retiree, used the same password for her email and bank account. After falling for a phishing email, her inbox was hacked. The thief reset her bank login using her email, accessed her account, and drained over $2,500.

Lesson:
A single weak password can open the door to your entire identity. Prevention starts with awareness—and taking action.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself Today

Identity theft is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your finances, damage your credit, and shake your peace of mind. For many victims, the process of recovering from identity theft can be emotionally exhausting and financially draining. However, you’re not powerless. With smart habits, a bit of caution, and a clear understanding of what steps to take, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. And if the worst does happen, knowing where to turn for support and how to act quickly can make all the difference. Protecting your identity is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment to staying informed, vigilant, and proactive. By taking small steps now, you’re building a stronger shield for your future security and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Carry only what you need and be alert in public.
• Secure your home, wallet, and personal data.
• Act immediately if your identity is stolen.
• Use strong passwords and avoid oversharing information.
• Get help from credit bureaus and victim support resources.

Stay informed. Stay cautious. And most importantly, take control of your personal security.

Want to stay empowered in your digital life? Explore our posts on top free online courses for older adults, easy digital skills for working from home, and life lessons from super-agers to keep learning and thriving.