The abuse of the elderly is no secret. Financial exploitation ranks as the top form of senior abuse in America. This summer, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) charged four men for stealing $2.4 million from the elderly. Every year, an estimated $2.9 billion are taken from vulnerable senior citizens, according to MetLife and the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech (2011). “Where and how are these scammers able to steal that much money?” you’re probably wondering.
In this article, A-1 Home Care provides valuable information about guarding your personal information and giving you an insider’s view of a predator’s mind. Just because you did not publish your personal information online does not exempt you from financial exploitation. Here are some ways that predators can still access your personal information:
Beware, homeowners!
Anyone with an internet mapping service can find your home if you are a homeowner. Government records publicly show your homeowner information and other personal information.
Attention, charitable donors!
If you donated a generous amount somewhere without concealing your name, then the organization may have given you recognition somewhere in their “Thank You” list online.
Grandchildren with an online presence
Do you have any grandchildren who are bloggers? Scammers may find your family members in cyber space and trace their lineage to you. Hints of name and location may be dropped, and predators just follow the yellow brick road to your house.
Google your own phone number
Do you know if your phone number is listed online? You may be surprised to find out. Many people do not know that their residence and phone number is listed online until they google themselves.
Ads for Rent
Are you an elderly person looking for a roommate? Or are you seeking a live-in companion for your loved one? Predators are on the prowl for seniors who live alone. Once they move in, it’s hard to kick them out.
No matter what, in this day and age, you will be online, and someone will find you. Take every precaution to remove your personal information and alert your family members to do the same. If you are an online blogger, be careful about showing your excitement about an upcoming trip because you won’t want to come home to a burglarized house.
For in-home care services or caregiving opportunities, call (562) 929-8400 or visit our website https://www.a-1homecare.com/ for more information about career and home care services in southern California including Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Gabriel Valley. Cities include Corona del Mar, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and other surrounding areas.
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