Brandon Twp.- Thieves often prey on senior citizens, but a new program aims to help elders in this community from becoming victims.
Identity theft prevention will be the topic of discussion during a presentation at 10:45 a.m., Feb. 11, at the ITEC Center, 605 S. Ortonville Road (adjacent to the Brandon Middle School).
Stephanie Anthony, Senior Brigade presenter through the Michigan Department of the Attorney General, will speak about identity theft and how consumers can be protected through awareness of scenarios that may compromise their identities. The program is geared to individuals 55 and older, who are often targeted due to nest eggs, inheritances, and accumulated wealth.
‘Identity thieves associate seniors with money,? said Anthony. ‘We want to make sure seniors have all the tools they need to avoid becoming victims… They are targeted oftentimes because most people after a certain time have more of a trusting nature and they don’t operate from a standpoint that people will try to take advantage of them.?
She notes that senior citizens may not be as comfortable using computer technology, and thieves often take advantage of seniors? lack of savvy in that area.
Anthony will discuss during the program simple ways consumers can protect themselves, including opting out of all preapproved credit card offers, eliminating the possibility a card could be intercepted in the mail. She also recommends consumers take all outgoing mail directly to the post office, as opposed to placing it in a mailbox outside their home, where personal information can be stolen.
Anthony also stresses the importance of never disclosing personal information via phone, e-mail, or regular mail to anyone unless the consumer has initiated the contact.
‘If someone were to call you and say they were from your bank, we recommend you immediately bring the call to a halt and say, ‘Let me verify,? said Anthony. ‘You should then contact the bank with a number you normally use on a regular basis and the bank can tell you whether they are in fact trying to contact you.?
Consumers should never click on a link they do not know or are not comfortable with.
‘This program has been in existence for the last six years and has received very favorable feedback, I hope individuals will attend,? said Anthony. ‘It’s very valuable information and I look forward to providing that information in a helpful manner. It’s worth the time and effort despite the snowy weather.?
For more information, contact Donna Wagner at 248-627-1816.
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