The older population is at higher risk of becoming a victim of fraud
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MOSCOW, ID - Senior citizen fraud has been a hot topic on the Palouse as of late, but there are solutions to the problem.
"Identity theft has become, or is becoming a more serious problem," said My Own Home Executive Director Tom La Pointe.
La Pointe is the Executive Director of My Own Home, an organization in Moscow that helps look out for the older people in the community.
"The objective is, we try and keep older Americans in their own homes for as long as possible," said La Pointe.
On Tuesday, the organization hosted an identity theft and fraud workshop.
"It's kind of wise to be prepared, and to get people thinking about why someone's asking these questions," said La Pointe.
Detective William Shields of the Moscow Police Department said that when it comes to fraud, older people are especially at risk of becoming a victim.
"They're retired, they're home, they answer the phone, they read the mail," said Shields. "So they tend to be the ones that are most targeted."
Shields said that the most common scams on the Palouse are usually over the phone.
"The ones that are done via phone for prizes, family in distress calls, 'Don't tell Mom and Dad, but I'm in trouble, send me money.' " said Shields.
Or over the internet.
"IRS is real popular this time of year with tax season, they'll say, 'We actually found that you have an extra $80, just give us your personal information and we'll get you your check," said Shields. "Craigslist scams, eBay scams, the list goes on and on."
But Shields said everyone should take precautions against identity theft, no matter what age.
"Don't' respond to any e-mails that you don't know," said Shields. "Don't click on links that you don't know, if you're ever in doubt, make sure you call the companies that are involved."
Put simply, don't share your information.
"Make sure you're shredding almost everything that comes through your house," said Shields. "Social security numbers, bank information, credit card information, keep that stuff personal."
The Moscow Police Department says that when it comes to fraud and identity theft, you should report any suspicious activity to the local police, right away.
"Identity theft has become, or is becoming a more serious problem," said My Own Home Executive Director Tom La Pointe.
La Pointe is the Executive Director of My Own Home, an organization in Moscow that helps look out for the older people in the community.
"The objective is, we try and keep older Americans in their own homes for as long as possible," said La Pointe.
On Tuesday, the organization hosted an identity theft and fraud workshop.
"It's kind of wise to be prepared, and to get people thinking about why someone's asking these questions," said La Pointe.
Detective William Shields of the Moscow Police Department said that when it comes to fraud, older people are especially at risk of becoming a victim.
"They're retired, they're home, they answer the phone, they read the mail," said Shields. "So they tend to be the ones that are most targeted."
Shields said that the most common scams on the Palouse are usually over the phone.
"The ones that are done via phone for prizes, family in distress calls, 'Don't tell Mom and Dad, but I'm in trouble, send me money.' " said Shields.
Or over the internet.
"IRS is real popular this time of year with tax season, they'll say, 'We actually found that you have an extra $80, just give us your personal information and we'll get you your check," said Shields. "Craigslist scams, eBay scams, the list goes on and on."
But Shields said everyone should take precautions against identity theft, no matter what age.
"Don't' respond to any e-mails that you don't know," said Shields. "Don't click on links that you don't know, if you're ever in doubt, make sure you call the companies that are involved."
Put simply, don't share your information.
"Make sure you're shredding almost everything that comes through your house," said Shields. "Social security numbers, bank information, credit card information, keep that stuff personal."
The Moscow Police Department says that when it comes to fraud and identity theft, you should report any suspicious activity to the local police, right away.
