How to prevent identity theft and protect your senior loved ones

Detecting identity theft before it occurs is part of what makes it so dangerous. If you’re caring for an older adult, you’ve probably already seen how easily a scam call or convincing email can slip through. It happens fast. And while anyone can be a target, older adults are more likely to be targeted. 

Whether managing your parents' finances or just checking in more often, use this practical guide to help protect personal information (and peace of mind).

Why older adults may be more vulnerable

Scammers tend to focus on seniors because they’re often easier to reach, and sometimes easier to convince. Many older adults may not recognize the signs of a scam immediately, especially if it appears on a screen. They’re also more likely to:

• Have steady savings, retirement accounts, or pensions

• Own their home, which makes their information easier to find

• Pick up calls from unfamiliar numbers or respond to official-looking mail

• Struggle with memory or decision-making, especially if cognitive decline is starting

Even something as small as confirming a birthday or sharing a Medicare number over the phone can open the door to identity theft, often before anyone realizes what happened.

7 ways to help prevent identity theft

You can’t stop every scam, but these steps can help prevent identity theft, especially when you’re looking out for an older adult.

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1. Secure personal information offline

Start with the basics. Store Social Security cards, Medicare information, tax documents, bank statements, and anything else that contains personal or financial details somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or home safe. If it’s not something they need daily, tuck it away. That small habit can go a long way in keeping identity thieves from getting their hands on key information.

2. Use strong passwords and a password manager

We’ve all reused a password or scribbled one on a notepad, but for seniors, keeping track of multiple logins can be especially frustrating. A password manager can make this easier. These tools create strong, unique passwords and store them in one secure location, making it harder for anyone to break in and steal personal information.

3. Watch for phishing emails and scam calls

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and their messages are more convincing. Emails may appear to be from Medicare or a bank. Phone calls might sound urgent or official. Remind your loved one not to give out personal information unless they’re 100% sure who they’re talking to. Share our guide on how to tell if a link is safe so they can check suspicious emails first.

4. Shred sensitive mail

It’s easy to toss old bills or pre-approved credit card offers in the trash without a second thought. But those papers can be a goldmine for identity thieves. Help your loved one get into the habit of shredding anything that includes personal information before throwing it away, even things like insurance forms, bank statements, or those “you’re approved!” letters.

5. Freeze unused credit

If your loved one isn’t planning to open any new credit cards or loans, freezing their credit is a smart move. It prevents anyone (including identity thieves) from opening new accounts in their name. It doesn’t affect their current accounts or credit score, and it’s free to do through the three major credit bureaus. 

6. Monitor financial accounts and credit reports

Make it a habit to glance over your loved one’s bank and credit card activity now and then. If you spot a charge that doesn’t look familiar, even something small, it’s worth a second look. Catching something early is almost always easier than trying to clean it up later.

7. Use identity theft protection tools

If you’re juggling caregiving responsibilities, having a little backup can help. Greenlight Family Shield includes identity theft protection that watches for red flags, including things like new accounts opened in your loved one’s name, unusual spending, or potential fraud. Identity theft protection can be worth it because you’ll get alerts if something looks suspicious, and the plan includes up to $1 million in identity theft coverage* for added peace of mind.

5 common scams targeting seniors

Scammers often target older adults because they’re perceived as more trusting, more likely to answer the phone, and less familiar with digital red flags. Scammers also know that many seniors are managing health concerns or living alone, which can make an urgent-sounding call or official-looking email feel even more real.

Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for:

1. Medicare scams. These often come in the form of phone calls asking to “confirm” coverage or offering free medical equipment or services. The real goal is to obtain Medicare ID numbers for committing fraud.

2. IRS or government imposters. Scammers claim your loved one owes back taxes or has a suspended Social Security number and demand payment by wire transfer or even gift cards.

3. Grandparent scams. A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble. Maybe they’ve been arrested or are stranded somewhere and beg for help, asking the grandparent not to tell anyone else.

4. Tech support scams. A pop-up or phone call says there’s a virus on their device and urges them to give remote access or pay to “fix” the issue.

5. Lottery or sweepstakes scams. These promise big winnings, but only if the person pays taxes or fees upfront. Once the money is sent, the prize never arrives.

These financial scams work by creating a sense of urgency and emotional pressure. Talk to your senior loved one about staying calm, hanging up, and calling you or a trusted contact before responding to anything that feels off. And be sure to familiarize yourself with these signs of identity theft so you can catch it early.

What to do if your loved one’s identity is stolen

If your parent or senior loved one falls victim to identity theft, it can feel like a lot for both of you. The good news is, you don’t have to fix everything at once. Here are a few steps to help guide them through the process, one at a time:

• Freeze their credit. You should do this with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This blocks new accounts from being opened in their name while you sort things out.

• Report the fraud at IdentityTheft.gov. The site will walk you through a recovery plan and help document the incident.

• Reach out to affected companies. Call their bank, credit card provider, or insurance company to close any compromised accounts and report any suspicious charges.

• Check credit reports. Look for anything that doesn’t belong, like unfamiliar accounts, strange addresses, or loans they never took out. 

• Offer emotional support. Identity theft can feel embarrassing or violating. Remind your loved ones that they’re not alone, and this happens to many people. What matters most is catching it and moving forward.

You’re doing the right thing by stepping in. Take it one step at a time and remind your loved one that you’re in this together.

How Greenlight Family Shield can help

Greenlight Family Shield helps families protect what matters most, including senior loved ones. With built-in identity theft protection*, suspicious activity alerts, financial account monitoring, and location sharing**, you get extra peace of mind in one simple app.

If you’re helping manage finances or safety for an older adult, Family Shield offers the tools and visibility you need, all while respecting their independence.

FAQs

What sensitive personal information do identity thieves target most often?

Social Security numbers, Medicare IDs, bank and credit card details, and login credentials are all common targets for identity theft. Even a name and birth date can be enough to start a scam.

Why are seniors particularly vulnerable to identity theft and scams?

They may be less familiar with tech, more likely to answer unknown calls or mail, and may struggle to spot red flags, especially if memory loss is involved.

What specific scams should seniors be aware of to prevent identity theft?

Medicare scams, IRS imposters, fake tech support, sweepstakes claims, and the “grandchild in trouble” scam are all common and emotionally manipulative.

How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

Watch for unexpected bills, strange account activity, or letters from the IRS about income you didn’t report. If anything seems off, take a closer look.

*Insurance offered by Acrisure, LLC is provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S.-based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. www.chubb.com. Additional details can be viewed here. See link for policy information. Insurance Products are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency and are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate.

**Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.