Author Topic: Aging parent - identity stolen  (Read 4156 times)

Zaga

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Aging parent - identity stolen
« on: September 03, 2017, 10:48:18 AM »
So, mom seems to have had her identity stolen by scammers.  They call and she happily answers questions, they know far too much already.  I need to make sure I'm doing the right things to protect her, if anyone has any additional ideas/thoughts I'd love to hear them!

  • Going to the SS office to report the ID theft
  • Replacing all of her bank accounts with just 2, switching over her 2 direct deposits to her new checking account
  • Getting her a computer that's NOT a PC so that the scammers can't talk her into letting them into the computer (they've got her twice already)
  • I already have her POA, and I'm using it for the bank issues
  • Shame her into not talking to strangers
  • ???

She thinks she's not cognitively impaired.  I'm just grateful at this point that she doesn't have a car and can't kill anyone else by being stupid and driving.

What am I missing?  Thanks!

Another Reader

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2017, 10:53:50 AM »
The telephone.  Change her number, have it unlisted, use NoMoRobo, block any known bad numbers.

With This Herring

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2017, 01:02:41 PM »
Get a credit freeze in place so that no new credit accounts can be opened for her without LOTS of investigation.

GizmoTX

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2017, 03:28:18 PM »
Yes for the credit freeze (all 3 credit bureaus) -- even if her state charges to set it up, it's a small price to pay compared to identity theft.

Yes for changing her phone number, unlist it, have caller ID, & tell Mom to only answer known callers.

In addition to opening a new checking account & closing her old ones, get the bank to not allow any auto drafts by 3rd parties.

Report the identity theft issue to the IRS & request a privacy PIN for her future returns. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft

If she has a Mac, set her up with two accounts: one with Admin privileges & one without. Have her use the one without. You manage the Admin one for access & updates you authorize. Or have her use an iPad.

Zaga

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2017, 07:49:46 AM »
Thank you guys, those are great ideas!  I will start on the credit bureaus today and the rest this week.

Zaga

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2017, 06:06:45 PM »
Her internet has been taken until we get her a secure computer.  All 3 credit bureaus alerted to fraud.  Found incorrect info on the one report I could pull online, have the dispute in process to send out tomorrow.  Have to get papers from mom to send in for the other 2 reports.  Checked her bank accounts, nothing concerning today.

Good day's work.

Rubic

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2017, 08:25:40 AM »
Her internet has been taken until we get her a secure computer.

I'd suggest getting her a Chromebook.

I bought one for my mother a couple years ago (no identity theft, just
being proactive) and she's never looked back.

Zaga

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Re: Aging parent - identity stolen
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2017, 04:34:03 PM »
Her internet has been taken until we get her a secure computer.

I'd suggest getting her a Chromebook.

I bought one for my mother a couple years ago (no identity theft, just
being proactive) and she's never looked back.
WE have a replacement computer on order, I don't know the details but my one brother who is in IT says it will protect mom much better than her current setup.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!