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Identity theft explored and tips offered

How to live in a world where scams happen frequently was part of recent offerings at the Adair County Extension Office where help for senior citizens is getting more focus.

Shellie A. May, BSN, Executive Director, Office Senior Protection, Office of Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, explored the major problem of identity theft.

What is identity theft? Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your permission.

* may open a credit card account, get a loan, or rent an apartment or house in your name using your personal information.

* might access your bank or retirement accounts.


How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Data breach - Hacking into computer networks and databases to steal large amounts of personal information or infiltrating organizations that store large amounts of valuable information.

Phishing - for electronic information with phony emails, text messages and websites that are solely designed to steal sensitive information

Theft - Steal wallets or purses to obtain identification, credit and bank cards

TIP: Check your credit report regularly to make sure there are no unknown lines of credit under your name and social security number. Free AnnualCreditReport.com , AnnualCreditReport.com

Identity Theft challenges and tips:

Thieves dig through trash cans and other places to find documents that contain credit card numbers, account numbers, Social Security Numbers and other personal information. Stealing mail from your mailbox.

Tip: Shred or tear up any documents with personal information, credit card numbers, Medicare/ Medicaid numbers or other personal information

Tip: Be cautious of leaving mail in your mailbox with the flag up. It could get stolen before it's picked up.

Tips: Protect Personal Information

How can you help protect your identity?

* Use Strong, Unique, and Updated Passwords; Update your passwords every 60 to 90 days to help avoid them being discovered or stolen over time. Never give out your passwords, use the same password for more than one account, store them in your computer or device, or write them down in an easily accessible place.

* Set Up TWO Factor Authentication; Go to your account settings of the service you want to secure, and look for two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication.

* Check Your Statements; Review your monthly bank statements to check for suspicious charges and inconsistences. Many banks provide your bank statements by mail, online, or through a mobile app

Report Scams - Consumers can report scams to the Attorney General's office online: ag.ky.gov/scams . Consumer Protection/Scam Hotline 1-888-432-9257


This story was posted on 2025-01-27 20:03:14
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Avoiding identity theft and other scams



2025-01-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
How to avoid scams and live in today's world was the topic of Shellie A. May, BSN, Executive Director, Office Senior Protection, Office of Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, as she explored the major problem of identity theft.

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Scam red flags and suspicious activity



2025-01-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Red flags / suspicious activity was one of the slides giving the following information for scams to watch out for: Calls from local law enforcement stating an individual has fines for outstanding warrants. Calls from local law enforcement stating the court is holding the individual in contempt for failure to appear for jury duty. Calls from local law enforcement stating an Individual has been placed under a "gag order" and is not allowed to speak with anyone else regarding the matter. Calls from local law enforcement demanding you remain on the line until the bond" is paid. Requests for monetary gift cards (visa/green dot etc.) bank deposits, and voucher purchases to clear court fines or avoid jail time. Requests for videos or pictures of individuals conducting a personal strip search of themselves to clear court fines or avoid jail time.

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