WHY SENIORS ARE TARGETED BY IDENTITY THIEVES — And What You Can Do About It
Understanding the Risks and How R23 Law's California Consumer Protection Attorneys Can Help
Identity theft is a growing threat to all Americans — but for senior citizens, the risk is particularly high. Older adults are often targeted by scammers and cybercriminals due to their strong credit profiles, limited digital fluency, and trust in familiar communication channels.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys work every day with seniors and their families to respond to identity theft, credit report damage, and financial fraud. If you're concerned about protecting your future — or reclaiming your financial life after it’s been compromised — this guide is for you.
Why Are Seniors at Greater Risk for Identity Theft?
Senior citizens are often prime targets for identity theft because:
They tend to have well-established credit that is rarely monitored.
They may not use their credit often, allowing fraudulent accounts to go unnoticed.
They grew up in a pre-digital world, which can make it more difficult to identify modern scams.
They are more likely to share personal information over the phone, which is a common tactic used by scammers.
All of these factors create opportunities for thieves to open credit cards, take out loans, or even file fraudulent tax returns using stolen personal data.
Key Steps Seniors Can Take to Protect Themselves
If you're an older adult — or caring for one — here are several critical actions you can take:
1. Freeze Your Credit Reports
Placing a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion prevents anyone (including identity thieves) from opening new accounts in your name. It’s free and easy — and one of the most effective ways to stop fraud before it starts.
2. Watch Out for Synthetic Identity Theft
This involves criminals combining real information (like your Social Security number) with fake names or dates of birth to create new, false identities. Seniors should never share personal information over the phone unless they initiated the call to a verified number.
3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Even if you don’t use credit cards often, reviewing your statements and checking your credit reports at least once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com can alert you to unauthorized activity.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Stay Cautious Online
Avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts and be wary of phishing emails or calls pretending to be from your bank or Medicare.
If Your Identity Has Been Stolen, You’re Not Alone — And You Have Legal Options
If you believe your identity has been stolen, don’t delay. The longer fraudulent accounts or credit damage goes unaddressed, the harder it can be to reverse the harm.
Working with R23 Law’s California Identity Theft Victim Lawyers gives you the power of a legal team that knows how to:
Remove fraudulent accounts from your credit report
Deal with debt collectors pursuing fraudulent debts
Recover damages under California’s Identity Theft Act
Enforce your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Help place legal holds, freezes, or file lawsuits when necessary
We also assist clients in placing extended fraud alerts and working with credit bureaus and financial institutions to restore their identity and peace of mind.
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Our Commitment to Protecting Seniors in California
At R23 Law, we believe that every Californian deserves dignity, safety, and financial freedom — especially our seniors. If you or a loved one is dealing with identity theft or feel overwhelmed by the recovery process, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our attorneys have deep experience handling elder financial abuse and identity fraud cases. We offer legal services in multiple languages and serve clients throughout California with compassion and clarity.
Contact R23 Law Today
📞 Toll-Free: 310-598-1588
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Let R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help you fight back against fraud — and move forward with confidence.
