Protecting Your Loved One: What to Do If Their Identity Is Stolen

Identity theft is a serious and growing concern for older adults. Scammers often target seniors, exploiting their trust or unfamiliarity with digital systems to steal personal information and commit fraud. The emotional and financial toll can be devastating, leaving families overwhelmed.

If you suspect or confirm that your aging relative has been a victim of identity theft, acting swiftly—but systematically—is key to minimizing damage and restoring their financial security. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the recovery process.

Step 1: Act Immediately—but Stay Organized

Time is critical when addressing identity theft. However, keeping a detailed record of every action you take will help streamline recovery.

Start with the following actions:

• ‍Contact all companies where the fraud occurred.‍

Speak with their fraud departments, explain the situation, and ask them to close or freeze the affected accounts.

• ‍Dispute unauthorized charges.‍

Request the removal of any fraudulent transactions. Some companies may ask for an FTC Identity Theft Report.

• ‍Update security credentials.‍

Change usernames, passwords, and PINs for all affected accounts.

• Place a fraud alert with a credit bureau.‍

 Contact one of the three major bureaus; they will notify the other two:

                    Experian : experian.com/help | 888-397-3742‍

                        TransUnion : transunion.com/credit-help | 888-909-8872

                     Equifax : equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services | 800-685-1111

• ‍File an FTC Identity Theft Report.

‍Go to IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338 to report the crime and get a personalized recovery plan.

Once the immediate threats are addressed, focus on restoring your loved one’s credit profile.

• ‍Request removal of fraudulent data.

‍Contact each credit bureau to have unauthorized accounts and unpaid balances removed. Provide your FTC Identity Theft Report as proof.

• ‍Place an extended fraud alert or credit freeze.

‍An extended fraud alert lasts 7 years and requires creditors to verify your loved one’s identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze locks access to their credit entirely until lifted.

• ‍Continue monitoring accounts and statements.‍

  Check monthly statements and service records for unfamiliar charges or activity.

How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help

Geriatric care managers (GCMs) play a vital role in protecting older adults from identity theft and assisting in recovery when it occurs. These professionals can:

• ‍Help monitor financial and digital activity, reducing exposure to scams.‍
• Coordinate with family, attorneys, and credit agencies to manage recovery.
• ‍Support cognitively impaired individuals who may not understand or remember security protocols.
• ‍Educate families and seniors about common fraud tactics and prevention.

By serving as advocates, GCMs offer peace of mind and ensure your loved one is not navigating these complex issues alone.

Secure Your Loved One’s Future After Identity Theft

Don’t face identity fraud recovery alone—LiveWell can help.Our experienced care managers are here to support you through every step of protecting and restoring your loved one’s identity. From coordinating documentation to helping implement safeguards, we offer both practical solutions and emotional reassurance.

📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the holidays and beyond.

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