Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

compromised and your sensitive medical history could then be in the

hands of criminals.

Understand the Risk of Identity Theft by Age

As a senior, you may feel particularly at risk for ID theft and financial

scams. In fact, 18–29-year-olds are most at risk because they most

likely haven’t yet damaged their credit, are less likely to check their

credit, are more likely to share too much information online, move

frequently — so records go to others — and are more likely to apply

for credit cards without reading the fine print or considering the

source. (See Figure 13-4.)

Figure 13-4

30

Under 18

(^1) Percentages are based on the total number of identity theft complaints where victims reported
their age (225,532). 94% of the victims who conracted the FTC directly reported their age.
Identity Theft Complaints by Victim Age^1
January 1 – December 31, 2006
20
10
0
18–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60 and Over
(65 and6%
Over)
4%
60–65
5%
29%
23%
20%
13%
10%
271
Chapter 13: Watching Your Pennies Online