You’re worried about your parents’ privacy. It seems the number of scam calls and emails they get keeps increasing. Take these five steps to safeguard their privacy and bank accounts right now.
#1 – Put Credit Freezes in Place
Put credit freezes in place with all of the major credit reporting bureaus. You’ll get a username and password to use when it’s necessary to lift a credit freeze. If your parents don’t actively take out loans, it’s unlikely they’d need to lift the freeze.
A credit freeze is a preventative step that makes it hard for someone to access your parents’ credit reports or take out a loan without additional steps. It can keep people from taking out loans or credit cards using your parents’ information.
#2 – Verify They Have and Use a Protective Software Suite
Your parents should have more than just a simple virus software. They need a software package that protects against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats. They need to update it daily and run scans often. That software should monitor the sites they enter and shut down any malicious ads or links.
#3 – Reset Passwords Periodically
It used to be recommended that you change passwords every few months. That’s not as urgent anymore but a strong password is. Your parents should not use the same password for everything. They need to make sure they choose a strong password that contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password notebook locked in the safe can help them keep track of the passwords they’ve used.
#4 – Install and Use Call-Blockers on Their Phones
On both landlines and cellphones, install and use call-blockers. Phone companies may have this built-in. Verify it and go over the numbers that call regularly. If there are calls that get through, add them to the block list.
#5 – Go Over Bank Accounts and Credit Reports Regularly
Each month, go over their bank accounts with them. Look for any charges they’ve made and verify it was a legitimate expense. If you’re seeing cash withdrawals for hundreds of dollars, ask them where the money went. You want to catch scams and fraud before they get worse.
Go over credit reports once a year. Make sure the accounts that are listed are accounts your parents know of. If there is anything concerning, report it to the bureaus.
Once you’ve worked hard to get your parents safe when using the internet, make sure it stays that way. Home care aides provide companionship visits so that your parents don’t get bored. If they’re busy and active, they won’t want to spend as much time online. Call a home care agency to discuss companionship visits.
For more information about hiring a Home Health Care in Coronado CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
- Four Providers Who Ease the Stress of Caring for a Chronically Ill Loved One - October 29, 2024
- Therapies Seniors May Need After a Stroke - October 22, 2024
- Keeping Psoriatic Arthritis from Triggering Other Issues - October 15, 2024
