Dishonor to Our Honored Citizens

Send personal information through the mail from the post office or a secure postal box not your personal mail box.

* Don’t Fall for Scare Tactics. Know who you are dealing with, and never give out your account information to anyone who reports a service issue or some type of emergency, then asks for your account information. If you have done business with this company they should have all the information they need on file.

* Click Carefully. Don’t open attachments or click links sent to you from unknown sources. Frankly all the junk mail I receive, I dump without opening. Also pop up ads and email links may contain viruses or spy ware.

* Protect Your Social Security Number. This is perhaps your most valuable asset. Never write it on a check, use it as a password or give it to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary.

* Monitor Your Credit Reports and Accounts. Check your report and account statements carefully. If you see anything unfamiliar, contact your financial institution immediately.

Did you know you can request a copy of your credit reports to see what accounts have been opened in your name? Just call 1-877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com .

An additional resource in the battle against identity theft is at:

www.ftc.gov/idtheft .

SOS for the Abused

There are a number of ways an abused senior citizen can obtain help:

* If abused in a private home call the Adult Protective Service (APS). This phone number should be listed in your local phone directory under the County Listings. Or, call 1-800-510-202 for a referral.

Should the abuse be financial, ask the APS worker if there is a team to handle this type of problem in your area.

* If abused in a licensed care facility, like a senior retirement facility or nursing home, call the local long-term ombudsman. You can locate an ombudsman at this number 1-800-231-4042. Your report will be held in strict confidentiality and you can remain anonymous.

* To report elder abuse of any kind, call the State Attorney General’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting Hotline. Your local phone directory should have this listing. In California it is 1-888-436-3600. Some directories list the State of (name of your State) Adult and Family Services Division instead of the State Attorney’s office; and many list a Senior and Disability Services of (the county you reside).

* If you are sixty years old or older you may be able to get free legal advice by calling the Senior Legal Hotline at 1-800-222-1753. Or visit the website at www.seniorlegalhotline.org .

* If all resources fail, and you feel the need to seek legal counsel, you can obtain information at 415-538-2250, for those residing outside of California and for California residents 1-866-442-2529. These are State Bar Referral Services which can assist you in locating the right attorney to represent you.

Elder abuse in the United States and throughout the world must stop. We as a people can not continue allowing our most honored members of society to be treated in any way except with honor, respect and propriety.