Advise sent to me from a law office.

  Five Tips to Help you Reduce the Risk of Becoming a Victim of Financial Elder Abuse

1. Choose a Caregiver with Caution

Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in California

2. Keep an Inventory of All Jewelry

Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should have photographs of rare, valuable, or sentimental items in a separate location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.

3. Every Home Should Have a Shredder

Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective type of shredder is the crisscross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no danger in over shredding.

4. Protect Your Incoming and Outgoing Mail

Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public has access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides as easy alert to the thief who is “cruising” the streets. Consider either purchasing a locked mailbox or renting a post office box from your local post office.

5. Obtain a Credit Search on Yourself at Least Two or Three Times a Year

Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. This will enable you to discover whether someone has applied for, or obtained, a credit card in your name.