One of the best services you can perform for your parents is to help shield them from junk mail and identity theft.  It takes time and effort but the results are worth it.

Identity theft is a big problem getting bigger every day.  I’ve all ready mentioned some precautions you can teach your parents in my article on Scam Alert.  I’ve also spoken about getting your free annual credit report.   Remember that shredder as well for any trash with ID information on it.  Note that Medicare reports all contain their SS#.

Never, never give out social security number over the phone unless you initiate the call or in response to unsolicited email on PC.  Even then, ask if it is absolutely necessary.  (Thanks to the Patriot Act it is unfortunately required on more financial transactions.)  If an identifier is required on an application or form, ask if you can substitute their driver’s license number.  I regularly leave off any identification data I can such as home phone number.

Don't let your parents carry their social security card, Medicare card (it has SS# on it) or check book with them at all times.  I know this will be a hard habit to break. Take it only when it will be needed such as a visit to SS Office or OMV.  Most Doctor's offices will all ready have their Medicare ID on file after the first visit.

If possible, have your parents' mail delivered to a locked mailbox.  They are now available for home use.  Pickpockets, mail thieves and trash sifters are major sources of identity loss.

Many companies and states are now substituting new ID numbers for social security numbers on forms, ID cards, etc.  Check to see if you can have a new card issued with SS# removed or only last 4 digits shown.  If your logon ID to a web site is your SS# check if this can be replaced.  You never know who is looking over your shoulder in public places or scanning your wireless transmissions.

Opt out of as much junk mail as you can.  It will reduce their mail volume and lessen the chance they fall for some crafty come on advertisement.  I read all the new privacy statements from companies and write the listed address or call 800 phone number to opt out of information sharing and “special offer”-”newsletter” mailing lists.  I’ve sometimes found these in very fine print on the backs of bills, which is almost impossible for seniors to read.  Often there are “check boxes” to opt out of such mail on the bottom of forms, either hard copy or internet.

Add you parents’ phone number(s) including cell to the National Do-Not-Call List.  Use this web page  https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx      You will need an email address to complete this registration.  Otherwise, register by phone at 1-888-382-1222.

Another technique my son who works for a marketing firm taught me has reduced our junk mail significantly.  Legitimate direct marketing companies are required to remove your name from their mailing lists if you request it in writing.  I’ve created a generic letter for this purpose and I send it back with their form in their postage paid envelope each time I receive an unsolicited offer.  I write, “Remove from mailing list” on the form.  It takes about three months but eventually the credit card offers stop coming.

Here is an example.

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To Whom It May Concern:                                                              Date    

Please remove my name from any and all of your mailing lists.  I do not wish to receive any more unsolicited mailings from your company. 

Please also remove my phone number from any telemarketing campaign lists.  I do not wish to receive any unsolicited phone calls from you and have placed my phone number on the National Do-Not-Call list.

Finally, you do not have my permission to sell or otherwise distribute my name, address or phone number to any other company. 

Thank you,

(your signature)

Your Name                  (they all ready have this so you’re not revealing anything new)

Your Street Address

Your City, State, ZIP

Your Phone Number

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Finally, here are two more sites that can help reduce your junk mail from snopes.com.

"Returning junk mail to direct mailers on their dime (by stuffing it back into their postage-paid return envelopes) may cost them some money and provide you with a bit of personal satisfaction, but it won't cut down on the amount of junk mail you receive. In fact, it may actually increase your junk mail load, since the primary metric used to gauge the effectiveness of many direct mail campaigns is the number of responses received (even if those responses are negative). The best way to decrease the amount of unsolicited mail you receive is to register with the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS). The DMA maintains a "do not mail" file of MPS registrants which they regularly update and send to their members, who are required to remove the listed entries from their rosters of prospective customers targeted for mailings. (The file is also made available to non-DMA members, but they are under no obligation to use it.)

Taking advantage of the "one-stop" opt-out option [by calling (888) 567-8688 or visiting the Opt-Out Prescreen web site] to prevent the major credit reporting agencies from making your credit information available for pre-approved offers of credit or insurance will also go a long way towards significantly reducing the amount of junk that ends up in your mailbox."