KathaHoag486

Imagine if somebody stole the monthly check you depend on? How could you survive?

Every month about other federal benefit checks and 12 million Social Security are sent, many to older persons. When these checks arrive in mailboxes criminals know. They also understand that every month many seniors venture out to cash or deposit their checks.

But seniors could outsmart them.

"These days, it's imperative that seniors supply themselves with practical and information measures to keep their monthly income safe," mentioned Al Lenhardt, president and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council, a leader in senior fraud prevention.

Exactly what do seniors do to guard themselves against financial violations? Frequently, it's as simple as registering for direct deposit. All through National Safety Month in June and throughout the year, the U.S. Office of the Treasury and the National Crime Prevention Council are urging individuals who receive Social Security and other federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit and avoid being a victim of identity theft, fraud or theft.

In line with the Federal Trade Commission, very nearly 25 million Americans (11.2 per cent of the adult citizenry) knowledge consumer fraud each year. Con artists and thieves often develop cons that target seniors, making them a vulnerable populace.

"One individual was getting his check stolen many times, often by his own family," said Sgt. Vince Higgins, a information officer with the Memphis Police Department who works closely with seniors. "Now that he's signed up for direct deposit, he's happy, he is confident-he's no more focused on where his money is or who's got his money. It's safe in his bank account."

Sgt. Higgins and hundreds of other respected sources like him are companions in Go Direct, a plan sponsored by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks to motivate Americans who get Social Security and other federal benefits checks to change to the better, easier solution of direct deposit.

Signing up for direct deposit can provide much-needed peace of mind to seniors, individuals with disabilities and others who count on Social Security. Direct deposit eliminates the chance of forgeries and stolen checks and helps protect folks from identity theft. It also gives people more control over their money and allows quick usage of funds from almost anywhere. senior care san francisco