Identity theft seminar for seniors

WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Seniors need to be on alert for scam artists on the telephone and on the computer. That was the main message Thursday night at Orchard Valley in Wilbraham.

Close to fifty seniors heard the short simple message to protect their personal information, especially social security numbers and date of birth.

Wilbraham Police Sgt. Glenn Clark said, "Never give it out. It's that simple it's that easy. Don't give out your personal information ever."

Country Bank's Celeste Talarico says the numbers are staggering, "Identity theft affects approximately ten million Americans in a year. Seniors are targeted mostly by telemarketers."

Talarico says Telemarketers target Seniors because they're so Trusting.

The seminar taught seniors how to deter, detect and defend against identity theft. And how to put a fraud alert on your credit report if you think you've given out sensitive information.

Sgt. Clark reminds you that your financial institutions will never call you and ask for personal or financial information.