Seminar Helps Seniors Protect Themselves from Identity Theft, Forgery and Fraud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 17, 2004 -- Seniors often fall prey to scam artists and identity theft, but a growing number are now targets of relatives, friends or close associates who misuse their identity for personal gain.



An upcoming seminar in June is designed to help seniors and others learn how not to be burned.



"Over 95 percent of identity thefts are performed by family members on family members," said Sydney Dotson, author of No Greater Deception, an autobiography about her family's ordeal with the crime.

"I refer to this type of crime as domestic identity theft."



"Seniors are the primary targets in America today."



The Dallas-based author will speak about the risk of identity theft to hundreds of Houston seniors at seminars throughout the Houston area.



The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will include tips on how to protect key financial information, such as a social security number, safe deposit box and wills.

Linda Carpenter, a lifestyle consultant at Spring Shadows Place on Kempwood, said Dotson's talk will be eye-opening for residents whose average age is 80.



"Some of our residents are not that aware of this problem," Carpenter said. "This will be very good for them to learn about."



Such events are new to the five properties that focus on providing a wide menu of services to residents, Carpenter said.

Written in present tense, "No Greater Deception" spans the period from 1995 to 2000 as Dotson and her youngest sister unravel how their stepmother became their father's sole heir, and tells of their struggle to track down the size and scope of his estate.



"You feel like you are discovering clues along with us," Dotson said.



"Moreover, it will highlight the problem and complexity of identity theft."



In most cases the senior's spouse, or one of the children, is responsible for the forgery, fraud and theft, she said.



The cost of prosecuting the perpetrator and regaining the lost assets is often more costly than the value of the initial crime.

Similar to domestic violence, domestic identity theft is often unspoken and goes undetected, she said.



"No one likes to admit publicly that they have become a victim, and of course the perpetrators don't often brag about their thefts to others."



During the book-signing events, Dotson also will touch on loopholes that she has encountered in the Texas law which make proving fraud difficult and the importance of protecting beneficiary change forms to bank accounts and life insurance policies.

"No Greater Deception" is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com or by calling toll free 1-888-280-7715.



For more info, go to www.NoGreaterDeception.com



Kimberly Blair, Houston Chronicle Reporter

forgery and fraud