Take Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft - Kiplinger.com
By Kathryn A. Walson, Staff Writer, Kiplinger's Retirement Report
Protect your financial, medical and other personal information from scamsters.
In 1994, George Handiboe, a nurse's aide, began caring for an elderly man in Steelton, Pa. After the man died four years later, Handiboe, who lived in nearby Harrisburg, Pa., remained close with the widow. He took her to doctor's appointments, to dinner and to run errands. But it turned out he wasn't a friend -- he was quietly assuming her identity.
Handiboe opened credit-card accounts in the woman's name, according to the Pennsylvania attorney general's office. He also opened joint accounts, posing as the woman's son, law enforcement officials say. The family became suspicious after the woman moved into an assisted-living facility and her real son began receiving calls from creditors and collection agencies.
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Take Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft - Kiplinger.com.
Safe Deposit Boxes
If you think there isn't much to using a safe deposit box beyond putting keys in locks, you're in for a surprise. The safe deposit service may be tucked down in the basement or far corner of your credit union, but in its own quiet way it is among the bank's most important offerings.
What items should go into a safe deposit box?
Any personal items that would cause you to say, "If I lose this, I'm in deep trouble." Important papers to consider putting into your box: originals of your insurance policies; family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates; original deeds, titles, mortgages, leases and other contracts; stocks, bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). Other valuables worthy of a spot in your safe deposit box include special jewels, medals, rare stamps and other collectibles, negatives for irreplaceable photos, and videos or pictures of your home's contents for insurance purposes.
OK, what should NOT go in a box?
Anything you might need in an emergency, in case your bank is closed for the night, the weekend or a holiday. Possible examples: originals of a "power of attorney", passports, medical-care directives if you become ill and incapacitated, and funeral or burial instructions you make. Consider giving the originals to your attorney, and making copies to go in your safe deposit box or to give a close friend or relative.
If I have a will, shouldn't it go in my safe deposit box?
Whether your will should be at the bank or elsewhere, such as with your attorney, depends on what your state law says about who has access to your safe deposit box when you die. Ideally, the person you name to oversee your financial matters after you die should have early access to your original will (copies aren't valid).
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Seniors
