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Protected by StackPath Updated: February 24, 2021 If anyone, including a spouse, family member, or intimate partner, uses your personal information to open up an account in your name without your permission, this could be considered identify theft. Some examples of personal information that someone might use are your Social Security number, credit card and banking account numbers, usernames, passwords, and patient records. Fraudulent uses of this information may include opening new credit accounts, taking out loans, stealing money from financial accounts or using available credit.1 Each state law defines identity theft differently. The National Conference of State Legislatures lists the statutory citation for identity theft laws in each state. However, to read the actual language of the law, you’d have to Google the statutory citation for your state. If you have been a victim of identity theft, the Identity Theft Resource Center may have helpful information. Note: WomensLaw.org is not affiliated with either website and cannot vouch for their services; we provide this for your information only. You can also report identity theft to the police or through the Federal Trade Commission website on identity theft or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). To read more about steps you can take if you think you have been the victim of identity theft, visit the federal government’s websit.e 1New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Informal help with money management If you are still able to handle your banking and bill-paying but would like some help going through the bills and budgeting, a friend or family member can review your bills with you and help you figure out which ones to pay and when. Under this arrangement, you still sign your checks and no one else is authorized to make account transactions. If you have no friends or family members to help you with informal money management, there are organized programs that provide trained staff members or volunteers to help. To locate a money management program in your area, try contacting your local Area Agency on Aging . You may also be able to find a money management program along with other resources for Older Americans by contacting the Eldercare Locator or by calling 1-800-677-1116. If you get help from a money management program, check on whether the program has insurance or bonding so your money is protected in a worst case scenario involving mismanagement or theft by the person assisting you. Joint account If the money in your joint bank account belongs to you, is not meant to be a gift to the joint account holder, and is meant to be folded in with your other assets for distribution according to your will or estate plan, you may be taking some risks by opening a joint bank account because:
Convenience account Tip: Ask your bank about opening a convenience account or agency account. Often bank employees don’t mention these options or may not know they exist. You may need to speak with a manager.Explain that you want an account in which the money remains yours but someone else’s name will be on the account to help you with bill paying and other transactions. Be sure to say that you don’t want the other person to have the “right of survivorship” if you don’t intend for your money to become your helper’s money upon your death. Power of attorney (POA) for finances Again, give considerable thought before you grant anyone power of attorney, as he or she might withdraw money from your account for reasons that you do not specify. |