Poll: Older Americans More Likely To Defend Against Identity Theft

A recent poll found younger Americans lag behind their older counterparts when protecting themselves from identity theft, and this could have many unwanted consequences.

More than 80 percent of Americans over the age of 55 are attached to the government sponsored do not call list, while only 55 percent of those 35 and younger are joined up, according to the poll by PEMCO Insurance.

Nearly 90 percent of older people have spyware protection or a firewall on their computer, while the younger crowd is below 80 percent.

Identity thieves can attack the mail too, and it may be wise to make sure your post is as secure as possible. Currently only 33 percent of Washington state residents have a locked mailbox or a post office pickup.

"If you don't have a locking mailbox, at the very least people should consider taking outgoing mail to a secure collection box or post office," said Jon Osterberg, spokesperson for PEMCO. "And, it's just as important to shred unwanted junk mail, especially credit card offers and applications that may contain enough personal information for thieves to exploit."

Unwanted credit card debt can accrue as a result of identity theft, and consumers should take measures to protect themselves, in order to avoid the financial headache.