Moving an Elderly Parent: Address Change Checklist for Government and Private Services

Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Moving an elderly parent combines emotional complexity with logistical challenges. Beyond the physical relocation lies a bureaucratic maze requiring updates to government agencies, financial institutions, and service providers.

This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap from establishing legal authority to protecting against fraud during this vulnerable time.

Moving an elderly parent successfully requires three foundation elements: emotional readiness, legal authority, and organizational clarity.

Planning and Legal Foundation

Before packing boxes or filling forms, critical groundwork must be established. This preparatory phase isn’t optional—it’s the essential underpinning for the entire moving process.

Navigating with Compassion and Respect

Your parent’s emotional well-being is the most important aspect of this process. A move later in life can feel like significant loss of control, independence, and identity. Their active involvement and sense of autonomy directly link to a smoother, less traumatic transition.

Resistance to moving is common and understandable. Meet it with empathy and open discussion, not force.

Start Open Conversations

The decision to move shouldn’t be a single event but ongoing, compassionate conversations. Start these discussions early, well before a move becomes urgent. Create a collaborative environment where your parent feels heard and respected, not managed.

Focus on their goals and fears. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective. What are their primary concerns about moving? Often these revolve around fear of losing autonomy, privacy, and independence. Let them talk about feelings and hopes for their next chapter.

Involve them in decision-making. A person-centered approach placing your parent’s values and preferences at the heart of every decision is crucial. Whenever possible, provide choices to foster a sense of control. This ranges from major decisions about living arrangements to smaller yet significant choices about room layout, what to keep, or daily schedules.

Consider bringing in a neutral third party if conversations become difficult. This could be a trusted minister, social worker, family therapist specializing in geriatric issues, or professional elder mediator. Their presence can facilitate more productive, less emotionally charged discussions.

Downsizing with Dignity

For many seniors, downsizing is the most emotionally charged part of moving, as they sort through a lifetime of accumulated belongings and memories.

Frame the process positively. Rather than focusing on what’s being lost, frame the process as a new adventure or simplification leading to less stress and more freedom.

Use a structured system to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Tackle the process systematically. Start with a single room—preferably one with less sentimental attachment, like a guest room or office—and work through the house. Use clear sorting methods with categories like “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” “Toss,” and “Pass Along to Family.” AARP suggests using different colored sticky notes for each category to make labeling large items easy.

Preserve memories, not just things. Emotional attachment is often to the memory, not the physical object. Take high-quality photographs of sentimental items before donating or selling them. Important documents and photo albums can be digitized, preserving history while freeing significant physical space.

Handle heirlooms with sensitivity. Parting with beloved items becomes much easier if your parent knows items are going to cherished family members or friends. As the recipient, graciously accept items even if you don’t plan to keep them long-term. This provides immense comfort during a difficult time. You can quietly consign or donate items later if needed.

Use a floor plan. Before the move, get a floor plan of the new space. Cut out to-scale shapes representing your parent’s furniture. This visual tool allows them to see for themselves what will and won’t fit, turning potentially argumentative “You can’t take that” into practical, collaborative planning exercises.

Consider Professional Help

If the logistical and emotional scope feels overwhelming, hiring a Senior Move Manager can be invaluable. These professionals are certified, insured, and specially trained to manage entire relocation processes. Services include creating moving plans and downsizing assistance to supervising movers and setting up new homes, all while providing crucial emotional support.

The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers is an excellent resource for finding certified professionals in your area.

Establishing Legal Authority

An adult child, spouse, or other family member has no inherent legal right to manage a parent’s financial accounts, sign legal documents, or speak to government agencies on their behalf. To perform these tasks, you must be granted legal authority through a Power of Attorney (POA).

This is the single most important document for managing a parent’s affairs during a move and beyond.

Establish a POA before your parent becomes mentally incapacitated. To be valid, a POA must be signed by someone who is legally competent and understands the authority they’re granting. Waiting until a crisis hits may be too late, forcing families into lengthy, expensive, and public court processes to establish guardianship or conservatorship.

Understanding Financial Power of Attorney

A financial POA is a legal document appointing a person (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to manage another person’s (the “principal”) financial affairs. This authority can include:

• Paying bills and managing bank accounts
• Filing taxes and communicating with the IRS
• Managing investments and retirement accounts
• Handling real estate transactions
• Dealing with insurance and government benefits like Social Security

As an agent, you have a fiduciary duty to act solely in your parent’s best interest, manage their money carefully, keep their finances separate from your own, and maintain accurate records. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers excellent guides on agent responsibilities under a POA.

Choosing the Right Type

There are several POA types, but for assisting aging parents, a Durable Power of Attorney is almost always the correct choice.

Durable Power of Attorney: This POA remains valid and effective even if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. This key feature makes it essential for long-term care planning.

General Power of Attorney: This grants broad powers to the agent but may automatically terminate if the principal becomes incapacitated, unless the document explicitly states it’s “durable.”

Springing Power of Attorney: This type only “springs” into effect upon specific future events, such as a doctor certifying in writing that the principal is incapacitated. While this may seem appealing, it can create significant delays in accessing authority precisely when needed most, as you may have to wait for official documentation before acting.

The Process of Creating and Using a POA

The parent must choose their agent freely without undue influence from others. It’s wise to name a successor agent in the document who can step in if the primary agent is unable or unwilling to serve.

While online POA templates exist, state laws regarding execution (signing, witnessing, notarization) are very specific. To ensure the document is legally sound and will be honored by institutions, work with an elder law attorney.

A critical and often overlooked step is the “POA Acceptance Lag.” Financial institutions don’t automatically accept POAs the moment you present them. They have internal legal review processes to validate documents, which can take days or even weeks and may require multiple visits.

This can create major bottlenecks when you need to perform time-sensitive actions like paying bills or stopping fraudulent transactions.

To avoid this, treat “getting the POA accepted” as a distinct and urgent task. As soon as the POA is legally executed, the agent should take the original document and their photo ID to every one of the parent’s financial institutions (banks, credit unions, brokerage firms). Formally request that the POA be reviewed and placed on file for all of the parent’s accounts. Completing this proactive step before you need to conduct transactions will save immense frustration later.

Creating a Master Information Document

During a move and in emergencies, having all your parent’s critical information centralized in a single, secure location is invaluable. This master document acts as your operational playbook, ensuring you or another trusted person can manage their affairs without hunting for account numbers or contacts during stressful times.

Think of it as preparing for a “fire drill”—if your parent were suddenly unable to communicate, this document would provide everything needed to keep their life running smoothly.

Gather this information with your parent and organize it into a single binder or secure, encrypted digital file. Store the physical document in a fireproof, waterproof safe or bank safe deposit box. Crucially, ensure at least one other trusted person (such as a successor agent or lawyer) knows where this document is and how to access it.

Master Information Checklist

Official Mail Forwarding

The first logistical action in any move is ensuring mail intended for the old address is rerouted to the new one. Filing an official Change of Address (COA) with the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the foundational step creating a crucial, albeit temporary, safety net.

However, it’s a significant mistake to assume this single action solves the mail problem entirely. Many government agencies and financial institutions explicitly warn that USPS forwarding isn’t a substitute for notifying them directly. Relying solely on forwarding creates false security, as certain types of mail aren’t forwarded and critical notices could be missed.

Consider the USPS Change of Address as a temporary bridge to get you to your destination of direct notification, not the destination itself.

Filing the Official Change of Address

There are two primary methods for filing a COA with the USPS.

Online Method (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most convenient option for most people.

The only official USPS site for this service is USPS.com/move. Be extremely cautious of third-party websites appearing in search results; these sites often charge excessive fees ($40 or more) for a service the USPS provides for a nominal fee.

To prevent fraud, the USPS charges a small identity verification fee of around $1.25 to a credit or debit card. A critical requirement is that the billing address on the card used for this fee must match either the old address or the new address being filed.

You’ll need a valid email address to complete the online form. The USPS will send a confirmation code to this email, which you’ll need if you have to modify or cancel your request later. You’ll also receive a Move Validation Letter at your old address and a welcome kit at your new address shortly before forwarding begins.

In-Person Method

This method is free of charge and required in certain situations.

Visit any local Post Office and request PS Form 3575, Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order.

You must use the in-person method if you’re filing a COA on behalf of someone else (as their agent with a Power of Attorney), if you’re moving outside the United States, or if the online identity verification process fails. When acting as an agent, you’ll need to present documentation proving your authority, such as the POA document. If filing for a deceased person, you must provide documentation showing you’re the court-appointed executor or administrator of the estate; a death certificate alone isn’t sufficient.

When filing, you’ll need to specify the type of move:

Permanent Move: Standard forwarding for most mail lasts for 12 months.

Temporary Move: You can forward mail for a specific period, from as short as 15 days up to one year.

Mail Forwarding Services and Security

Understanding the nuances of what is and isn’t covered by a standard COA is key to preventing lost mail and potential fraud.

What Gets Forwarded?

Forwarded for 12 Months: First-Class Mail (letters, bills, cards), Priority Mail, and Periodicals (magazines and newspapers to which you subscribe) are forwarded at no charge for a full year.

Not Generally Forwarded: USPS Marketing Mail (often labeled as “junk mail,” but can include pre-approved credit offers and local circulars) is typically not forwarded and is instead discarded.

Forwarded with Postage Due: Media Mail and USPS Retail Ground items are forwarded, but the recipient must pay the postage cost from their local Post Office to the new address.

Additional USPS Services

Extended Mail Forwarding: If you anticipate needing forwarding for longer than the standard 12 months, you can pay a fee to extend the service for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months. This can be set up during the initial COA request or added later.

USPS Hold Mail Service: If the new residence isn’t yet ready or if your parent will be away for a short period (3 to 30 days), you can request that the USPS hold all their mail at the local Post Office for secure pickup upon their return. This service is free.

USPS Informed Delivery: This is a highly recommended, free service providing significant security and peace of mind. Once enrolled at USPS Informed Delivery, your parent (or you, as their agent) will receive daily emails containing scanned, black-and-white images of the exterior of most letter-sized mail scheduled to arrive that day. This allows you to see what’s coming, track important documents, and quickly identify if critical pieces of mail (like checks or bills) have gone missing.

Federal Government Agencies

After establishing mail forwarding with the USPS, the next critical phase is directly notifying all relevant federal government agencies. This step is mandatory to ensure uninterrupted flow of benefits, prevent fraud, and comply with federal regulations. Each agency has specific procedures, and failure to notify one can have significant consequences, from missed benefit payments to serious health coverage disruptions.

Social Security Administration and Medicare

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare are inextricably linked when it comes to contact information. Updating an address with the SSA is the one and only way to update that address for Medicare purposes. This crucial fact applies to everyone enrolled in Medicare, even those who don’t receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

How to Change Address with the SSA

There are three methods to update your parent’s address with the SSA:

Online (Easiest and Recommended): The most efficient way is through a personal my Social Security account. If your parent doesn’t have an account, you can help them create one. You’ll need their Social Security number, a valid U.S. mailing address, and an email address. Once logged in, navigate to the “My Profile” tab and select the option to update contact information. This online service is available for individuals receiving retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, as well as anyone enrolled in Medicare.

By Phone: You can update the address by calling the SSA’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in most time zones.

In-Person: A visit to a local Social Security office is another option. This method is mandatory for individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or for anyone who doesn’t have a U.S. mailing address. SSI recipients cannot change their address online.

Critical Alert: Medicare Advantage and Part D “Ticking Clock”

While updating the address for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is straightforward, the situation is vastly different and more urgent for those enrolled in private Medicare plans. This is a potential pitfall requiring immediate attention.

Unlike Original Medicare, which provides nationwide coverage at any doctor or hospital accepting Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) plans are sold by private insurance companies and are geographically restricted, often to a specific county or state.

When your parent moves out of their plan’s designated service area, their current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan will likely no longer cover them. This isn’t merely an administrative update; it’s a fundamental change to their health insurance that could leave them without coverage if not handled correctly.

The act of moving and notifying the plan provider triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is a limited, time-sensitive window—typically lasting for 2 months after the move—during which your parent can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan available in their new location. If they notify their plan before the move, the SEP window can be even longer, often starting the month before the move. If no suitable Advantage plan is available, they can use this SEP to switch back to Original Medicare.

The move itself starts a “ticking clock” on your parent’s health coverage. Contact their current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan provider before the move to understand consequences, research new plan options in the destination area, and prepare to enroll in a new plan during the SEP to avoid coverage gaps.

Internal Revenue Service

Notifying the IRS of address changes is essential for receiving tax refunds, official notices (such as notices of deficiency), and other important correspondence. It’s also a key step in preventing tax-related identity fraud. The IRS specifically warns that relying on USPS mail forwarding isn’t sufficient, as not all government checks and notices are forwarded.

Methods for Notifying the IRS

There are four ways to officially change an address with the IRS:

Form 8822, Change of Address: This is the official, dedicated form for individual address changes. Download the form directly from the IRS website. Form 8822 must be mailed to the IRS separately; it shouldn’t be attached to a tax return. The correct mailing address depends on your parent’s old address and is listed in the form’s instructions. Be aware that it can take the IRS four to six weeks to fully process a change of address request submitted via this form.

If you’re filing the form as your parent’s agent, you must attach a copy of the Power of Attorney document or a completed IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

On the Annual Tax Return: You can simply use the new address when you file your parent’s next federal income tax return. The IRS will update its records when the return is processed. This is a passive method and may not be timely if the move occurs long before the next tax filing season.

Written Statement: You can send a signed written statement to the IRS service center where your parent filed their last tax return. The statement must include your parent’s full name, their old address, their new address, and their full Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If they filed a joint return and the spouses are still together, both should sign the statement.

Oral Notification (Phone or In-Person): You can notify the IRS by telephone or by visiting an IRS office in person. You’ll need to be prepared to verify your parent’s identity by providing their full name, old and new addresses, SSN/ITIN, and potentially other information as requested.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA’s system for managing contact information is highly fragmented, creating significant potential pitfalls for veterans and their caregivers. An address change made in one part of the VA system doesn’t automatically update all other VA benefit departments. This means a “trust, but verify” approach is essential; after using any central portal, you must still confirm the address with each specific benefit program your parent uses.

Centralized Update (for Core Benefits)

Signing into your parent’s personal profile on the main VA website will update the address for a core group of benefits. This online update applies to VA health care (including prescriptions and medical center communications), Disability Compensation, Pension benefits, Claims and Appeals, and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E).

Decentralized Updates (for All Other Benefits)

For any other VA benefit, you must contact the specific department that manages it directly. Failure to do so can result in missed payments, lapsed insurance coverage, or other serious issues.

VA Address Change Contact Information

Other Federal Agencies

If your parent interacts with other federal agencies, they must also be notified.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM): For retired federal employees receiving pensions (annuities). The address can be updated through their Services Online portal or by calling 1-888-767-6738.

Healthcare.gov (Affordable Care Act Marketplace): If your parent is enrolled in a health insurance plan through the ACA Marketplace, a move is considered a “life change” that must be reported. This can be done online at Healthcare.gov, by phone, or in person, but not by mail.

State and Local Records

Once federal notifications are underway, attention must turn to state and local government agencies. These updates are often time-sensitive and legally required, governing everything from the right to drive to the right to vote. Procedures vary significantly from state to state, so consult official government websites for the specific state your parent is moving to.

Department of Motor Vehicles

State laws typically require residents to update addresses on driver’s licenses, non-driver ID cards, and vehicle registrations within short timeframes after moving, usually between 10 and 30 days. Failing to do so can result in fines or other penalties.

Common Methods for Updating DMV Address

While specifics vary, most states offer a combination of the following methods:

Online: This is now the most common and often the fastest way to change an address. Most state DMV websites have dedicated portals for this purpose.

By Mail: Many states provide downloadable change-of-address forms that can be printed, completed, and mailed in. Examples include Colorado’s Form DR2285, New York’s Form MV-232, and California’s Form DMV14.

In-Person: Visiting a local DMV office is always an option and may be required in certain complex situations or if you’re unable to use other methods.

State-Specific Variations

The exact process and outcome of address changes can differ dramatically by state, illustrating the need to check local rules.

Colorado: Allows online or mail-in updates, but the state doesn’t automatically issue new physical cards. The resident is responsible for printing their own label with the new address and attaching it to the back of their existing license or ID.

New York: Requires address changes within 10 days of moving. This can be done online through a MyDMV account. While you can legally write the new address on the back of your old license, you also have the option to order a new replacement document with the updated address for a fee.

Texas: The process is more involved. Address changes must be made within 30 days and require applying for full replacement (duplicate) licenses and paying associated fees. The process for updating vehicle registration addresses is separate from driver’s license updates and can be done online or by mailing Form VTR-146.

California: The online system is more integrated, allowing users to update addresses for both driver’s licenses/ID cards and vehicle/vessel registrations in the same transaction. Like Colorado, California doesn’t automatically mail new documents upon simple address changes.

The DMV address change is often a “keystone” action that can trigger other important updates. Many states have integrated their DMV and voter registration systems. When changing your address with the DMV, look carefully for checkboxes or prompts asking if you’d also like to update your voter registration address. Taking advantage of this integration is a highly efficient way to complete two critical tasks at once and can prevent your parent from being unable to vote in the next election.

Voter Registration

To maintain the fundamental right to vote, a person’s voter registration must reflect their current address. Moving, especially to a new county or state, requires formal updates. If your parent moves to a new state, they must re-register to vote in that new state.

How to Update Voter Registration

Centralized Federal Resource: The best place to start is the official U.S. government voting website, Vote.gov. This portal provides links to specific rules and online registration systems for every state and territory.

Integrated DMV Update: As mentioned above, the most convenient method is often to update voter registration at the same time you change the address on a driver’s license or state ID at the DMV.

National Mail Voter Registration Form: This federal form can be downloaded, printed, and mailed to appropriate local election officials. It’s accepted for voter registration in all states except New Hampshire, Wyoming, and North Dakota. The form is available at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website.

Directly with Local Election Officials: You can always contact the city or county Board of Elections or Voter Registrar’s office directly. In many jurisdictions, this can be done by mail with signed letters that include the voter’s name, old address, new address, and identifying numbers like their SSN or driver’s license number.

Canceling the Old Registration

In most cases, when you register to vote at new addresses, election officials will communicate with your previous jurisdiction to cancel old registrations. However, to be thorough and prevent potential issues with voter rolls, it’s good practice to formally cancel old registrations. Many local election offices provide simple forms for this purpose.

Private Sector and Household Notifications

Beyond government agencies, a host of private companies and service providers must be notified of moves to ensure continuity of services, prevent billing errors, and protect against fraud. This checklist covers essential non-governmental entities requiring address updates.

Financial Institutions

Promptly updating all financial accounts is one of the most critical tasks in a move. This ensures statements, tax documents, and other sensitive correspondence are sent to correct addresses and reduces identity theft risk.

Checklist of Financial Institutions to Notify:

• Banks and Credit Unions: For all checking, savings, CD, and loan accounts
• Credit Card Companies: For all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and any retail store-specific credit cards. Incorrect billing addresses can cause online payments to fail and are major fraud vectors
• Investment and Brokerage Firms: For accounts holding stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities
• Retirement Account Administrators: For any 401(k), 403(b), IRA, or other pension or retirement plans
• Financial Professionals: Notify your parent’s financial advisor, accountant, and tax preparer so they have correct information for correspondence and future filings

How to Notify with a Power of Attorney

As established earlier, financial institutions have strict protocols for accepting instructions from agents with POAs. The process is rarely as simple as online forms or phone calls. Be prepared for in-person visits to local branches. Agents will need to present original, notarized POA documents along with their own valid, government-issued photo ID. Some banks, like Bank of America, have specialized “Elder Financial Care” services and may require agents to complete bank-specific forms to link POAs to the parent’s accounts.

Insurance Providers

Insurance policies for property, vehicles, and health are often priced and regulated based on geographic location. A move can significantly impact premiums and coverage requirements, making timely notification essential.

Checklist of Insurance Policies to Update:

• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: This is a top priority. Old policies must be canceled and new ones must be in place to cover new residences from day one
• Auto Insurance: Moving to new states or even new zip codes can dramatically change auto insurance rates. New states may also have different minimum liability coverage requirements
• Life Insurance: Insurers must have correct addresses to send premium notices and for beneficiaries to make contact when necessary
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Update billing and contact information to ensure policies remain in good standing
• Private Health and Dental Insurance: Any private or employer-sponsored health plans (separate from Medicare) must be notified of new addresses

Healthcare and Medical Services

Ensuring seamless transitions of medical care is paramount to your parent’s health and well-being.

Actionable Steps for Continuity of Care:

Notify all of your parent’s current healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, dentists, and all specialists, of the move.

If moving a significant distance, ask current doctors for referrals to trusted colleagues in the new location.

Formally request that all medical records be transferred from old providers to new providers. This process can take time, so start early.

Contact your parent’s pharmacy and have all prescriptions officially transferred to new pharmacies near the new home.

Notify any medical supply companies that provide items like oxygen, diabetic supplies, or mobility equipment.

Utilities and Household Services

Coordinating disconnection of services at old residences and connection at new ones is a logistical puzzle requiring careful timing to avoid service gaps or paying for utilities at empty houses. It’s wise to schedule utilities to be turned on at new addresses the day before moves and turned off at old addresses the day after moves.

Utility Transfer Checklist

Other Household Services and Subscriptions to Update:

• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Club and organization memberships (AARP, Costco, Sam’s Club, alumni associations, religious organizations)
• Online shopping websites (Amazon, Chewy) to update default shipping addresses and prevent mis-delivered packages
• Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu) that may have location-based billing or content restrictions
• Any home services like pest control or landscaping

Protecting Against Fraud During Transition

The period surrounding a move is a time of heightened vulnerability for anyone, but especially for seniors. The combination of stress, distraction, and changes in routine creates prime opportunities for criminals. The very act of moving can be a “fraud magnet.” Home sales are public records that signal to scammers that seniors are in states of transition, and logistical chaos can create mail security gaps that thieves quickly exploit.

Therefore, implementing proactive security measures should be considered standard and essential parts of moving processes, not afterthoughts.

Securing Mail and Personal Information

Mail theft is a primary gateway to identity theft. Stolen bank statements, credit card offers, or government notices can provide criminals with all they need to cause financial harm.

Actionable Steps for Mail Security:

Prompt Mail Pickup: At both old and new residences, make it a strict habit to collect mail promptly after delivery each day. Never leave mail in unsecured mailboxes overnight, as this is the most common time for theft.

Secure Outgoing Mail: Whenever possible, deposit outgoing mail, especially bill payments, inside secure blue USPS collection boxes or directly at Post Offices. Avoid leaving stamped envelopes in unsecured residential mailboxes with flags up, as this is an open invitation to thieves.

Invest in a Locking Mailbox: For new residences, consider installing sturdy, locking mailboxes. This is one of the most effective physical deterrents against casual mail theft.

Shred Sensitive Documents: Before discarding any unwanted mail containing personal information—such as bank statements, insurance documents, medical bills, or pre-approved credit offers—shred it thoroughly. Identity thieves are known to go through trash to find this information.

Use USPS Informed Delivery: As mentioned previously, signing up for this free USPS service provides daily digital previews of incoming mail. This is an excellent security tool, as it allows you to know exactly what to expect and to quickly identify if important pieces of mail have been stolen.

Recognizing and Avoiding Common Scams

Scammers specifically target seniors and often use the disruption of moves to their advantage. Educating yourself and your parent about their tactics is a powerful form of defense.

Common Scams to Watch For:

Imposter Scams: Scammers will call, text, or email pretending to be from trusted organizations like the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or your parent’s bank. They create extreme urgency or fear—claiming unpaid taxes, suspended Social Security numbers, or fraudulent account activity—to trick victims into providing personal information or sending money.

Remember: Legitimate government agencies like the IRS and SSA will almost always initiate contact via U.S. Mail, not with threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment.

Grandparent Scam: Fraudsters call and pretend to be grandchildren or other relatives who are in trouble (arrested, in accidents) and desperately need money wired immediately. They’ll often beg victims not to tell anyone else.

The Rule: Always hang up and verify stories by calling family members directly at known phone numbers.

Prize and Lottery Scams: Your parent receives calls or letters claiming they’ve won large prizes, but to collect them, they must first pay fees for “taxes” or “processing.” It’s illegal in the U.S. to require any payment to claim legitimate prizes.

“Fright Mail”: This is mail fraud specifically designed to scare recipients into paying money to avoid fabricated negative consequences, such as liens on their property or public shaming. These should be discarded immediately.

Reducing Unwanted Solicitations

Reducing the volume of unsolicited mail and calls can lower the chances of scams succeeding.

National Do Not Call Registry: Register your parent’s phone numbers for free at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Opt Out of Credit Offers: Stop the flood of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting the official industry website, OptOutPrescreen.com. This is a crucial step, as stolen credit offers are common sources of identity theft.

Reduce Marketing Mail: Use the Data & Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service to have your parent’s name removed from many national marketing mailing lists.

Proactive Security Measures

The most powerful tools for preventing identity theft are proactive measures taken with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Place a Fraud Alert

What It Does: A fraud alert is a notice on your parent’s credit report that tells potential creditors to take extra steps to verify their identity before opening new lines of credit.

How to Do It: You only need to contact one of the three credit bureaus to place an initial fraud alert. That bureau is required by law to notify the other two. Initial alerts last for one year and can be renewed.

Implement a Credit Freeze (Highly Recommended)

What It Does: A credit freeze is a more powerful tool that locks access to your parent’s credit report entirely. This makes it extremely difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in their name, as most lenders won’t extend credit without first checking credit reports.

How to Do It: Unlike fraud alerts, credit freezes must be placed individually with each of the three credit bureaus. It’s free to place, temporarily lift, and permanently remove freezes. Freezes remain in place until you request removal. If your parent needs to apply for legitimate credit, freezes can be temporarily “thawed” for specific periods.

Why It’s Prudent During a Move: Given the heightened risks associated with moving, placing credit freezes on your parent’s reports at the beginning of the process is a wise and powerful preventative measure. It provides strong shields during their most vulnerable periods.

Reporting Suspected Fraud

If you suspect your parent has become a victim of identity theft, act immediately:

1. Contact fraud departments of any companies where you know fraud occurred. Close or freeze the accounts
2. Place fraud alerts and credit freezes with all three credit bureaus
3. File detailed reports with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This site will provide personalized recovery plans
4. File reports with your local police department. Bring identity theft affidavits from the FTC website with you

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.