Elderly at Risk for ID Theft
Franklin Police Seek Two Men for Elder Financial Exploitation and Identity Theft – How to Protect Yourself
According to WZTV, the Franklin Police Department is actively searching for two individuals accused of financial exploitation of the elderly and identity theft. Warrants have been issued for brothers LeVarius Marquez Owens, 24, and LaDarius TreShawn Owens, 23, both believed to reside in Columbia, Tennessee.
According to Franklin Police, the Owens brothers face multiple charges, including:
- Financial exploitation of the elderly
- Theft exceeding $10,000
- Theft over $2,500
- Forgery
- Identity theft
They may be traveling in a silver Chevy Impala with Tennessee license plate BQZ5414.
What You Need to Know About Identity Theft and Elder Financial Exploitation
This incident is a stark reminder of the growing threat of identity theft, particularly against the elderly. Scammers often target vulnerable populations, exploiting them through various means such as forgery, financial scams, and unauthorized access to personal information. The consequences can be devastating, from drained bank accounts to ruined credit scores.
How to Protect Yourself or a Loved One from Identity Theft:
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure all online accounts have strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Emails: Scammers often impersonate trustworthy sources like banks or government agencies. Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you.
- Safeguard Personal Information: Shred important documents before discarding them, and avoid sharing personal details unless absolutely necessary.
If you suspect you or a loved one have been a victim of identity theft or financial exploitation, it’s important to act quickly. Identity theft specialists can help you navigate the process of reporting fraud, recovering stolen assets, and protecting your financial future.
Contact Authorities
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of LeVarius Marquez Owens or LaDarius TreShawn Owens, contact the Franklin Police Department at (615) 794-2513. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County at (615) 794-4000, with rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
By addressing the alarming rise in identity theft cases, especially those targeting elderly individuals, we can help more people protect themselves and seek assistance if they become victims of fraud.
Contact a Nashville ID Theft Lawyer
ID theft victims should not try to take the credit bureaus and banks on by themselves. The FCRA is a complex federal consumer protection statute. ID theft victims should contact an experienced identity theft lawyer who has a history of prosecuting FCRA claims against the credit bureaus, banks, and debt collectors in Davidson County.
The Adkins Firm represents identity theft victims in Davidson and Williamson County who have errors on credit, employment background and tenant screening reports due to fraud. We help our clients clear their names with credit bureaus, banks, and collection agencies.
Do you have errors on a credit report, background report or tenant screening report due to fraud? Have you disputed the error, and the fraudulent information was verified that it belongs to you? If you answered yes, then you may have a claim under the FCRA.
Please note, there is a statute of limitations that may bar you from recovering for your damages. Don’t wait to speak with one of our lawyers for a free consultation. Contact us for a free case review.