The elderly can be easy targets for identity thieves

One of the biggest targets for identity thieves is a group of some of the most vulnerable members of society - retirees. According to many experts in the field, the elderly population makes a good target for those looking to steal credit card and other personal information. In a recent interview with Fox Business, FBI special agent Charles Pavelities said that nearly 35 percent of people who file fraud complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center are 50 years of age or older. The fact that most of them have access to savings, have good credit and aren't as sharp as they used to be makes them a favorite of the criminal element. "These guys go where the money is," said Pavelites in an interview with the news outlet. "You have a right to say 'no,' a right to ask questions and a right to ask them to send information so you can show it to anyone you want." Communities all over the country have set up agencies to fight against fraudsters going after the elderly. KSTP reports that the St. Paul Police Department has created a unit specifically to fight against those going after elderly victims.