Seniors can thwart scammers, identify thieves. Here’s how.

Scammers and identity thieves try to prey on all of us but they view seniors as especially vulnerable targets.

You can take some simple steps to protect yourself by increasing your awareness of the types of frauds that exist and by becoming more vigilant.

A healthy dose of skepticism is one of the most useful tools: Do not let anyone pressure you into parting with money or personal information.

One of the more notorious frauds is the “grandparent scam.” It involves somebody who pretends to be your grandchild or claims to be calling on behalf of a family member.

The person claims your relative has been kidnapped, jailed or hospitalized and you must send money right now to help them.

They try to make you panic and send cash. Often, they warn you not to tell anyone to avoid embarrassing the young relative.

Remain calm and ask for the family member’s name and the name and location of the jail or hospital. End the call and try to contact the person at the number you would normally use to call them. If you cannot reach them, check with another relative or look up the phone number of the hospital or jail and call to see if your family member is really there. Do not use any phone number the caller provides.

Another similar fraud occurs when someone calls or writes to say you won a lottery or sweepstakes but claims you must pay taxes or fees up front. Do not send any money.

Keep tight control of your personal information, including your social security number, banking and credit card details.

Some thieves will actually rifle through your garbage looking for social security numbers, discarded receipts and financial information.

Buy a paper shredder (most models also shred old credit and debit cards) and run your old bills, cards, credit card solicitations and personal documents through it before you discard them.

Be on the lookout for electronic devices called “skimmers” that can read your card’s magnetic strip and obtain your credit card details. Dishonest service clerks can use these devices to make an electronic copy of your card.

If anything looks unusual at the ATM, gas pump or restaurant, use cash or go somewhere else.

It can be difficult to keep an eye on your card at a restaurant. Consider bringing cash or pick one card that you use only for eating out so you can easily track charges.

Check your bank and credit card statements frequently and promptly dispute suspicious charges.

Phishing involves criminals who try to catch victims by making calls or sending emails that look like legitimate messages from financial institutions or charities. Their aim is to trick you into voluntarily giving up your personal information so the criminal can use your credit.

Don’t click on links in emails. Instead, go online and use the website address you normally use to log in or call the listed phone number (not the one in the email) to check if there is a legitimate issue.

Here are a few more things you can do to protect yourself:

Never carry your social security card with you unless you need it that day. Keep it in a safe place.

Don’t carry all your credit cards with you and try not to expose the contents of your wallet in public.

Keep a separate note with the emergency hotline contact details for your bank and credit cards, especially when traveling. Consider getting a backup credit card or prepaid debit card that is not tied to your bank account.

When you receive a new or replacement card, sign the back with permanent ink and write “Ask for ID,” next to your signature as a reminder to the merchant.

Never write your PIN or account numbers on debit or credit cards, postcards, the outside of envelopes or give it to anyone via the phone or email.

Set up a fraud alert by contacting one of the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian or TransUnion so creditors must perform extra checks before issuing new lines of credit.

Tell someone – If you are victimized, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed. Report it to your financial institution and police. Do not confront fraudsters or thieves in person – let the police handle it.

Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”