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Imagine if someone took the regular check you rely on? How can you survive?

Every month about 12 million Social Security and other national benefit checks are mailed, many to senior citizens. When these checks get to mailboxes criminals know. They also understand that monthly many seniors venture out to money or deposit their checks.

But they can be outsmarted by seniors.

"These times, it's essential that seniors arm themselves with practical and information measures to keep their regular income safe," mentioned Al Lenhardt, president and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council, a head in senior fraud prevention.

So what can seniors do to safeguard themselves against economic crimes? Frequently, it is as simple as becoming a member of direct deposit. During National Safety Month in June and throughout every season, the U.S. Division of the Treasury and the National Crime Prevention Council are urging those who receive Social Security and other federal benefits to register for direct deposit and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, fraud or robbery.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, not exactly 25 million consumer fraud is experienced by Americans ( 11.2 percent of the adult population ) each year. Thieves and people frequently produce cons that goal seniors, making them a susceptible populace.

"One individual was getting his check always taken many times, often by his own family," said Sgt. Vince Higgins, a information officer with the Memphis Police Department who works closely with seniors. "Now that he is registered for direct deposit, he's happy, he is confident-he's no more concerned about where his money is or who's got his money. It's safe in his bank account."

Sgt. Higgins and thousands of other reliable sources like him are companions in Go Direct, a campaign backed by the Federal Reserve Banks and the Treasury to inspire Americans who get Social Security and other federal benefits checks to change to the better, easier selection of direct deposit.

Enrolling in direct deposit will offer much-needed satisfaction to seniors, individuals with disabilities and others who depend on Social Security. Direct deposit removes the risk of stolen checks and forgeries and helps protect people from identity theft. It also gives people more get a grip on over their money and allows instant use of resources from practically anywhere. small blue arrow