During a recent government meeting, officials emphasized the importance of protecting personal information, particularly for seniors, in light of rising concerns over data breaches. A key discussion point was the necessity for individuals to lock their credit to prevent identity theft, especially following incidents where sensitive information, such as social security numbers, has been compromised.

To assist seniors in navigating these protective measures, volunteers from Just Serve will be available after the meeting to help attendees understand how to lock their credit effectively. The initiative aims to increase participation and awareness among community members, with the hope that successful engagement could lead to similar programs in other wards.

Participants shared personal experiences regarding data exposure, highlighting the prevalence of unsolicited phone calls related to medical services, which often target vulnerable populations. One attendee noted receiving up to 30 such calls daily, underscoring the need for vigilance against potential scams.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the existence of a fourth credit bureau, which is often overlooked, and clarified that while premium credit protection plans exist, there are also free options available that provide adequate coverage. The discussion concluded with a call to action for community members to educate seniors about these resources and the importance of securing their personal information in an increasingly digital world.