LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Authorities say an identity thief stole the personal identification of an 84 year-old veteran and applied for a student loan.

Hugh Mclinden says he began to ask questions when he noticed his VA disability check and social security check weren't deposited into his bank account.

An investigaton shows, since November, the crooks had been using his identity to open numerous credit accounts, and apply for a $6,500 student loan.

Authorities say the crimes usually go unnoticed by elderly victims until its too late.

The retired Mclinded says he has received replacement checks but will change his online habits following the crime.

Lee County Sheriff's Office is offering a seminar series called 'Frauds, Scams & Identity Theft' in an effort to educate the public.

Those seminars are:

Jan. 24th, 9:30-11:30am at Grace Community Church in N. Ft. Myers.

Jan. 30th, 9:30-11:30am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Ft. Myers

Feb. 6th, 9:30-11:30am at St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs

Feb. 14th, 9:30-11:30am at Christ United Methodist Church in Lehigh Acres.

For more information you can call the LCSO Community Relations Unit at 239-477-1037.