Here’s a sobering statistic: Americans over the age of 60 lose an estimated $23.8 billion annually to elder financial exploitation (EFE) according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP.)

And if that’s not bad enough, 87.5% of these cases are perpetrated by someone the victim knows.

As our loved ones age, it’s crucial to ensure they’re protected not only physically but also financially. Identifying and preventing financial elder abuse requires vigilance, education, and proactive measures. Here are some common signs of financial elder abuse.

Identifying Financial Elder Abuse

Financial elder abuse can take various forms, including fraud, identity theft, and exploitation. Here are some warning signs that could indicate someone you know is being victimized:

• Unexplained Financial Changes: Sudden withdrawals, transfers, or large purchases without reasonable explanation are a potential red flag for financial exploitation.
   
• Isolation: Perpetrators often isolate seniors from family and friends in an effort to maintain control over them and their finances.
   
• Unpaid Bills or Utilities: Neglected bills (despite their ability to make prompt payments) may signal financial mismanagement.
   
• Changes in Behavior: Abrupt changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety or fearfulness, could point to threatening or manipulative behaviors taking place.
   
• Missing Belongings or Documents: Disappearance of valuable items or important documents like wills, titles, or financial statements may suggest theft or fraud.
   
• New “Friends” or Caregivers: Be wary and watchful if a new acquaintance or caregiver shows undue interest in finances or assets.
   
• Signatures on Documents: Seniors may be coerced into signing documents they don’t understand or haven’t thoroughly vetted, such as contracts or deeds.

Preventing Financial Elder Abuse

No one deserves to live with the aftermath of: “What could I have done differently to prevent this from happening?” Here, we offer some actionable steps you can take to avoid worst case scenarios.

• Stay Informed: Educate yourself and your loved ones about common scams and frauds that specifically target seniors. Resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) offer useful guides and best practices:
   
• Maintain Open Communication: Encourage open and ongoing communication with your loved ones about their finances. Make them aware of the warning signs of financial abuse and reassure them that they can come to you for support without fear of judgment.
   
• Establish Power of Attorney: Appoint a trusted individual to manage your loved one’s finances if they become unable to do so themselves. Ensure that this person has full understanding of their responsibilities in the event that current circumstances change.
   
• Monitor Financial Activity: Regularly review bank statements, bills, and financial transactions for any unusual activity—it’s better to be overly cautious vs. caught unaware. Set up account alerts for large withdrawals or unusual spending patterns.
   
• Guard Personal Information: Remind your loved ones to never disclose personal or financial information over the phone or online without first verifying that the contact is from a legitimate organization. Scammers often pose as company representatives to access sensitive financial information.
   
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with financial advisors or elder law attorneys to create a comprehensive estate plan and implement safeguards against financial exploitation.
   
• Report Suspected Abuse: If you suspect that a senior is being financially exploited, don’t hesitate to report it. Contact adult protective services, law enforcement, or the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA).

This article is shared by UnitedOne Credit Union’s partner at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.

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