What does elder financial exploitation look like?

We take elder financial exploitation very seriously and we've noticed a number of elder Americans are at risk of falling victim to schemes aimed at separating them from their money. 

The risks are substantial. In 2022, seniors account for 58% of fraud reports in the US, with an average loss of over $17,000. In many cases, there are warning signs, and caregivers and close family members are often in the best position to spot possible financial exploitation.

Beware of these common red flags

Listen for tipoffs:

Take note if an elderly friend or family member says something like:

• "People are asking me for money."
• "My money seems to be disappearing."
• "How do I make loans to a friend?"
• "Should I change my will?"

Watch for cues:

Pay attention to behavioral changes or situations such as:

• Unusual or unexplained withdrawals, transfers, debits or changes in financial habits
• Abrupt or unexplained changes to wills, trusts, power of attorney or beneficiaries
• New friends or sweethearts, or withdrawal from existing relationships
• Fearful or confused behavior about finances
• Persons who insist on participating in all financially related conversations

What to do next

Here's what you can do if you spot any of these red flags:

1. Act quickly. The sooner you take steps to halt losses and recoup lost funds - which can include notifying law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, and the Federal Trade Commission to report scams - the greater your likelihood of success.
2. Have a calm conversation and don't blame the victim. Your loved one may become more secretive and make a bad situation worse if they feel cornered or embarrassed.
3. Contact your loved one's financial institution. You can institute safeguards to help prevent unauthorized transactions, such as stepping in as a co-signer or establishing power of attorney. In most cases, it is wise to secure the counsel of a good lawyer that you know.

An ounce of prevention

These are several ways you can help seniors avoid financial exploitation:

• Help your loved one get organized, including locating and filing key financial records.
• Ensure that you and your loved on designate Trusted Contact Persons for your accounts, so trustworthy people can speak to financial representatives in the event of suspected financial exploitation. Talk tot he loved one regularly.
• Regularly review wills, trusts and bank accounts.
• Discuss your loved one's goal and attitude toward money so that you're attuned to any irregular spending.
• Talk about how to spot and respond to potential scams.
• Don't put off important conversations out of concern that they might become uncomfortable.

By staying attentive to your loved ones as they age, you can help them to spot potential scams, minimize financial losses, and focus on what really matters: a happy and fulfilling life in retirement.

CB&T bankers and Trust Officers are here to help. Contact us today at 254-753-1521.