According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans over the age of 60 will experience some form of elder abuse. Financial exploitation of older adults is one form of abuse that is on the rise! Raising awareness about this issue is important, especially in Maine due to our state’s rapidly aging population. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day marking a perfect opportunity to educate our members about elder financial abuse and how to prevent it.
Learn more by watching this video from the Maine Credit Union League:
Knowing the Signs of Elder Financial Abuse: – Money missing from accounts – Unusual use of credit card activity – Unpaid bills, collection letters, or a lack of food in the home – Changes in mood or behavior (depression, anxiety, etc.) – Missing belongings
How to Take Action:
– Call emergency services (911)—this is especially important if you feel someone is in immediate danger – Contact protective services—In Maine, the number to call is 1-800-624-8404 (24-hour, toll free) or visit the DHHS website – Create an FTC Identity Theft Report – Reach out to their credit union or financial institution – Contact the nursing home ombudsman (if the victim is living in a nursing home) – Remain in close contact with the person to help monitor
Be on the defense when it comes to fraud! If you’re ever unsure about something, the Team at Downeast CU is just a phone call away at 800-427-1223.
For our members’ convenience, links are available in this website to allow quick access to other sites that may be of interest. Clicking on a third party link will take you out of Downeast Credit Union’s website to an alternative website not operated by DECU. The Credit Union is not responsible for the content of the third party website and does not represent either the third party website or the member if you enter into a transaction. Privacy and security policies of the website to which you are linking may differ from those practiced by DECU.
