Patelco & EFPN host event aimed at educating and guarding the elderly from scams
SAN MATEO, CA (August 8, 2014) -- Patelco Credit Union and the Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN) recently partnered to host a free symposium designed to address current financial scams and fraud attempts targeted at elders in the San Mateo area. The workshop provided information and training to help attendees know how to identify and avoid attacks on their financial wellbeing.
“Financial abuse is a big problem and we are so grateful to continue our long-standing partnership with EFPN to educate and protect our members, especially those in the elder community,” said Sharon Tallon, Patelco’s community outreach officer. “Events, like this symposium, are great opportunities to work directly with members and the public to help prevent fraud from happening in the first place.”
Prevention was a key topic for a panel of leading experts in law enforcement, government, and finance, who spoke on what seniors and their families can proactively do to reduce the possibility of falling victim to elder financial abuse.
Experts also shared how to locate and use community resources designed to assist seniors, secure sensitive documents in the home, screen care givers carefully before hiring, avoid answering the door to unknown solicitors, ensure mail is secure, ask your financial institution for advice about securing your bank account, and identify and look after any senior/elder in your neighborhood who may be isolated and living alone.
Jan Owen, the commissioner of the Department of Business Oversight, delivered a keynote address and the workshop concluded with a Q&A session to allow audience members the opportunity to ask additional questions. Attendees said the symposium was useful and that the panelists were highly qualified and experienced in their focus area. Several attendees expressed interest in a similar event happening annually.
About EFPN
Elder Financial Protection Network works to prevent financial abuse of elders and dependent adults through community education programs, public awareness initiatives, and professional training programs. For more information, visit www.elderfinancialprotection.org.
About Patelco Credit Union
Founded in 1936, Patelco Credit Union ranks among the largest credit unions in California and the nation with more than $4 billion in assets and more than 279,000 members. Throughout its 78-year history, Patelco has helped its members and their communities prosper through volunteer initiatives and personalized service that focuses on transparency, simplicity in banking, and garnering trust. Patelco is a federally insured, not-for-profit, full-service credit union that offers the same types of products and services as large banks. For more information, visit Patelco Credit Union at www.patelco.org.