Elder abuse affects an estimated five million victims annually, and financial exploitation is among the most common forms.

This crime can have devastating results. Victims not only face theft of their money and damage to their credit history, but potentially a descent into poverty and homelessness.

Government agencies have asked credit unions (or in some states, have required them) to play a key role in detecting and preventing elder financial exploitation.

As front-line staff, your familiarity with your older members enables you to spot irregular behavior, transactions, or account activity.

 

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