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Here in the U.S., financial exploitation is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse. Elder financial exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets. Up to five million older Americans are abused each year, with annual losses estimated to total as high as $36.5 billion. Given that Maine has the oldest population in the nation, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about this issue here in the Pine Tree State.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and provides our League and credit unions with a forum to amplify our voices—allowing us to reach a larger audience with the elder financial abuse prevention messaging and resources.
To help your credit union educate members on this topic, the League has written a blog highlighting the top scams targeting older Mainers, which can be shared on your social media feeds and/or websites. The League also developed social media graphics and messaging for Facebook, Instagram, and X—all of which can be repurposed and shared on any platform. Sample messaging is outlined below.
Post #1:
- Facebook/LinkedIn: June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse or exploitation each year—many through financial scams. Learn more about how you can help the older Mainers in your life identify and avoid falling victim to scams by reading this blog. (insert blog link) #WEAAD
- X: June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. An estimated 5 million older Americans experience elder abuse or exploitation each year—many through financial scams. Learn how to help the older Mainers in your life avoid falling victim by reading this blog. (insert blog link)
- Instagram: June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse or exploitation each year—many through financial scams. Join (credit union name) in taking a stand against elder abuse! #WEAAD
Post #2
- Facebook/LinkedIn: Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Help your older friends, family, and neighbors avoid falling victim to financial exploitation by familiarizing yourself with the top scams targeting Maine’s seniors. Join our credit union in raising awareness and take action by reading this blog to learn more. (insert blog link) #WEAAD
- X: Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Help your older friends, family, and neighbors avoid falling victim to financial exploitation. Join our credit union in raising awareness and take action by reading this blog to learn more. (insert blog link) #WEAAD
- Instagram: Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older people throughout the United States lose up to $36.5 billion annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation. Join (credit union name) in raising awareness and check in on an older friend or family member today. #WEAAD
Social media graphics to accompany posts – please click here to download.
As credit union representatives, we are uniquely positioned to educate our communities about fraud and scams. We interact with members every day, whether face-to-face or via digital channels, and we see the hardships scams cause our neighbors. We hope you’ll join the League in our efforts to thwart the top scams targeting seniors this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Lastly, it’s important to remember fraudsters and scammers are ever-evolving, deceptively clever, and relentless in their attempts to obtain peoples’ money and personal information—meaning spreading awareness and educating members about scams are important efforts every day. To stay up-to-date on all the latest fraud prevention information, tips, and resources, visit the League’s Fraud Prevention Resources page.
If you have any questions about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day or our general fraud prevention efforts, contact Jake Holmes, the League’s Director of Outreach & Financial Education.