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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 elder’s funds, property, or assets. According to the NCUA, up to five million older Americans are abused each year, with annual losses estimated to total $28.3 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)—a time to amplify our collective voices to reach a larger audience with the elder financial abuse prevention messaging and resources we provide year-round.
To help your credit unions educate members on this topic, the League has written a blog on the red flags of elder financial abuse, as well as how individuals can prevent or respond to abuse. The League also developed social media graphics and messaging for Facebook and Instagram, which can be repurposed by your credit union and shared on any platform.
- 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 elder financial abuse by reading this blog. (insert link in post – https://mainecreditunions.org/financial-literacy-blog/learn-how-to-identify-and-prevent-elder-financial-abuse/)#WEAAD
- 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
Please click here to download the social media graphics.
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 older adults 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 & Strategic Planning.