Local Bank Advises Caution In Protecting Loved Ones From Financial Exploitation

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Bank of Edmonson County is encouraging bank customers everywhere to be alert of one of today's most popular but unfortunate schemes, which is financial exploitation against the elderly.

According to a Metlife study, an estimated $2.9 billion is lost annually to scams explicitly targeting seniors.  The American Bankers Association Foundation is urging older Americans and their caregivers to join the fight against financial abuse and take active steps to protect their finances from fraud.
 
“Older Americans currently hold more than two-thirds of all U.S. deposits, making them highly susceptible to scams, exploitation and abuse,” said Corey Carlisle, ABA Foundation executive director. “It’s critical that seniors and their loved ones recognize the signs of financial abuse before it’s too late and get help immediately if they think they’ve been victimized.”
 
To help older Americans and their caregivers protect themselves or their loved ones from financial abuse, the ABA Foundation is offering the following tips:

• Plan ahead to protect your assets and to ensure your wishes are followed. Talk to someone at your financial institution, an attorney, or financial advisor about the best options for you.
• Carefully choose a trustworthy person to act as your agent in all estate-planning matters. Select someone who has your best interest at heart.
• Never give personal information, including your Social Security, account number or other financial information to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call and the other party is trusted.
• Stay alert to common fraud schemes. Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes or lottery “winnings.”
• Never rush into a financial decision.  Ask for details in writing and consult with a financial advisor or attorney before signing any document you don’t understand.
• Check references and credentials before hiring anyone. Don’t allow workers to have access to information about your finances and make sure to lock up your checkbook, account statements and other sensitive information when others will be in your home.
• Pay with checks and credit cards instead of cash to keep a paper trail.
• You have the right not to be threatened or intimidated. If you believe you are a victim of elder financial abuse, contact your local Adult Protective Services, tell someone at your bank or call your local police for help.

Donna Bagshaw,  SVP & Deposit Compliance Officer at Bank of Edmonson County said "If you suspect elder abuse, you are legally required to report it as Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state.  You can report abuse at the 24 hour toll free hotlines at 1-877-597-2331 or 1-800-752-6200."

She noted that calls can be made anonymously.

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