Tips to Avoid Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation is an often-forgotten aspect of elder abuse. Whether you are a senior citizen yourself, or you have aging loved ones, it is imperative to educate yourself and learn simple tips to help avoid financial abuse:

• Review your bank and credit card statements every month for unknown charges.
  
• Always protect your Social Security number, PIN numbers and passwords.
  
• Don’t be afraid to hang up on unwanted solicitor phonecalls.
  
• Never let anyone pressure you into a quick decision about spending your money.
  
• Avoid becoming isolated and stay social.
  
• Always check into caregiver and other professional references.
  
• Never give out your personal information unless you are sure you are speaking to a trusted source and the information is necessary.
  
• Don’t send cash by messenger or overnight mail.
• Call the National Do Not Call hotline to have your phone number removed from telemarketer lists at 1-888-382-1222.
  
• Never give money to a nursing home worker, and report workers who ask you for money.
  
• Beware of professional caregivers and PCAs who tell you about their personal financial problems, even if they don’t outright ask for money.
  
• Be aware that there are many phone and email scams designed to scare elders into giving away their money.
  
• When it comes to your money, don’t be afraid to ask questions before spending and making decisions.