WASHINGTON — In recognition of National Grandparents Day on Sept. 11 and as a part of its Safe Banking for Seniors program, the American Bankers Association Foundation is offering tips to help older Americans and their loved ones choose the right financial caregiver.
“Over half of the scams committed against older Americans are at the hands of someone they know and trust,” said Corey Carlisle, ABA Foundation executive director. “That’s why it’s critical older Americans and their families have open and honest conversations about who’s best suited to manage their money, and what red flags to look out for.”
The ABA Foundation offers these tips to help older Americans avoid becoming victims:
- Delegate someone you trust to make financial decisions. If you are unable to facilitate financial transactions, carefully choose a trustworthy person to act as your agent in all financial matters.
- Know who is in your home. Conduct a thorough background check on all individuals you hire for personal care or home care services. Check references and credentials before you let them into your personal space.
- Never sign something you don’t understand. Consult with a financial advisor or attorney before signing any document that appears suspicious or unclear.
- Understand the terms of assigning a Power of Attorney. Granting someone POA gives them the authority to act and make decisions on your behalf, including managing and having access to your bank and other financial accounts. Talk to your banker, as well as a legal professional, for advice about setting up POA or to discuss other alternatives offered at the bank.
- Always trust your instincts. Exploiters and abusers are very skilled. They can be very charming and forceful in their efforts to exploit you. Don’t be fooled – if something doesn’t feel right, it may not be.
- Safeguard your personal information. Shred old bills, junk mail, bank statements and other personal documents you no longer need. Leaving unwanted personal documents around the house could lead to the misuse of your information. If you come across keepsake documents opt to store them in a locked cabinet or safe deposit box at your nearest bank.
- Keep personal items out of plain sight. Lock up checkbooks, credit cards and other monetary instruments to prevent unauthorized use.
The ABA Foundation launched the Safe Banking for Seniors program in February 2016 and it is designed to mobilize bankers across the country to educate older Americans and their caregivers about elder financial abuse and how to prevent it. To date, over 700 banks and 39 state bankers associations have joined the campaign. For more information on the program, visit aba.com/Seniors.