WASHINGTON-A recent webinar run by the National Federation of Community Development CUs outlined potential indicators of elder financial abuse:
* If the elder has a history of good hygiene, pay attention to changes, such as if the person comes in looking disheveled or wears clothes with food stains.
* The elder avoids making eye contact, whereas in the past the individual has made good eye contact.
* The elder acts secretive when asked questions about transactions.
* The elder appears to be confused, unsure or unaware of recent transactions.
* The method or frequency of making transactions changes.
* Instead of coming into the credit union the elder now goes through the drive-through and is accompanied by someone.
* The elder comes into the credit union and is accompanied by someone new when before the person was always alone.
* Checks are made out to cash.
* Checks appear to have someone else's handwriting and the elder's signature.
* Regular giving to charity or religious organizations, whereas in the past the elder has not shown the same giving pattern.
