Elder financial exploitation (EFE) is the most common form of elder abuse and is a real problem. In most cases, the victim is either unaware that someone is exploiting their finances or they choose to not come forward out of fear, embarrassment or a lack of resources. EFE is something that financial institutions need to be aware of and keep an eye out for since they are in a unique position. A 2022 FinCEN Advisory on EFE (FIN-2022-A022), provided a listing of behavioral red flags and financial red flags that could signal EFE. A few examples of these red flags include:
Behavioral
- A caregiver or other individual shows excessive interest in the older customer’s finances or assets, does not allow the older customer to speak for himself or herself, or is reluctant to leave the older customer’s side during conversations.
- An older customer appears distressed, submissive, fearful, anxious to follow others’ directions related to their financial accounts, or unable to answer basic questions about account activity.
- A new caretaker, relative, or friend suddenly begins conducting financial transactions on behalf of an older customer without proper documentation.
Financial
- Uncharacteristic, sudden, abnormally frequent, or significant withdrawals of cash or transfers of assets from an older customer’s account.
- Closing of CDs or accounts without regard to penalties.
- Debit transactions that are inconsistent for the older customer.
Published
2024/04/11
