Delaware’s elderly population is growing faster than any other age group, and seniors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to financial scams and abuse. Across credit unions in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, more than two-thirds of senior citizens have been targeted for financial fraud or scams. 5 million (28%) of these individuals fall victim each year. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of it, and some don’t report it due to embarrassment or a lack of knowledge.
Fortunately, the CU Senior Safeguard program helps credit unions in Delaware protect seniors from financial fraud and abuse.
What Is the CU Senior Safeguard Program?
The CU Senior Safeguard Program is a collaborative effort between the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) and credit unions nationwide. The initiative raises awareness of elderly fraud and trains credit union employees to prevent senior scams and fraudulent charges. It also provides educational resources for family members and caretakers.
DEXSTA is a member of the CCUA and protects the elderly from financial scams.
Scam-Secure Tips for Seniors
- Use security software such as reputable anti-virus solutions.
- Protect your accounts with strong passwords. Don’t use the same password twice; make the password complex and unrelated to personal information, and use a password security tool.
- Avoid website popups, and never open email attachments or links from those you don’t know or weren’t expecting.
- If you don’t recognize the phone number, let it go to voicemail. You can always call them back if it’s a legitimate caller.
- Never share personal information such as your Social Security Number or credit or debit card numbers. A financial institution, credit card company, or IRS will never call you and ask for your personal information.
- Listen to your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The call that says they have your grandchild in jail and will only release the individual if you wire money or post bail—scam.
Resources for Credit Unions in Delaware
Credit Unions in Delaware train and certify their team members with knowledge and count on you as community members to learn about this growing abuse. The Cooperative Credit Union has provided Credit Unions and community members with resources to train individuals on senior financial exploitation.
Free Education
Access free community resources, such as training, articles, reports, certifications, and service providers, to prevent elderly financial exploitation.
Visit the site here.
Webinars from Credit Unions in Delaware
Listen to interviews, watch video presentations, and hear radio commercials that raise awareness of elder financial exploitation.
Visit the site here.
Community
Share your story, learn what seniors say about scams they’re encountering, and connect with others in the community.
Visit the site here.
Combat Senior Fraud with Credit Unions in Delaware
If you or someone you know is a senior and concerned about financial scams or abuse, reach out to your local credit union. DEXSTA is trained to identify and handle senior financial fraud and abuse and will provide you with the resources to protect yourself and your loved ones.