June 3, 2022World Elder Abuse Awareness 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness for senior citizens who may be unable to advocate for themselves.  

5 FACTS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE 

1.  Elder abuse instances happen mostly in the home the senior lives in. 
2. One in every ten elder adults experiences some form of abuse in their lifetime. 
3. The most common form of abuse is financial exploitation and extortion. 
4. In about 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. 
5. Only one of every six instances of elder abuse is reported. 

 Some instances of elder abuse are intended to exploit the person financially. These are some situations you can be on the lookout for:  

• Adding or removing family members/friends/caregivers to accounts 
• Unusual transactions at ATM (usually withdrawals) 
• Items not normally purchased by the senior (large screen TVs, electronic equipment, gaming systems) 
• Wire transfers (domestic and international) 
• Purchase of gift cards, especially in large amounts 
• POS sale purchases at merchants not normally visited by the senior 
• Money apps to send money to unknown recipients 
• Suspicious communication from PEFCU or a merchant encouraging the member to let someone have access to their computer, online banking, mobile banking, or to do a transaction to help catch a fraudster   

BEWARE: PEFCU’s telephone number can be spoofed to make you think you are dealing with a credit union representative.  

If you suspect something, say something. Let authorities know of your concerns if you suspect financial elder abuse.