Recognize. React. Report. Don't fall victim to financial exploitation

Recognize: What to watch out for…

Be suspicious if:

• A communication states that you’ve won money, a prize or a free gift — especially if you’ve never entered a raffle or drawing
• You must pay for processing, shipping and/or taxes on your “free gift”
• You must wire or send money to assist someone in need or receive “winnings”
• You feel pressured to act because you’ve been “selected” to receive a special offer
• A communication requires you to respond with your full credit card or bank account number
• You feel uncomfortable with a caregiver’s access to your accounts

Remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

React: How to protect yourself...

Be proactive

DO:

• Set up account alerts
• Organize and store important documents in a safe but easily accessible location
• Carefully consider who has access to your accounts
• Understand the risks of granting access to your accounts (joint ownership, sharing login credentials and sharing credit/debit cards can make it easier to be victimized)
• Learn about common financial exploitation schemes and ploys
• Review options with your financial institutions to help protect your accounts
• Discuss financial accounts only with trusted friends, family members or financial advisors

Avoid financial exploitation

DO NOT:

• Appoint a power of attorney to someone you do not trust to act in your interest
• Share your personal information (such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, birth date and Social Security number) with people or companies you don’t know
• Send money to people or companies you’re not familiar with
• Allow strangers to come into your residence
• Respond to, or pay up front for, an offer that you do not thoroughly understand
• Sign blank forms or checks
• Share your logins and passwords

Report: Who to call...

• The police. Request a copy of the police report and case number 
• U.S. Bank Fraud Liaison Center at 877.595.6256 (for U.S. Bank accounts)
• The fraud department of any of the three credit reporting agencies to place a “fraud alert” on your credit file: – Equifax 888.766.0008 – Experian 888.397.3742 – TransUnion 888.909.8872
• Your bank and/or credit card company
• Adult Protective Services (county or state)
• The Federal Trade Commission for ID theft at 877.ID.THEFT (877.438.4338)
• You can also find contact information at eldercare.gov or by calling 800.677.1116 (U.S. Administration on Aging)