World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2026

Blog provided by the Maine Credit Union League

Here in the U.S., financial exploitation is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse. Elder financial exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets. Millions of older Americans are abused each year, and given that Maine has the oldest population in the nation, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about this crucial issue.

Fraudsters and scammers are relentless in their attempts to obtain people’s money and personal information, making it essential to stay educated and informed about the latest scam trends. Sadly, a growing number of these crimes prey on the vulnerabilities of older Mainers.

What makes this issue even more concerning is how these situations often unfold. Many cases don’t happen all at once. Instead, they develop over time– sometimes over months– before being detected. In many instances, the person responsible is someone the victim knows and trusts.

While scams and financial exploitation can take many forms, there are steps older adults, caregivers, and loved ones can take to reduce risk and stay protected. Pause. Ask. Protect. Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, but prevention can be simple. Pause before acting. Ask someone you trust. Protect what matters most.

Pause

If something feels urgent or unusual, take a moment. Pressure is one of the most common tactics used in financial exploitation.

  • According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the average loss from elder financial exploitation is over $34,000. Many of these situations happen in moments of urgency. Take a breath. Slow down. That pause can make all the difference.
  • Scammers count on you acting fast. You don’t have to. Financial fraud cost older adults billions each year, and often it starts with a single rushed decision.  Pause first. Then decide what’s next.

Ask

If something feels off, talk it through with someone you trust or your credit union. A quick conversation can prevent a costly mistake.

  • About 1 in 10 older adults experience financial exploitation. Before sending money or sharing information, talk to someone you trust.
  • More than 88,000 older adults were victims of financial fraud in a single year.  A simple check-in with someone you love can make a real difference. Connection is one of the strongest forms of protection of elder financial exploitation.
  • If it feels off, it probably is. Elder abuse doesn’t always look obvious. Sometimes it shows up as pressure, confusion, or something that just doesn’t sit right. Listen to that feeling. Then take the next step.
  • Unusual withdrawals, sudden behavior changes, pressure to act quickly. These are all signs that an elder is being taken advantage of. Elder financial abuse often builds over time. Many cases go unnoticed for months before being caught. Staying aware can help stop it early.

Protect

Never share personal or financial information unless you’re completely confident it’s safe.

  • Never share your passwords, PINs, or account details unless you’re absolutely certain who you’re dealing with. If you’re unsure, pause and check first. We’re always here to help.
  • Many cases of elder financial abuse go unreported. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out before taking action. We’ll walk through it with you. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

UCU Believes in Protecting Your Financial Well-Being

For other information on protecting yourself from financial exploitation, check out these additional resources.

We want to help you feel confident in every financial decision you make. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and reach out. We are here for U— to help you protect what matters most.