GFA hosts senior financial safety seminar
In early December GFA, in partnership with the Gardner Senior Center, hosted Senior Safeguard.
Part of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) Better Values—Better Banking consumer awareness campaign, Senior Safeguard is an educational program developed to provide insightful discussion to help combat financial scams that are perpetrated against the elderly. A panel of 5 included, Tina M. Sbrega, President & CEO, Paul Fitzpatrick, SVP/ Wealth Management, and April English, BSA/Compliance Officer from GFA; Detective Starszynki, Gardner Police Department; and Walter Laskos, SVP/Strategic Communications, CCUA.
“Our members are our top priority and to ensure that we are doing all that is possible to protect them from financial harm, our entire frontline staff has undergone training and is certified in the CU Senior Safeguard program.” said Tina M. Sbrega, President & CEO
Gardner Police Detective Starszynki emphasized the importance of reporting anything that may seem suspicious to you. “The best way we can help you is if you are proactive and call us. We’re progressive in following up with these cases, and are taking a stance in ensuring our senior citizens are protected and aware of new scams and methods.”
Studies suggest that between 3 and 5 million seniors fall victim to financial abuse, costing them approximately $36 billion each year. According to National Adult Protective Services, one out of nine seniors experiences financial exploitation but only one in 44 will ever report it. Individuals who have been targeted may not even be aware of it, and those who are suspicious of fraud may not report because they are embarrassed, ashamed, or unaware of how to handle the situation.
GFA Federal Credit Union offers products and services which help our members protect themselves from financial abuse. For more information, please visit our fraud prevention page which provides great tips and tools you can use to protect yourself.
For more information about the CCUA’s Senior Safeguard program, please visit bettervaluesbetterbanking.com.