Pause. Ask. Protect.

Protect What Matters Most as We Grow Older

Elder financial abuse is more common than many people realize, and it’s often happening quietly.

Across the country, financial institutions have reported over 180,000 suspicious cases involving older adults, totaling more than $6 billion in potential or actual losses.*

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

That’s why one simple idea can make such a difference:

Pause. Ask. Protect.

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

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

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

At Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, we believe in protecting your financial well-being. It means helping you feel confident in every financial decision you make.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and reach out. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.

*Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Suspicious Activity Reports on Elder Financial Exploitation: Issues and Trends