Elder financial abuse occurs when seniors’ finances are exploited by scammers preying on their vulnerabilities. The Better Business Bureau receives hundreds of calls annually from older adults about scams involving investments, Medicare, donations, door-to-door sales, travel deals, work-at-home jobs and prizes.

Many victims don’t realize they’ve been taken. Or, if they do know, they don’t tell anyone due to embarrassment or fear of losing their independence. Often the abuser is someone the senior knows and trusts, like a family member, caregiver or friend.

The BBB offers the following advice to protect seniors from financial abuse:

• Use direct deposit for Social Security checks.

• Never wire money to unfamiliar people for any reason.

• Never give financial account numbers to anyone calling or emailing you, even if the person claims to be from your bank, the IRS or police.

• Don’t click on links in emails, even if they state there is a problem with your account. Call the financial institution directly to verify.

• Review financial statements to see if there are transactions you didn’t authorize.

• Don’t be pressured to make purchases or donations until you’ve researched the organization. Check them out at www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

Signs that someone is a victim of financial elder abuse include:

• Unusual bank account activity

• Missing possessions or property

•Numerous unpaid bills or bounced checks

• Complaints about not being able to afford usual purchases

• New people involved in financial affairs

• Sudden changes to power of attorney or will

• Sudden interest in investment or business opportunities

• Claims they’ve won a prize, lottery or vacation

If you or someone you know might be a victim of this abuse, contact your local law enforcement agency and Adult Protective Services.

Free event

National Consumer Protection Week begins today. The BBB is hosting Schemes, Scams & Crimes: Protect Yourself, a free community event, at Lathrem Senior Center, 2900 Glengarry Dr., Kettering on Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The event features agencies like the BBB, Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Consumer’s Counsel, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Food & Drug Administration, Pro Seniors and Miami Valley Crime Prevention Association. Representatives will be on hand for an expo, scam bingo and panel discussion to help you protect yourself from scammers. Register by calling (937) 222-1534, ext. 2270.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.