Washington, D.C. (June 12, 2025) — In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, ICBA CRA Solutions and its Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF) are raising awareness of elder financial exploitation and highlighting tools available to help protect America’s seniors from fraud and abuse — crimes that cost older adults billions annually.

“This growing issue threatens the financial stability of some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said ICBA CRA Solutions Chairman Robert Fisher, president and CEO of Tioga State Bank in Spencer, N.Y. “Community bankers are uniquely positioned to intervene by offering guidance, monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, and empowering seniors and caregivers with resources to protect their hard-earned savings.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognized globally since 2006, serves as a call to action against elder abuse in all its forms, including financial exploitation. Through ongoing community outreach and education, ICBA CRA Solutions and SHCPF are helping community banks deliver resources to safeguard seniors’ financial well-being.

Fighting Elder Abuse

ICBA CRA Solutions, supported by community bank funding, offers elder abuse prevention programs such as Senior Crimestoppers, which operate in majority low-income senior housing facilities. The foundation’s field representatives conduct educational outreach throughout the year, including onsite events at nursing homes featuring interactive Fraud Prevention Bingo and "Cyber-Savvy Seniors" handouts in English and Spanish, providing actionable tips on protecting private information and recognizing common scams. ICBA CRA Solutions and SHCPF offer these consumer tips to help safeguard against elder financial abuse:

  • Secure financial and personal records. Store bank statements, account credentials, legal documents, and checkbooks in a secure location, such as a bank safe deposit box.

  • Monitor financial accounts regularly. Review statements, credit reports, and automatic payments to catch unauthorized or suspicious activity quickly.

  • Be wary of unsolicited requests. Do not provide account information, Social Security numbers, or payment instructions to unknown callers or emailers.

  • Establish trusted financial caregivers. Work with your banker and legal professionals to set up powers of attorney or authorized contacts who can help manage finances, if necessary.

  • Consult your community banker. Community bankers can help identify scams, provide fraud education resources, and work with families to put safeguards in place.

  • Report suspected abuse promptly. If financial abuse is suspected, contact your bank, adult protective services, or law enforcement immediately.

To learn more about elder financial abuse prevention, visit icba.org/eldercare. Community banks and senior care facilities interested in participating in SHCPF outreach events can visit icba.org/cra to learn how to sponsor Senior Crimestoppers and earn CRA credit.

About ICBA CRA Solutions
ICBA CRA Solutions, a subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), offers compliance solutions powered by the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation. Since its inception in 2000, it has helped banks across the country earn meaningful CRA credit for ensuring safe senior living environments through turnkey crime prevention programs. For more information, visit ICBA CRA Solutions’ website at icba.org/cra