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Second
National Bank...
Second
National joins fight to prevent Financial Elder Abuse
June 15, 2012
Greenville,
Ohio – To spotlight June 15th “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” Second
National
Bank is offering tips on how to identify and prevent elder financial
abuse.
According
to the Department of Health and Human Services, seniors throughout the
United
States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder
financial
abuse and exploitation.
“Seniors
are valued members of our community and it is our responsibility to
ensure they
live safely and with dignity,” explained Marie Boas, Vice President and
Security Officer “They
can steer clear
of financial abuse by being alert to the signs and knowing who to turn
to for
help.” Second National Bank offers the following tips to our elder
consumers:
• Never
give your Social Security number, account
numbers or other personal financial information over the phone unless
you
initiated the call.
• Don’t
open e-mails from unknown sources, and
beware of any notice claiming you have won a lottery.
• Shred
receipts, bank statements and unused
credit card offers before them away.
• Review
your monthly accounts regularly for
any unauthorized charges. Report
lost or
stolen checks immediately.
• Order
copies of your credit report once a
year to ensure accuracy.
• Lock
up your checkbook, account statements
and other sensitive information when others will be in your home.
• Do
business with companies you know are
reputable, or first check their references and credentials. Beware of any home
improvement contractor
that comes to your door or tries to sell you services over the phone.
• If
a stranger needs to send you payment for
something, insist on a check for the exact amount.
Never accept a check for more and wire
the
difference back.
• Never
let someone pressure you into agreeing
to loan terms before you’ve had a chance to review them in writing with
a
trusted advisor.
• Report
any unusual account inquires you
receive—whether by phone or e-mail—to your banker, who will take
measures to
protect your account and notify authorities.
• Carefully
choose trustworthy people to act as
your agent in all estate-planning matters.
• Talk
to your local banker about any financial
needs, concerns or questions.
Headquartered in Greenville, Second
National Bank is part of the Park National Corporation family of
community
banks, and its customers have access to over 140 free ATMs across Ohio.
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