FRAUD PROTECTION FOR THE ELDERLY

As our population ages, older Americans are increasingly becoming victims of fraud and identity theft. To help prevent this from occurring, Wachovia has been extensively training our employees to detect and help prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Fear of losing independence can cause senior adults to avoid asking for help or advice about financial matters. They can be isolated from family and friends and become more dependent on and trusting of strangers. These factors, combined with easy access to assets and cash make them vulnerable to financial exploitation.

Help protect your elderly parents, friends and loved ones from financial exploitation.

Warning signs of elder abuse and fraud:

• Sudden changes in banking behaviors, including withdrawals of large sums of money.
• Funds may also be withdrawn in smaller amounts via remotely created checks (drafts) that could indicate the elder has fallen victim to Telemarketing fraud.
• The Power of Attorney making large withdrawals that do not appear to benefit the elderly person.
• Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.
• Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to someone's affairs and possessions. Or a new companion who appears to be "calling the shots".
• Caregivers getting paid too much or too often.
• Excitement about winning a sweepstakes or lottery.
• A decline in the senior's physical appearance.

How to prevent elder abuse and fraud:

• Be alert for the warning signs. Educate the senior adults in your family about financial exploitation.
• Help senior adults in your family monitor their credit by requesting a free report every year at AnnualCreditReport.com or have them enroll in CreditProtectX3^SM, to help monitor their credit report more frequently.
• Talk to your Wachovia banker for assistance in protecting assets.

What to do if you suspect elder abuse or fraud:

• Contact the national hotline for Adult Protective Services (APS) at (800) 677-1116 Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 8:00pm ET. APS is charged with investigating allegations of abuse and offering services if abuse is confirmed.

Learn more about this problem at the National Center on Elder Abuse.