According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, suspicious activity tied to elder exploitation typically occurs over an average of four months before it’s detected.

That means what starts as a small request or a simple transaction can gradually turn into something much bigger.

How It Often Begins

It might look like a phone call that creates urgency, a request for help from someone familiar, a series of small withdrawals or transfers or a new person becoming involved in financial decisions.

In many cases, the person behind the activity isn’t a stranger. The data shows that losses are often higher when the older adult knows the person involved, sometimes averaging around $50,000 per case. That’s what makes these situations so difficult. They’re built on trust.

How Money Moves

Most cases involve money transfers. These transactions can look ordinary at first glance, which is why they can be hard to spot. Worse, even when spotted it isn’t always reported. In fact, fewer than one-third of cases are reported to authorities, so situations continue longer than they should.

Here’s a simple idea that can help prevent fraud: Pause. Ask. Protect.

Pause — Encourage your loved ones to take a moment before acting, especially when something feels urgent.

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 — Financial fraud can often be avoided by slowing the situation down and knowing what to look for.

At Peninsula Federal Credit Union, we understand that these situations can be complex and deeply personal. We’re here to help you ask questions, take a closer look, and protect what matters most.