One of the first signs is often a shift in personality or behavior. You might notice a loved one becoming more anxious, withdrawn, or hesitant to talk about their finances. They may seem confused about transactions or decisions they used to handle confidently.

Sometimes, there’s a new person in their life—a friend, caregiver, or advisor—who seems to be taking a leading role, especially in conversations about money. If your loved one suddenly becomes more isolated from family or long-time friends, it’s worth paying closer attention.

Changes in financial habits can be another key indicator. Keep an eye out for:

• Large or frequent withdrawals that seem out of character
• New accounts or names added to existing accounts without a clear reason
• A shift toward ATM use when it wasn’t previously common
• Checks written for unfamiliar purposes or out of sequence
• Bills going unpaid, even when funds are available

These kinds of changes don’t always mean something is wrong, but they should prompt a conversation.

Financial exploitation sometimes shows up in paperwork. Be aware of sudden or unexplained changes to important documents like wills, powers of attorney, or account beneficiaries.

Other signs might include new credit cards, loans, or lines of credit that your loved one doesn’t fully understand or recall opening. Missing statements or mail being redirected elsewhere can also be a red flag.

Unfortunately, financial abuse often involves someone close to the individual. This could be a caregiver, relative, or acquaintance who begins taking an unusual interest in finances.

Watch for someone who insists on being present during financial discussions, resists giving your loved one privacy, or appears to be influencing decisions. If it feels like pressure or control is involved, trust your instincts.

Older adults are frequently targeted by scams, and they can be very convincing. Warning signs include:

• Requests for payment tied to lottery winnings or sweepstakes
• Urgent messages pushing immediate action
• Requests to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• New and unfamiliar subscriptions or recurring charges

A quick check-in can help determine whether a situation is legitimate or not.

One simple way to add an extra layer of protection is by setting up a Trusted Contact on your account.

A Trusted Contact is a person you choose—typically a family member or close friend—whom we can reach out to if we notice activity that may be unusual or raise concerns about potential fraud or financial abuse. It’s important to know that this person does not have access to your account. They cannot make transactions, withdraw funds, or make changes. Their role is simply to help us connect with someone you trust if something doesn’t seem right.

In some cases, that extra outreach can make all the difference in catching an issue early or helping a loved one pause and take a closer look at a situation before it becomes harmful.

The good news is there are simple, proactive steps you can take to help protect your loved ones:

• Stay connected and have regular conversations about finances
• Set up account alerts to monitor unusual activity
• Encourage having a trusted contact listed on accounts
• Talk openly about common scams and how to avoid them

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels off. Starting a conversation early can prevent a small concern from becoming a major problem.