Library: News Releases
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- In fiscal year 2004, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services program investigated more than 2,216 cases of financial exploitation of elderly Oklahomans.
In an effort to stop financial exploitation before it starts, OKDHS has partnered with the Oklahoma Bankers Association to produce an instructional video, which has been sent to nearly 1,200 bank locations across the state, explaining how to handle these situations and how to report them.
“I’m so pleased with our partnership with the Oklahoma Bankers Association,” said OKDHS Adult Protective Services Program Director Barbara Kidder. “Through this partnership, Oklahoma bankers have shown how much they care about our state’s elderly. I sincerely believe this partnership will have a huge impact and that front line bank staff will play a key role in stopping financial exploitation before it starts.”
Bankers are in a unique position to help prevent financial abuse of the elderly. Sometimes, a bank teller may be one of only a handful of people who see an older person on a regular basis and would notice signs of financial exploitation.
Fraud is a major focus of the OBA, which is the only bankers association in the nation to have its own division dedicated solely to fraud education and prevention. Elaine Dodd, vice president of the OBA’s Fraud Division, said the response to the video has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
“This collaboration with Adult Protective Services has been wonderful,” Dodd said. “We constantly get reports from banks who appreciate getting this professional, detailed training piece that is useful for all their staff.”
She said that the combined knowledge of both organizations – APS officials who have witnessed senior fraud, along with OBA officials who respond daily to bank calls about scams – worked to “show bankers what red flags to be watchful for and active steps they can use to help their customers avoid being the next fraud victim.”
“The Oklahoma Bankers Association sincerely appreciates APS’ willingness to allow us to be a part of this great effort.”
OKDHS and the Oklahoma Bankers Association have also partnered to produce a public education announcement about financial exploitation that will air on television and radio stations across the state through August and September.
To report suspected financial exploitation, contact the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511, or click on www.OKDHS.org. Visit the OBA’s Web site at www.oba.com for additional information and resources to fight fraud.
NEWS EDITOR/DIRECTORS NOTE: To request a DVD copy of the public education announcement, please e-mail the OKDHS Office of Communications at Communications@OKDHS.org.
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