Resources to Help Spot and Prevent Elder Financial Abuse: Credit Unions Take Action to Protect Older Americans

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 20, 2026

Momentum is building across the Credit Union Movement to address one of the fastest-growing threats facing members and communities: elder financial abuse.

In Colorado, that urgency is reflected in recent legislation, the ASSET Act (HB 1110), a bill designed to strengthen protections for older adults and vulnerable individuals. The bill gained strong bipartisan support, passing both the House and Senate, and is awaiting the governor’s signature. Credit unions engaged on this issue from the beginning, working alongside partners like AARP, to put these protections in place for Coloradans.

At the same time, credit unions are stepping up in communities across the GoWest region to raise awareness, equip members with tools, and help prevent exploitation before it happens.

“Pause. Ask. Protect.”

As part of this effort, credit unions are sharing a simple message members can remember and use in everyday situations:

Pause. Ask. Protect.

• Pause before making financial decisions, especially when something feels urgent or unusual
• Ask a trusted friend, family member, or financial partner for guidance
• Protect personal and financial information

These steps are designed to empower members to slow down, seek input, and avoid being rushed into potentially harmful decisions.

Tools and Resources Available for Credit Unions

To support this effort, GoWest has resources, made possible by the Credit Union League System, available that credit unions can use to educate members and reinforce these messages in their own communities.

These materials, including posters, social media copy and graphics, articles, and more, are designed to be easy to share, customizable, and ready for use across channels, helping credit unions:

• Start conversations with members about financial safety
• Reinforce warning signs of potential exploitation
• Provide clear, actionable steps members can take to protect themselves

Credit unions are encouraged to incorporate these tools into newsletters, branch communications, social media, and member outreach efforts to expand awareness and impact.

Access resources and materials HERE.

A Movement-Led Response

Research shows that suspicious activity related to elder exploitation can continue for months before being detected. That makes early awareness and trusted relationships even more critical.

Credit unions are uniquely positioned to help.

By combining advocacy, education, and member engagement, the Movement continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting those it serves — not just through policy, but through everyday interactions and proactive outreach.

As legislative efforts like the ASSET Act become law and community awareness grows, credit unions are ensuring that members have both the knowledge and the support they need to stay safe.

Because when it comes to protecting older adults and vulnerable members, it’s more than awareness — it’s about action.

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, Community Impact, Idaho, Oregon, Public Awareness, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.