Financial Protection Suite
Safeguard finances with credit freezes, subscription audits, trusted contacts, and exploitation monitoring.
Credit freeze guidance
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your loved one's name, which is one of the most effective protections against identity theft. The Financial Protection Suite walks you through the process of placing freezes at all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). It includes direct links, step-by-step instructions, and notes on what information you will need. Freezes are free and can be lifted temporarily when legitimate credit is needed. This is generally recommended for seniors who are not actively applying for new credit lines.
Subscription audit
Many seniors end up paying for subscriptions and recurring charges they no longer use or did not intentionally sign up for. The subscription audit tool helps you create a list of all recurring charges, review them together, and identify ones to cancel. Go through bank and credit card statements to find monthly or annual charges, then add them to the audit list. The tool provides guidance on how to cancel common services and warns about "negative option" subscriptions that auto-renew. Reviewing subscriptions quarterly can prevent slow financial leaks.
Trusted contacts and financial POA
Many financial institutions now allow customers to designate a trusted contact person who can be reached if the institution suspects financial exploitation or has concerns about the account holder's capacity. This is different from power of attorney. The Financial Protection Suite explains the difference and guides you through designating trusted contacts at banks and investment firms. It also links to the legal planning section for information about financial power of attorney, which may be appropriate depending on your situation. Consider consulting with an attorney about which arrangements are right for your family.
Signs of financial exploitation
Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse and can be perpetrated by strangers, acquaintances, or even family members. Warning signs may include unexplained withdrawals, new "friends" who seem interested in finances, sudden changes to wills or beneficiaries, unpaid bills despite adequate resources, and reluctance to discuss financial matters. The tool provides a checklist of warning signs to review periodically and guidance on how to investigate concerns and report suspected exploitation to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement.
Reporting concerns
If you suspect financial exploitation, the app provides step-by-step reporting guidance. Depending on the situation, you may want to contact the financial institution directly, file a report with Adult Protective Services, contact local law enforcement, or reach out to your state attorney general's office. The Financial Protection Suite includes links and phone numbers for each of these resources. Acting quickly is important because financial exploitation often escalates over time. Document everything you observe, including dates, amounts, and any conversations, as this information may be needed for investigations.