Attorney General Schimel partners with Wisconsin banks to prevent elder financial abuse

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel released a new video on Tuesday that aims to combat elder financial abuse.

The 10-minute training video helps bank tellers and other bank employees identify the signs of financial abuse. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, signs can include changes in withdrawals, the senior citizen’s demeanor or any new people accompanying the senior to the bank.

A report from 2015 estimated seniors lose around $36 billion a year to financial abuse. The DOJ teamed up with several financial groups throughout the state for the video.

“This is just another great resource that the financial institution industry has to take advantage of, to train our people to make sure we are always at the top of our game to prevent and lessen the number of victims that exist,” Wisconsin Bankers Association President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels said.

The training video can be viewed here. More information on elder abuse resources in Wisconsin can be found on Schimel’s website.