Senior Investor Protection Toolkit
Senior financial exploitation has been estimated to cost savers almost $3 billion per year in cases that have been reported by the media, and it has been estimated that only 1 in 44 cases is ever reported to the authorities. Moreover, recent scientific advancements have shown that financial decision-making is often one of the first cognitive functions to decline – even high-functioning adults can develop this vulnerability as part of the normal aging process.
These are both very real threats faced by every investor, and SIFMA is committed to finding solutions that help protect senior investors from exploitation and cognitive decline.
SIFMA, along with our member firms, have created the Senior Investor Protection Toolkit for this reason. The Toolkit provides a compilation of resources to help educate and protect senior investors.
There is no underestimating the damage caused by financial exploitation. It is our sincere hope that this Senior Investor Protection Playbook will assist advisors in their efforts to protect their clients.
If you have any comments or questions, or would like more information, please visit SIFMA’s Senior Investor Protection Resource Center or contact Niccole Rivero, 202-962-7323 or Stephanie Klarer, 212-313-1211.
Download Toolkit Resources
Download the Complete Senior Investor Protection Toolkit (zip file)
Model Trusted Contact Authorization
A Model Trusted Contact authorization form that can be customized to meet your firm’s requirements.
SIFMA’s Client Protection Playbook
SIFMA’s Senior Client Protection Playbook provides the key warning signs of a variety of common scams.
Senior Financial Exploitation and Cognitive Decline Red Flags
Common red flags of senior financial exploitation and cognitive decline.
Importance of Reporting
Information on the benefits and importance of reporting suspicious activity.
WISER Financial Guide for Caregivers
What you need to know about protecting your money and retirement.
Senior Investor Protection – Frequently Asked Questions
Conversations with Senior or Vulnerable Clients
Talking points for difficult conversations and suggested actions for concerns.
Video Testimonials
Hear directly from unlikely victims. Their stories highlight the ubiquitous and insidious danger of financial exploitation. Stories like BBC News Mary Berners-Lee: An unlikely fraud victim
Ageless Alliance: I Am the Solution and You Are Too
Investor Education Oklahoma:
Anatomy of Fraud – Catching a Con in Pottawatomie County
Investor Education Oklahoma:
Anatomy of a Fraud: The Rogue Broker
Additional Resources
- SIFMA Senior Investor Protection Resource Center
- NAPSA: Get Help In Your Area
- DOJ: Elder Justice Initiative Financial Exploitation Roadmap
- FINRA Senior Investors Hotline
844-57-HELPS (844-574-3577)
Monday-Friday; 9:00am – 5:00pm ET