Addressing Financial Abuse of Seniors through Financial Literacy

Transcription

1 Addressing Financial Abuse of Seniors through Financial Literacy Jane Rooney Director, Financial Literacy and Consumer Education Financial Consumer Agency of Canada March 26, 2013

2 Who we are and what we do: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Lead agency promoting financial literacy Dual mandate: Education: promoting consumer understanding of financial issues Compliance: enforcing financial legislation and regulations

3 Financial abuse and seniors Financial abuse is the most common form of seniors abuse in Canada (HRSDC) Seniors are targeted more than other Canadians. (HRSDC)

4 An aging population Canadians 55 and older: one of the fastest growing sectors of the population. (Stats Can) Over 55 Canada will continue to age considerably 55 + will rise from 27% in 2011 to 35% in Over

5 Why are seniors more vulnerable? Correlation between aging and a decrease in cognitive abilities Decrease in cognition predicts decrease in financial literacy ( Old Age and the Decline in Financial Literacy )

6 Why are seniors more vulnerable (con t)? Financial literacy falls each year after 60 Overconfidence about financial knowledge increases after 60...overconfidence is a significant risk factor for being victimized by financial fraud...

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8 Why are seniors more vulnerable (cont.)? Other potential reasons: Seniors often are at home during the day to receive phone calls have existing victim-perpetrator relationship are overly trusting have no one available for second opinion take increased responsibility for own finances ( draw-down phase) began with lower levels of financial literacy.

9 FCAC s fraud programs Fraud awareness and protection products Tip sheets, publications, website, educational programs Tip clip Fraud Prevention Month Recognize and report scams to help stop the fraudsters Ursula Menke, Commissioner, FCAC Globe & Mail, March 20, 2013 New Horizons

10 What is financial literacy? A financially literate person understands how the financial system works how to manage their money, and how to make choices that suit their needs and income.

11 Financial literacy Financial literacy is critical to the prosperity and well-being of Canadians. It is more than a nice-to-have skill. It is a necessity in today s world and should be treated as such by policy-makers, educators, employers and other stakeholders across the country. The time for action is now.

12 How can financial literacy help? A key piece of the puzzle in addressing seniors financial fraud. More financially literate seniors are less likely to fall victim to financial frauds and scams.

13 What the research has shown CFCS five dimensions of financial capability: 1. Making ends meet 2. Keeping track 3. Planning ahead 4. Choosing products 5. Staying informed Where does seniors financial abuse fit?

14 What the research has shown Effectiveness of financial literacy programs BCSC study FCAC evaluation project

15 Barriers to financial literacy for seniors Perpetrator often known to the victim difficult to prevent or prepare for Access to information limited Physical or cognitive impairment Cognitive ability declines as we age Seniors over-confidence in their financial knowledge.

16 FCAC s direction Bill C-28 Financial Literacy Leader Act (Bill C-28) Will collaborate and coordinate financial literacy initiatives with stakeholders to improve the financial literacy of all Canadians...collaboration and coordination of the Agency s activities with stakeholders in order to contribute to and support initiatives designed to strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians New Web portal

17 FCAC s direction Budget 2013 Budget 2013: focus on seniors financial literacy Under the Leadership of the Financial Literacy Leader, will implement a Financial Literacy strategy that responds to the seniors needs The Government will: in the near term, collaborate with FIs to develop and disseminate information on POAs and bank services to seniors needs work with partners to improve financial literacy among seniors and respond to specific challenges faced by seniors work with stakeholders to better understand the unique challenges faced by seniors

18 Challenges Delivering financial literacy to seniors Channels Coordinated focus and message Intermediaries

19 What do we need to do? Government wants to collaborate and partner with you Financial sector (banking and investment) Consumer groups Other federal government departments Provincial and territorial governments Other interested stakeholders (e.g. police) Government committed to work with industry to develop initiatives that protect seniors from financial fraud/abuse e.g. standardized POAs.

20 Partnerships with stakeholders Establish partnerships with stakeholders in all sectors Target audiences: Pre-retirement Retirees Intermediaries/service providers: financial services, health care workers, social workers, community groups

21 Examples of collaboration What every older Canadian should know about Powers of Attorney and joint bank accounts HRSDC developing Consulted extensively with stakeholders including the CBA and FCAC. Living in Retirement Life Event FCAC developing Currently seeking feedback and input from HRSDC and other stakeholders

22 Longer term Develop financial education material for seniors near seniors Deliver these programs to target audiences and intermediaries Identify where research is needed

23 Call to action Good work done to date Pilot projects underway Learn from: Successes Lessons learned Together, build a foundation for developing a strategy for seniors