SAINT JOHN – Financial exploitation is often measured by dollars lost, but the resulting emotional toll – such as fear, shame, grief and isolation – can leave lasting effects that are frequently overlooked.
This year, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) with a focus on the Hidden Harms of Fraud. The theme draws attention to the emotional and psychological impacts of financial exploitation, including fraud and financial abuse, and how the way we respond can either help or harm those affected.
“This year’s theme encourages us to look beyond the dollars lost and think about the human impact of fraud,” said Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs. “How we talk to people after fraud matters. Judgmental language or assumptions about how someone should have known better can make people feel ashamed and less likely to seek help.”
The Commission is hosting two public events this month to raise awareness and encourage conversation.
The Commission’s third Walk for WEAAD will take place on June 9 in both Saint John and Fredericton, bringing Commission and provincial government staff together to show support for older adults and others affected by financial abuse.
The Commission is also co-hosting, with the Office of Women and Gender Equity, a free webinar on June 11 entitled Hidden Harms: Why how we talk about fraud and financial abuse matters. The one-hour webinar, which will take place at 2 p.m. AST, will explore the emotional impacts of financial exploitation on older and vulnerable adults and how trauma-informed, compassionate responses can reduce barriers to help minimize victim-blaming and strengthen support.
“The webinar is open to anyone interested in understanding the real-world impacts of fraud and financial abuse, including professionals working with older adults, survivors of fraud and community organizations,” Sollows said.
In support of the Commission’s efforts, the City of Saint John will illuminate the Saint John sign on Fort Howe in purple – the official colour of WEAAD – on June 9.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held each year on June 15 as a reminder that financial abuse can happen to anyone and that we all have a role to play in helping prevent it and supporting survivors.
“By responding with empathy, reducing stigma and focusing on support rather than blame, communities can help people feel safer coming forward after fraud and getting the help they need,” Sollows said.
For more information on the Walk for WEAAD and the upcoming webinar, please visit FCNB.ca.
More details:
Saint John Walk for WEAAD: June 9 from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at the top of King Street.
Fredericton Walk for WEAAD: June 9 from 11 a.m. to noon, starting from the Fredericton Public Library, 12 Carleton Street.
Webinar: Hidden Harms: Why how we talk about fraud and financial abuse matters will take place June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. AST. Register here.
Audio files of Marissa Sollows, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Media Contact:
1 866 933-2222 or media@fcnb.ca.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick has the mandate to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest while enhancing public confidence, and to promote understanding of the regulated sectors through educational programs. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of financial and consumers services legislation for mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, the unclaimed property program, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. To fulfil its education mandate, the Commission offers Finfo, a consumer education program designed to help New Brunswickers make sense of everyday financial decisions related to its regulated sectors. It is a Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online resources related to our regulated sectors are available at www.fcnb.ca.