Leaders from Penn Community Bank joined state lawmakers and area business and government officials at a recent hearing in Lower Bucks County focused on addressing the rising level of fraud impacting area residents.
“Safeguarding our Community from Fraud” featured Penn Community Bank’s Jeane Vidoni, president and CEO, and Rick Cimakasky, director of fraud and security management, as expert witnesses. Also testifying were Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, and Nicolette Brown, PECO director of customer care.
Taking place during National Consumer Protection Week, the forum brought attention to threats to consumers’ rights, how individuals and businesses can avoid falling prey to fraudulent activity, and what policymakers can do to better support personal data protection efforts.
“Victims of fraud not only suffer financial harm but also endure emotional distress, facing the loss of their savings, homes, and dignity. Increasingly, the impact extends to family caregivers and taxpayers who shoulder additional burdens to support financially devastated victims,” said Vidoni in her testimony. “As our nation and our communities undergoes a demographic shift, with more seniors than children projected within the next decade, the urgency to address elder financial exploitation grows.”
Vidoni highlighted the PA Bankers Association’s effort to spearheaded the development of free tools and resources aimed at educating and increasing awareness about elder financial exploitation – specifically the Safe Banking for Seniors program. Other areas of industry leadership include increased collaboration with federal agencies, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the anti-phishing campaign on BanksNeverAskThat.com, which provides real-world tips for consumers to identify and avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.
In addition, Vidoni and PA Bankers called on Harrisburg for increased legislative solutions, including establishing a clear legal framework for banks to report to protective services and notify a contact associated with the older adult for assistance (when available).
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
