FDIC Hosts National Webinar on Financial Fraud Prevention for Older Adults as Money Smart Program Expands
The FDIC held a national webinar on October 28, 2026, focused on financial preparedness and fraud prevention for older adults as part of its Money Smart program. The agency also highlighted how Heartland Bank and Trust Company has used Money Smart resources to deliver tailored financial education across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The program continues to expand its reach through community bank partnerships.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation hosted a national webinar on October 28, 2026, focused on financial preparedness and fraud prevention for older adults, part of its ongoing Money Smart financial education program.
The webinar drew participants from community banks, credit unions, senior centers, and nonprofit organizations across the country. Presenters covered common fraud schemes targeting older adults, including impersonation scams, investment fraud, and romance scams, along with practical steps for prevention and reporting.
The FDIC also highlighted the work of Heartland Bank and Trust Company, which has used Money Smart resources to deliver customized financial education programs across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The bank has partnered with local libraries, senior centers, and community colleges to reach residents who may not have regular access to financial guidance.
"Financial fraud is one of the biggest threats to the financial security of older Americans," said an FDIC official. "Programs like Money Smart give community institutions the tools to help people protect themselves."
The Money Smart curriculum, which the FDIC has offered for more than two decades, covers topics ranging from basic budgeting and credit management to retirement planning and fraud awareness. The agency offers the materials free of charge to banks, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Demand for financial education resources has grown as fraud losses among older adults have climbed. The Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans over 60 lost more than 3 billion dollars to fraud in 2025, a figure that advocates say is likely an undercount because many victims do not report losses.
The FDIC said it plans to expand the Money Smart program's digital offerings in 2027, including new online modules and a refreshed mobile-friendly format.
