by Emily Hechler FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. LOUIS, MO (Feb. 27, 2026) – Alltru Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving the Greater St. Louis area, has earned the AARP BankSafe Trained Seal for the second consecutive year in recognition of the steps taken to curb the financial exploitation of older adults. The AARP BankSafe Initiative is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leading resource for financial institutions in the fight against financial exploitation.
To receive the AARP BankSafe Trained Seal, financial institutions must verify that at least 80% of frontline staff have successfully passed the BankSafe training and confirm that the institution has a financial-exploitation escalation reporting policy. Eligibility for the BankSafe Trained Seal also requires adherence to specific legal and regulatory standards and a positive standing in Better Business Bureau ratings.
“Keeping our members safe from fraud isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a commitment,” said Jennifer Parkinson, Risk and Compliance Manager at Alltru Credit Union. “Our frontline staff are the first line of defense against financial scams, and the AARP BankSafe training gives them the tools to spot red flags, step in when something doesn’t seem right, and protect our members from harm.”
The BankSafe Initiative helps the financial industry better meet members’ financial needs and protect their assets. The initiative focuses on four areas: preventing financial exploitation, empowering family caregivers, helping those with dementia, and making banking tools and environments easier to access.
According to AARP, the average victim of financial exploitation loses $120,000, which is often more than their retirement savings. By having Alltru’s frontline employees complete the AARP BankSafe training, the credit union is better equipped to prevent money from leaving the accounts of at-risk members. Unlike other training, the AARP BankSafe curriculum builds understanding, empathy, and motivation in the learner and includes training specific to state requirements, laws, and resources.
A study by researchers at the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology evaluated the AARP BankSafe training initiative and found remarkable results. Frontline employees who completed the training reported four times greater confidence in identifying, preventing, and reporting financial exploitation. Additionally, their knowledge of financial exploitation increased by 133%, and they saved 12 times more money from exploitation compared to untrained employees.
“We’re proud to take this extra step to help ensure our members feel secure and supported every time they bank with us,” said Michelle Rosner, CEO of Alltru Credit Union. “By having our team BankSafe trained, our members can trust that we’re looking out for them, especially when it matters the most.”
To learn more about the AARP BankSafe Initiative, visit: https://www.aarp.org/pri/initiatives/banksafe/.
About Alltru Credit Union
Alltru Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1968 as District 837 Credit Union by the International Association of Machinist Union members employed by McDonnell Douglas in North County St. Louis. Alltru is full-service Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to improve the financial well-being of its members. With over 40,500 members and more than $380 million in assets, Alltru has provided members with a full line of dependable financial products and services for 58 years. For more information about Alltru Credit Union, visit https://alltrucu.org/.
Not a credit union member? Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or worships within St. Charles county, St. Louis county, or the City of St. Louis. Open an account today.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
Media Contact:
Laura Woods – Vice President of Brand and Product Strategy (636) 916-8303; lwoods@alltrucu.org