Financial abuse
This form of abuse is another term for stealing or defrauding an individual. It can include theft, exploitation, fraud or the application of pressure in connection with the vulnerable persons will, property or any other form of inheritance, or financial transaction. It can also involve attempts to obtain a power of attorney. Financial abuse could also include the stealing, removal or relocation of the victim’s property, possessions or benefits.
Signs of financial abuse could include:
- A sudden change in the person’s financial circumstances without a plausible explanation.
- Signatures on cheques that do not resemble the adult’s usual signature.
- Use of the adult’s debit or credit card by someone other than the vulnerable adult.
- Getting into debt, being unable to pay their bills or their rent becomes overdue.
- Not having the normal home comforts such as a TV, personal toiletries, appropriate clothing or items the individual should be able to afford.
- Transfer of the adult’s assets to a family member or other carer.
- Disappearance of funds or valuable possessions such as jewellery or silverware.
- Excessive amounts of money being spent on an individual’s care.
