Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse

 We have many older people attending our churches. It is important that we are aware of the risks to them. We have had a number of situations where older people have been the target of financial abuse. These may be signs of financial abuse:
•   The sudden appearance of previously absent relatives claiming their rights to an older person’s affairs or possessions.
•   Someone moving into an older person’s house and living rent free, without agreement or under duress.
•   The unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family.
•   Misuse of power of attorney, deputyship, appointeeship or other legal authority.
•   Numerous unpaid bills, or overdue rent, when someone else is supposed to be paying the bills.
•   Lack of amenities, such as TV, personal grooming items, appropriate clothing, that the older person should be able to afford.
•   The unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions such as art, silverware or jewellery.
•   Deliberate isolation of an older person from friends and family, resulting in the caregiver alone having total control.

If you have concerns about an older person being financially abused, contact the Safeguarding team and find out more information about financial abuse.

It can be hard to have conversations with people when we are worried about their welfare. Age UK have put together some information and advice about what we can do when we are worried about someone.

Have you been a victim of fraud?

https://www.victims-first.org.uk/crime-info/guidance-and-support/fraud/