Financial abuse

We would like to thank Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board for sharing their guidance, ‘Identifying, preventing and responding to financial abuse’, on which this information is based.

Introduction

Fraud has become the most commonly experienced crime in the UK and during 2020 the number of cases of fraud reported rose by a third, reaching more than 410,000, according to analysis by Which. It is therefore vital that all professionals are aware of possible signs that indicate someone may be a victim of fraud, or a scam, and that this is reported in order to prevent further criminal activity occurring.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is likely to be occurring if:

• somebody’s money or property is being stolen
• somebody has been the victim of a fraud attempt or scam
• somebody’s money, property, possessions, or benefits are being misused

This might look like:

• someone else controlling a person’s access to money
• misuse of Power of Attorney
• forgery
• forcing somebody to change their will
• rogue traders
• postal, online, or courier scams
• romance fraud
• cuckooing
• illegal money lending

Financial abuse rarely happens in isolation, and is often linked with other forms of abuse, including domestic abuse, neglect, and coercive control.

Signs you might notice

The following signs do not necessarily indicate that financial abuse is occurring. However, if you notice any of these signs, you may need to explore them further using your professional or concerned curiosity:

• a change in living conditions, including access to heating, clothing, or food
• unpaid bills, particularly if this has been a sudden change
• unexplained withdrawals from, or a sudden change to, a bank account
• loss or misplacement of important identity or financial documents
• unexpected changes to a will or ownership of assets, including property
• new “friends” or isolation from family and friends
• large volumes of junk mail
• carers main interest is financial with little regard for the health and welfare of the vulnerable adult
• unreasonable or inappropriate gifts

It’s important to remember that anybody working with an adult with care and support needs may notice these signs. If you do, it’s important that you engage your professional or concerned curiosity to try and unpick what is happening for the adult, and to access help for them. This is not limited to people who have a direct responsibility in supporting someone with their finances.

What are the risk factors for financial abuse?

Financial abuse can happen to anyone, and it’s important that we remain aware of the signs of financial abuse with all adults that we’re working with. However, there are some factors that may increase the risk of an adult with care and support needs experiencing financial abuse. These include (but are not limited to):

• lacking mental capacity for any area of decision-making
• dementia or reduced cognitive function
• needing help to manage finances, shopping, or housework
• lacking digital literacy skills
• social isolation and loneliness

How can we mitigate against these risks?

Empowering people to use and manage their own finances and property safely, where possible, is the best way to mitigate against financial abuse. The following strategies can help with supporting people to do this:

• providing information, advice, and guidance around managing finances safely, including planning for Powers of Attorney, Deputies, and Appointeeships
• helping people with debt management and budgeting
• supporting people to access all financial assistance available to them
• following safe recruitment procedures for staff or volunteers who have access to people’s finances
• ensuring robust record-keeping is in place when someone is managing money on behalf of someone else

What should I do if I am concerned about financial abuse?

If you are concerned that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing financial abuse, you should refer to the Sussex Adult Safeguarding Concerns: When to Refer.

This document will provide you with examples and guidance for non-reportable concerns, concerns requiring consultation, and concerns that should be referred as a safeguarding matter. Within this document, you will also find information about other routes for accessing support for someone who is experiencing financial abuse.