Responding to financial abuse

Financial abuse is a form of exploitation where someone improperly uses another person’s money, property, or assets without their informed consent, and not in their interests.

Who may be at risk of financial abuse

• older people
• people living with disability
• people who rely on others for care or support
• people experiencing isolation, mental health issues, substance abuse or cognitive changes
• people with limited financial knowledge
• people who experience conflict in their family.

What financial abuse can look like

Examples include:

• misuse of bank cards, online banking, or PINs
• forcing or coercing someone to sign documents (for example, wills, contracts, power of attorney)
• taking or selling property without permission
• withholding access to money or financial information
• pressuring someone to make purchases, or give gifts
• misuse of a legal authority (for example, enduring power of attorney)
• living / boarding at someone’s home without making any contributions to the household costs.

How to identify signs of financial abuse

Look out for:

• unexplained withdrawals, transfers, or new bank accounts
• missing possessions, valuables, or documents
• unpaid bills despite adequate income
• changes to legal documents (for example, wills or property titles) without clear explanation
• emotional distress, anxiety, or fear linked to financial discussions
• a carer, friend, or relative being overly controlling about money or access
• a person who is living / boarding at a property refusing to pay for rent or other household expenses and refusing to move out.

What to do if you suspect financial abuse

If you are a NDIS provider or aged care worker:

Report it within your organisation, following your safeguarding or incident policy.

Consider whether to make a report to:

• the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, if the person is a NDIS participant
• the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, if person is in aged care
• the South Australian Police (SAPOL) if concerns are serious.

Work with the adult to plan next steps

Practical steps you can take:

• If you can speak to the person alone, sensitively raise your concerns and ask them if they want support to address the abuse.
• Support the person to:
  • access independent financial or legal advice
  • access advocacy services
  • report the concerns to the bank to restrict or limit banking access
  • complete an Enduring Power of Attorney form if appropriate.
• If you are concerned about the person’s decision-making capacity, seek advice about whether an administration order might be required.
• The contacts for adult safeguarding assistance page provides more support services.