Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse is defined as ‘the unauthorised and improper use of funds, property or any resources belonging to an individual’.

Financial Abuse is widespread and is the main form of abuse investigated by the office of the Public Guardian in respect of both adults and children at risk.  It is therefore important that practitioners do not underestimate the scale and the impact of financial abuse.

Financial Abuse can occur in isolation, but research suggests that where other forms of abuse are evident financial abuse is likely to occur.

Financial Abuse in most cases amounts to theft or fraud and the adult at risk can be persuaded to part with large sums of money.  This type of abuse covers a wide spectrum, and can also include:
•    cybercrime/internet scamming
•    doorstep crime
•    exploitation
•    coercion in respect of wills/property/inheritance
•    misuse of property/possessions/benefits
•    misuse of power or attorney or appointeeship
•    ‘mate’ crime
•    ‘romance’ crime

Adults at risk are often targeted for internet or telephone scams and doorstep crimes and the methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

As Financial Abuse usually involves the commission of a criminal offence the incident should always be reported to Durham Constabulary on 101 if it is suspected that a crime has been committed.  Multi Agency working is often required to protect the adult at risk and sometimes it is necessary to conduct a joint investigation.

Where the abuse is perpetrated by someone who has power of attorney the Office of Public Guardian should be informed and in the case of appointeeship the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) should be informed.

If there are concerns that a DWP appointee is acting incorrectly the DWP should be informed immediately and if the adult at risk is known to the Local Authority the DWP should inform the relevant Safeguarding Adults team.    

See SCIE: indicators of Financial Abuse [external link].