Financial abuse involves the illegal or improper use of a person's finances or property by another person with whom they have a relationship implying trust (ANPEA).
Examples include:
- Misappropriation of property, money or valuables - a loss of money ranging from removal of cash from a wallet, to the cashing of cheques for large amounts of money, loss of jewellery, silverware, paintings or furniture
- Forced changes to a Will or other legal document - the making of a new Will in favour of a new friend or another family member. Power of Attorney may be obtained improperly from a person without decision-making capacity.
- Denial of the right to access personal funds - A family member may take control of a person's finances or banking, while the older person is still capable of maintaining their affairs.
- Forging of signatures - on bank accounts or legal documents.
- Misusing Enduring Power of Attorney
- Going grocery shopping and not returning the change
Signs of financial abuse include:
- Reluctance to make a will
- Loss of jewellery and personal property
- Unprecedented transfer of funds
- Improper attainment, or misuse of a Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney
- Loss of financial material eg. Bank books, credit cards, cheque books
- Bills not paid when money entrusted to a third party
- Management of a competent persons finances by another person
- Sudden inability to pay bills: rent, buy food or participate in social activities
- Unexplained withdrawal from bank accounts
- Cashing of personal cheques
- Removal of cash from a wallet