Many elderly and vulnerable people are having to try to manage their finances in different ways and there has been a rise in cases of scams as others look to exploit this – including over the phone and online. Financial abuse can be perpetrated by those closer to home, including family, friends and others who appear to be seeking to help the individual and it can be closely linked to domestic abuse. You can offer support by:

• Be familiar with the signs of financial abuse (reports of missing personal items, unexplained shortages of money for essential items, another person controlling someone’s money or taking an unusual interest.
• Share advice on the signs of a SCAM
  • Seems too good to be true
  • Contacted out of the blue
  • Asked for personal details
  • Money is requested
• If you support those in your community involving payments follow government advice on keeping records and receipts.