Examples of financial abuse can include

• theft of money, personal possessions, insurance
• removal or control of a person's finances without their knowledge or permission
• blackmail
• pressure exerted in terms of wills, property and inheritance.
• pressure exerted in terms of financial transactions.

Possible signs of financial abuse are:

• sudden inability to pay for household shopping or bills.
• unexplained withdrawals of large amount of money
• personal possessions going missing from the persons home.
• living conditions appear poor in comparison to the income of the person.
• unusual amount of interest from a family member, friend, carer, neighbour, stranger or salesperson into the assets of the adults

Tips for managing someone else's money safely

Managing money can be stressful. Getting everything in place now can help reduce the risk of problems later. If you are a carer or someone you know is already managing someone else’s finances it’s important to manage finances safely to protect them and the money. Some things to bear in mind when managing someone’s money are:

• getting a power of attorney set up.
• keeping their money and yours separate
• use systems designed to help you.
• make a budget and keep a record.
• imagine you are being watched.
• involve the person you support.
• have a plan and manage vulnerability.
• claim all the entitlements.
• do your best. 
• be safe.

British Sign Language 'What is cybercrime?' video.

The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) has produced a fully signed British Sign Language video called What is Cybercrime? to help warn the deaf community about cyber security, fraud and scams that could affect them.

Watch Robin Ash from the British Deaf Association interview Steve Ward from the England Illegal Money Lending Team.

The British Deaf Association has more information about their Stop Loan Sharks campaign.

If you would like to find out more information about identifying, reporting and stopping loan sharks, please look at the England Illegal Money Lending Team website.

Scams targeting students

Students should be aware of the many scams aimed specifically at them. For example, unsolicited contact that asks for sensitive information or money.

Scammers will often claim to be from legitimate organisations and authorities such as a university, bank or the police. If an organisation contacts you without prompting, never provide sensitive information or money.

You can find further information on scams which target students here.

Scams

The following resources have been put together by the trading standards team to assist professionals in supporting and signposting services to people who may be at risk of, or experiencing, financial abuse.

Age UK has varied information and advice about spotting and avoiding the latest scams targeting your money.

If you've found you needed to share the responsibility of managing your money and bills, you may have turned to a friend, relative or carer to help you. No matter who's helping you, you're in charge of making your decisions. Age UK have produced a guide called 'Looking after your money' , about how to protect your finances as far as possible, and what to do if things do go wrong.

Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime. The 'Action Fraud - Reporting fraud and cybercrime' leaflet is attached to this page.

Think Jessica is a registered charity making people aware of the danger and financial implications caused by postal and telephone scams, educating professionals and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from illegal practices. The 'Jessica - Watch out for scams' leaflet is designed for relatives and carers as well as victims themselves. It is available to order from Think Jessica.

Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to 'Take a Stand Against Scams'.

Take Five is a national campaign to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud. This includes email deception and phone-based scams as well as online fraud - particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations. Led by Financial Fraud Action UK Ltd. (FFA UK).

Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Insolvency Service has published a series of videos called 'if only' based on true stories concerning financial abuse and scamming, find out how to spot the signs of common scams.

Advive and support

Financial abuse: spotting the signs and leaving safely (moneyhelper.org.uk)