World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025: signs of financial abuse

This type of abuse frequently affects older or vulnerable people and is sadly often carried out by someone they know and trust – a family member, friend, carer or even a neighbour. Due to it occurring behind closed doors and under the guise of ‘helping out’, it’s not easy to spot. But being aware of the warning signs can make all the difference.

Signs to Look For

• Signatures on documents that don’t look like the person’s handwriting, or documents signed when they are no longer able to write.

• Unusual or unexplained changes to bank accounts, such as large cash withdrawals made by someone accompanying the account holder.

• Sudden additions of new names to bank accounts or unexpected changes to a Will.

• Relatives or acquaintances who were previously uninvolved suddenly take an interest in the person’s money or belongings.

• Transfers of property or assets to others without a clear reason or consent.

• Regular bills are going unpaid, despite someone else managing the person’s finances or there being enough funds available.

• Someone is showing excessive concern about money being spent on the person’s care.

• A decline in personal care – missing items like clothing, grooming products, or access to heating and food.

• Valuables such as jewellery or sentimental items are going missing.

• The person becomes isolated from friends and family, often under the control of one individual.

• A noticeable drop in their standard of living, even when they should have the means to live comfortably.

Financial abuse often starts small and escalates over time, but it’s never too early to ask questions or seek help. Our Private Client team is here to support families through these difficult situations, helping to protect vulnerable individuals and put legal safeguards in place.

We recommend you put clear arrangements in place, such as Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Trusts, before any issues arise. Choosing the right people to act on your behalf is also crucial and we advise our clients to appoint trustworthy attorneys and executors (recommending more than one to ensure balance and oversight).

For those who are vulnerable or at risk of family disputes, a Trust can offer an added layer of protection and control over how those assets are managed. We recommend regular reviews of your estate planning documents, especially after major life events and to always keep clear records of significant transactions or gifts.

At Forbes Solicitors, we keep an eye out for any indications of improper influence or coercion during client meetings. If abuse is already suspected, we can act swiftly – from reporting concerns to the Office of the Public Guardian, to taking legal steps to challenge misused powers or recover assets that have been wrongfully taken.

If you would like advice on how to protect yourself or a loved one, get in touch today.

If you're concerned about the care of an older person you can contact Hourglass – the UK’s only charity dedicated to ending the abuse of older people. Formerly known as Action Against Elder Abuse, Hourglass operates a free and confidential helpline - further details are available at www.wearehourglass.org.