Reporting financial abuse
Financial Abuse includes:
- having money or other property stolen
- being defrauded
- being put under pressure in relation to money or other property
- having money or other property misused
It is essential to remember that it is normally presumed that a person has the capacity to make their own decisions, so they must always be at the heart of any action.
Where a person lacks capacity then raising a concern means action can be taken to prevent further abuse. In all cases, reporting a concern means that all the relevant help, information and support can be provided.
Reporting a concern
Here are some examples of the types of concern and the ways in which you can raise them.
Concern: An adult at risk has been financially abused and the abuse is a crime. The 'victim' has capacity and wants to report to the police.
Action: Report to the police by ringing 101 - For further information about the non-emergency police number, visit the Northumbria Police (https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/) website.
Concern: An adult at risk might have been financially abused and there is reason to believe they may NOT have capacity to report it themselves.
Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will liaise with the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.
Concern: The Appointee of an adult at risk might be financially abusing the individual.
Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.
Concern: An attorney acting under a registered Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney, or a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection is financially abusing an adult at risk.
Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will report to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and liaise with the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.
Concern: An adult at risk has been financially abused by the manager and or owner of a CQC Regulated Service.
Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern Report a safeguarding concern and also to Care Quality Commission on 03000 616161.
Concern: An adult at risk has been the victim of a bogus caller/ distraction burglar.
Action: Report to police on the non-emergency number - 101 - and report a safeguarding concern.
Concern: An adult at risk has been the victim of a scam.
Action: Report to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline, telephone 03454 04 05 06
Find out further information about the responsibilities and role of attorneys and deputies at Office of the Public Guardian.
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