Recognising financial abuse — and who to tell
Last reviewed: June 2026
Financial abuse is one of the harder things to talk about, partly because it so often involves someone we know, and sometimes even someone we love. It means another person using your money, property or belongings without your permission, or pressuring you over money against your wishes. If something does not feel right, please trust that feeling. You have every right to be in control of your own money, and there is confidential help and support to put things right. This page explains what to look out for, and who to tell.
What financial abuse is
It can take many forms: money or possessions going missing, someone helping themselves to your cash, pension or savings, pressure to hand over money, lend it, or change your will, or someone taking control of your bank account or cards and limiting what you can spend of your own money. It can be done by a stranger, such as a scammer or a doorstep caller, but very often it is someone closer to home, whether a relative, a friend, a neighbour or a carer. That can make it especially painful and confusing, but it is still wrong, and it is still abuse.
Signs to look out for
Whether you are concerned about yourself or about someone else, some things are worth noticing: money or valuables disappearing, bills going unpaid despite there being enough money, unusual or unexpected activity on a bank account, sudden changes to a will or to financial arrangements, someone becoming evasive or secretive about an older person's money, or a person being pressed into decisions they do not seem comfortable with. None of these proves abuse on its own, but together they may be a sign that something is wrong.
It is not your fault
If this is happening to you, please know that it is never your fault, no matter who is responsible. It is natural to feel embarrassed, frightened, or torn, especially if the person involved is family, and you may worry about causing trouble or about losing their help. But speaking up is not disloyal, and you will not be forced into anything. The whole purpose of getting help is to keep you safe and back in control of your own money and your own choices.
Protecting yourself
There are some sensible ways to protect yourself. Try to keep control of your own finances for as long as you are able, and be careful about who has access to your cards, your PIN and your accounts, never sharing your PIN with anyone. Before signing anything, lending or giving away a large sum, or changing your will, take your time and get independent advice, and do not let anyone rush or pressure you. It is also worth keeping an eye on your bank statements, and your bank can set up safe ways for a trusted person to help you if you need it.
Power of attorney: getting it right
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets someone you trust manage your money or make decisions if you ever become unable to yourself. Done properly, with someone genuinely trustworthy, it is a sensible and protective thing to have. But it must be someone you really do trust, because an attorney is required by law to act in your best interests, never their own. If you ever suspect that an attorney is misusing their position, that is itself a form of abuse, and the Office of the Public Guardian can investigate.
Who to tell
If you are worried, please do not keep it to yourself, because telling someone is the first step to putting things right.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. To report financial abuse of an adult at risk in our area, contact the Derbyshire safeguarding team through Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190, or on 01629 532600 out of hours. You do not need to be certain, just concerned, and you can report anonymously if you prefer. They will listen, and they will only share what they must in order to help stop the abuse.
It is also worth telling your bank, who can help protect your account and look into suspicious activity, and reporting any theft or fraud to the police on 101. And you can speak to Hourglass, a charity dedicated to supporting older people affected by abuse, on their confidential helpline.
Worried about someone else?
If it is an older relative, friend or neighbour you are concerned about, the same routes apply. You do not need proof, just a genuine worry, and you can contact Call Derbyshire in confidence, or anonymously, to raise it. Reporting your concern could make all the difference to someone who feels unable to speak up for themselves.
Looking out for one another
Sadly, those who are most isolated are often most at risk, simply because they have fewer people around them to notice, or to turn to. That is one of the quiet benefits of regular, friendly contact, and of communities keeping an eye out for one another. If you, or someone you know, would value a regular phone call and a friendly voice, our befriending service here at BrightLife is always glad to help.
Where to get help, locally and nationally
Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:
- Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, or 01629 532600 out of hours, to report concerns about an adult at risk, in confidence or anonymously.
- The police, on 999 in an emergency, or 101 to report theft or fraud.
- Citizens Advice, for free, confidential advice. For Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, call 0808 250 5702.
Across the country:
- Hourglass, on its confidential helpline 0808 808 8141, for support around the abuse of older people.
- Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, to report scams and fraud.
- The Office of the Public Guardian, on 0300 456 0300, about the misuse of a power of attorney.
- Your bank, which can help protect your account and look into anything suspicious.