Be money smart

Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse.

It is when someone takes you money, belongings or property without your agreement or understanding. It can also be when people charge you too much for work they have completed or done for you. People financially abuse people because of greed. They will take advantage of your trust or power that has been given to them. Sometimes people who financially abuse people think they are entitled to the money or belongings. They may also feel that you dont need all your money. Sometimes people will deliberately befriend others who are vulnerable and become your friend for their own gain this is known as grooming.

You can protect yourself by:

Keeping your money in a bank or building society not in your home. Have money you regularly receive such as pension, benefits or salary paid directly into you bank or building society account. Arrange to have you bills paid by direct debit straight from your bank account. Keep a list of all property, bank accounts and valuable belongings. Keep this list in a safe place. Make sure you receive regular bank or building society statements so you can check that money is not coming out of your account that you do not know about. Ask a trusted friend or family member to check these statements with you. If these statements stop take to the bank and building society immediately and ask why they have stopped. NEVER give you PIN (personal Identification Number) for any of your debit or credit cards to anyone. Do not sign any documents without a trusted friend or family member being with you or before they have checked them for you. Also ask someone to check the small print. Plan ahead prepare a will with a solicitors help and review it regularly to keep it up to date. Change it only after careful consideration. Ask a solicitor how power of attorney can make sure your wishes are followed.

Helpful Organisations
To report a crime to the police call

0345 113 5000 or 999

To report Adult Abuse please call

0121 704 8007

For help and information about rogue traders, bogus callers, lottery scams and identity fraud, please call SMBC

0121 704 6000

Age UK Solihull can also offer advice and information

0121 705 9128

To talk to an advocate call Solihull Action Through Advocacy

0121 603 5576

Citizens Advice Bureaux

0121 705 2212

Pensions Service National Helpline

0800 731 7339