Elder financial abuse

You are not alone. We are here to help. There is support available if you are experiencing elder financial abuse.
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Need help now?

  • Call 000 if you’re in immediate danger
  • Call 1800ELDERHelp 1800 353 374 or visit their website for information and resources about the abuse of older Australians
  • Westpac's Priority Assist team are here to help you manage your finances during difficult times. Our experienced team members will talk to you about your situation and actions to take to protect your finances. Call Priority Assist on 1800 063 509.

What are potential signs of elder financial abuse?

Elder financial abuse is most often perpetrated by a trusted family member, carer or friend. This can make it hard to talk about. For more information see the Australian Banking Association's Safe and Savvy guide.

Elder Financial Abuse behaviours can be different for everyone but may be things like:

Control

  • Improper use of third party authorities such as Power of Attorney
  • Forced signing of documents eg new will

Pressure

  • Not providing agreed care
  • Threats of physical harm
  • Emotional blackmail

Misuse of money

  • Scams or fraud
  • Improper use or theft of money
  • Forging signatures

How you can help protect yourself from elder financial abuse

There are some quick changes you can make to help protect yourself from elder financial abuse. These can be done online or you can phone our Priority Assist team on 1800 063 509 if you'd like some help.

Keep track of your money

Review your latest statements to identify any unusual spend on your accounts.

Consider changing your passwords and pins

Amend access to your online banking by changing your password, and change PINs on your debit and credit cards.

Update your contact information

Update your contact information including your phone number and address.

Change your mail address

Change the address for mail that we send you, including new cards. You can nominate the address of a trusted person, or your local branch.

Seek legal advice

Community Legal Centres Australia provides information about legal services available in your local area. 

Contact the police

If you think you are experiencing elder financial abuse, contact the police.

How we can help if you are experiencing elder financial abuse

It’s a brave step to seek help to stop elder financial abuse. When you talk to us, your safety and privacy are our priority. You can talk to our team members securely and confidentially about your situation and the measures you can take.


Call Priority Assist on 1800 063 509. Our experienced team members are here to understand your situation and help you safely implement actions to protect your money and financial position. We may be able to help you.

Review access to your accounts

Add or remove any third-party authorities listed to act on your behalf such as a Power of Attorney.

Talk to us about hardship support

We have a range of solutions, such as varying loan repayments to give you time and space until you are safe and able to discuss long-term plans.

Financial hardship

Support beyond banking

1800 ELDERHELP

An advice line which automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse. This is not a crisis support line. 

Call 1800 353 374 

National Debt Helpline

If you’re worried about your financial situation, National Debt Helpline (NDH) offers free, independent, confidential financial counselling to help assess and manage your situation.

Call 1800 007 007

Capacity Australia

Non-for-profit charity that promotes public professional awareness and knowledge of individual human rights.

Call 0400 319 089

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Free service for anyone to raise their concerns about the quality of care of services being delivered to people.

Call 1800 951 822

Dementia Australia

Advocates for people living with all types of dementia, and for their families and carers. They provide support services, education and information.

Call 1800 100 500

Older Persons Advocacy Network

Offers free and confidential services focused on supporting older people and their representatives.

Call 1800 700 600

Easy English guides

This guide explains how to get support if you are experiencing elder financial abuse.

Find out more

Domestic Violence and Financial abuse

Fraud and scams

Living with dementia

Things you should know

Westpac would like to acknowledge the involvement of Legal Aid NSW who helped develop the information on this page.
 

Preventing and responding to family and domestic violence

Preventing and responding to financial abuse (including elder financial abuse)

Responding to requests from a POA or court-appointed administrator

Banks' financial difficulty programs

This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs and into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.