Skip to main content

Understanding financial abuse

Within our community, we know some people are at risk of financial abuse and may need extra support from us. Here you’ll find information on what financial abuse looks like, how to recognise it, and where to get help for yourself or someone close to you.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence where someone uses control or manipulation to manage your finances. It involves limiting access to your money, using your funds without permission, or making financial decisions for you.

This imbalance of power most often occurs in intimate, family, or caregiving relationships. It can make people feel isolated, anxious, and powerless – and sometimes unable to leave because they depend on the abuser.

 

Need immediate help?

If you feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, please call emergency services on 000.

For confidential counselling and support, call the the national domestic, family and sexual violence helpline on 1800RESPECT.

What are the types of financial abuse?

Financial abuse can happen in any type of relationship and is often carried out by people you know and trust. This can include partners, friends, family members, and authorised third parties.

Find out where to get help

Family and domestic violence

Family and domestic violence includes any violent, threatening, or controlling behaviour that occurs in family, intimate, or past relationships. It can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or financial situation.

Abusers may use intimidation, fear, or threats to control your money or pressure you into financial decisions. This type of financial control can keep you dependent on them, and make it feel harder or less safe to leave the relationship.

Financial coercion and control

Financial coercion and control is when someone uses deception, pressure, or intimidation to control your finances. It can include making decisions about your money without asking you, hiding information about your accounts, opening accounts or loans in your name without your consent, or limiting your access to funds. 

These behaviours can make it difficult to understand your own financial situation, and can lead to debt or other financial problems.

Elder financial abuse

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone takes advantage of an older person to cause them financial harm. Older adults may be more vulnerable if they rely on others for decision-making, or if they're showing signs of dementia or cognitive decline.

This type of abuse may involve taking money or valuables, pressuring changes to wills or powers of attorney, misusing legal authority, or exploiting the person’s trust. It can be carried out by family members, carers, neighbours, support workers, guardians, or even strangers.

Learn more about elder financial abuse

Scams and fraud

Scams and fraud involve tricking someone into giving away their money, personal information, or both. Scammers often build trust using lies, manipulation, or emotional pressure – over weeks, months, or even years.

Scams and fraud come in many forms, including romance, impersonation, and remote access scams, phishing, and fraudulent investment opportunities. It's important to know what to look out for, as they can cause significant financial loss and emotional distress.

Learn how to protect yourself from scams

Recognising the signs

Financial abuse isn't always easy to recognise. Some common warning signs to look out for include:

Limited access to your money or accounts

Someone else controls how your money is spent or restricts your access to your own funds.

Pressure around financial decisions

Being pushed to sign documents, take out loans, or hand over passwords or PINs.

Unexplained payments or missing belongings

Money goes missing, unexplained transactions, bills aren't paid, or valuables disappear.

Increased dependence or isolation

You're left without money for essentials, or someone is stopping you from managing your finances.

If something doesn't seem right – whether it's happening to you or someone close to you – it's important to reach out for help.

Learn more about recognising the signs

How to protect yourself

There are practical steps you can take to keep yourself safe if someone is trying to control your finances or use your money without consent.

Keep your banking details private

Protect your PINs, passwords and online banking logins.

Set up your banking safely

Add extra security measures or open an account in your name only.

Monitor your accounts

Check your transaction history regularly and set up account alerts to monitor unusual activity.

Secure important documents

Keep your ID documents, bank cards, cheque books, and financial records in a safe place.

Avoid signing anything you're unsure about

Don't sign documents you don't fully understand, feel pressured into, or haven't had time to review properly.

Reach out for help early

If something doesn't feel right, seek legal advice or contact the police – support is available to help keep you safe.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and in control of their finances. If you're experiencing financial abuse or think you may be at risk, we’re here to help – confidentially and without judgement.

Learn how you can protect yourself

External support services

These organisations can provide confidential advice, support, legal assistance, or protection if you or someone you know might be experiencing financial abuse.

New South Wales

Queensland

Because we're here to help

Talk to the team

Got a question? Call us on 1300 228 228, pop into your local branch, or chat to us online.

Contact us

Find your local branch

You’ll find us from Brisbane to Port Macquarie – drop in and say hi!

Find a branch

Find what you need

Here’s where you’ll find all of our important information and documents.

View important information