Safeguarding practice guidance: financial exploitation

What financial exploitation is and why it matters

Financial exploitation is the improper or illegal use of a person's money, property, or assets. It can take many forms, including theft, fraud, scams, misuse of powers of attorney, and undue pressure from family, carers, or strangers. Adults with care and support needs are particularly at risk, and the impact of financial abuse can be devastating leading not only to financial loss, but also to emotional distress, loss of independence, and reduced well being.

Tackling financial exploitation is a priority because it is often hidden, under-reported, and complex. Victims may feel shame or fear, and professionals may face challenges in identifying and responding to abuse, especially where relationships are involved or evidence is hard to obtain. Collaboration among health and social care, police, voluntary organisations, businesses, and communities is crucial to combat exploitation, support victims, and provide access to essential information and resources. By exchanging expertise, resources, and effective practices, it is possible to contribute to the prevention of and protection against financial exploitation.

Key principles for financial exploitation:

• prevent: raise awareness, identify risks, and take proactive steps to stop exploitation before it occurs
• report: know how and where to report concerns or suspected abuse
• support: ensure victims receive the help, protection, and advocacy they need

Resource library for professionals

Below is a curated library of resources, toolkits, and best practice links to support your work in preventing, identifying, and responding to financial exploitation. These resources are regularly updated and have been sourced by partners across the West of Berkshire Safeguarding Partnership Adults Board and national organisations.

This resource library is designed to equip professionals with practical guidance, up-to-date materials, and access to expert networks. It includes links to policy frameworks, case studies, training modules, and referral pathways, ensuring that all practitioners have the tools required to recognise, intervene, and prevent financial harm. By utilising these resources, professionals can stay informed about emerging risks, legislative updates, and proven strategies for safeguarding adults with care and support needs.

WEBINAR: Behind Closed Doors: Unmasking Carer and Family Fraud Webinar, DI Duncan Wynn, Central Fraud Unit, TVP 16 December 2025

One of the West of Berkshire's Safeguarding Adults Board's Priorities for this year is 'Preventing Financial Exploitation of Adult's with Care and Support Needs'.

This webinar delivered by Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn provides a comprehensive overview of carer and family fraud affecting vulnerable adults, combining legal insights, practical guidance, and case examples.

The webinar addresses the complexities of investigating such frauds, legal frameworks, case studies, and best practices for prevention and detection within safeguarding contexts. It calls for vigilance, early reporting, professional oversight, and collaborative approaches to combat financial exploitation effectively.

Resources and further information

Webinar and presentation:

• access the full webinar on YouTube
• download the presentation [748KB]
• download the webinar questions and answers [60KB]  (questions that were asked and answered during the event and the ones that we did not have time to answer)

Information sheets:

• Fraud by Abuse of Position of Trust [219KB]
• Power of Attorney [221KB]

Websites:

• Reporting Cyber Crime and Fraud - Report Fraud, Police UK

Multi-agency fraud tasking: two-way information sharing

Thames Valley Police (TVP), in partnership with local authorities and Trading Standards, has launched a robust multi-agency approach to tackling fraud. This process is designed to streamline intelligence sharing and ensure coordinated action against financial abuse and fraud across the Thames Valley.

How the process works

• two-way information sharing: TVP, Local Authorities and Trading Standards can request support or share intelligence using a dedicated template
• weekly tasking meetings: the TVP Fraud Team reviews all submitted templates, conducts intelligence checks, and brings relevant cases to a weekly tasking meeting held every Thursday - Local Authorities and Trading Standards who have submitted or been asked to contribute will be invited to attend
• secure and confidential: all information is handled in accordance with strict data protection and confidentiality guidelines, as outlined in the official template

Why use this process

• faster, coordinated response to fraud and financial abuse cases
• direct access to TVP's Central Fraud Unit for intelligence checks and operational support
• clear allocation of cases to the most appropriate agency, ensuring effective action

Share information or request support

Download and complete the official  Multi-Agency Tasking Template [56KB] Once completed, email it to the Central Fraud Unit at CFUActionFraud@thamesvalley.police.uk. Your submission will be reviewed and discussed at the next available tasking meeting.

For general inquiries or support, please contact the Central Fraud Unit directly at CFUActionFraud@thamesvalley.police.uk.

National tools and advice for tackling financial exploitation

National Trading Standards protects consumers and businesses by tackling scams, fraud, and financial exploitation. Their campaigns like #NoBlameNoShame highlight the emotional and financial toll of scams, especially on vulnerable adults, and aim to reduce stigma around reporting. NTS also warns of rising threats linked to the cost-of-living crisis, including doorstep scams and counterfeit goods, and provides resources through initiatives like Friends Against Scams to raise awareness and build community resilience.

Citizens Advice outlines how financial abuse, often hidden and misunderstood can severely impact victims' wellbeing. It provides a framework for banks, creditors, and advice providers to better support adults facing financial abuse, particularly in intimate relationships.

Women's Aid provides support for survivors of domestic abuse, including those experiencing financial or economic abuse. Their resources help individuals regain financial independence, access benefits, manage debt, and understand legal protections. They also offer professional guidance through the DAME project, which equips frontline workers to support survivors with financial issues.

Financial exploitation (on the Preventing Exploitation Toolkit website) - produced by Safer Devon, Devon Safeguarding Childrens Partnership and Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership, this toolkit helps professionals identify and respond to financial exploitation, including scams, coercion, fraud, and grooming. It outlines warning signs, risk factors (like isolation or cognitive impairment), and links to other forms of abuse such as domestic violence or county lines.

The 'Financial abuse: what is it?' guide from Age UK explains what financial abuse is, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if you or someone you know is affected. It offers practical advice, real-life examples, and links to support services for older adults experiencing financial exploitation.

Scams, fraud and online exploitation

Scams and fraud can take place in person, over the phone, or online. With artificial intelligence and social media, online exploitation is becoming harder to detect. Adults at risk may be targeted by criminals posing as legitimate organisations or individuals. They may use persuasive or threatening tactics to gain access to money, bank details, or personal information.

Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime. It provides tools for reporting scams, guidance on prevention, and specialist support for vulnerable victims, making it a valuable resource for professionals safeguarding adults at risk of financial exploitation.

Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards initiative that empowers individuals and organisations to take a stand against scams. It offers free awareness training, to help people recognize, prevent, and respond to scams, especially those targeting vulnerable groups. The site also provides practitioner resources, scam alerts, and community engagement tools to support safeguarding efforts.

Advice about fraud on the Thames Valley Police website provides guidance on different types of fraud, including romance, investment, and identity fraud, along with prevention tips and reporting procedures.

The Fraud Protection toolkit from Thames Valley Police provides practical advice on recognising, preventing, and responding to various types of fraud, including those targeting vulnerable individuals. It includes checklists, reporting guidance, and awareness materials designed to support professionals in protecting adults at risk from financial exploitation and scam related harm.

The Little Book of Big Scams from the Metropolitan Police provides clear, practical guidance on recognising and preventing common scams, including romance, investment, and identity fraud. It's designed to raise awareness, empower individuals, and support safeguarding professionals in protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation.

Understanding the Banking Protocol by the Consumer Council is a UK-wide initiative that empowers bank staff to intervene when they suspect a customer may be at risk of financial abuse or fraud. Staff are trained to ask safeguarding questions during transactions and, if necessary, alert the police making it a vital front line defence for protecting vulnerable adults from scams and exploitation.

Spot the Signs of Financial Abuse guide from STEP highlights key indicators of financial abuse and offers practical guidance for identifying and responding to concerns. It outlines how early planning, such as setting up powers of attorney can help prevent abuse, and provides downloadable resources, advice on acting responsibly as a representative, and links to qualified advisors who specialise in supporting vulnerable individuals.

Romance scams/fraud

Romance scams involve criminals forming fake relationships, often online, with the intention of gaining trust and exploiting individuals financially. These scams can be emotionally manipulative, with perpetrators posing as genuine partners to request money, gifts, or access to financial accounts. With the rise of social media and increasingly convincing use of artificial intelligence, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Adults who are isolated or seeking companionship may be particularly vulnerable. Recognising the signs and offering support without judgment is essential to safeguarding those affected.

Romance fraud (on the Thames Valley Police website) outlines how romance fraudsters build trust to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. It highlights common tactics, such as emotional urgency, secrecy, and isolation and provides practical advice on spotting warning signs and reporting concerns.

'It wasn't you fault, Romance fraud-a practical support guide' by Thames Valley Police [2MB] outlines how romance fraudsters exploit trust to manipulate victims into sending money, often targeting those who are isolated or vulnerable. It provides clear warning signs, prevention tips, and reporting guidance.

'A guide to spotting romance fraudsters' by Thames Valley Police helps professionals identify common tactics used by romance fraudsters, such as emotional manipulation and false identities, and offers practical advice on how to support victims and report incidents.

'Love Bombed' podcast series 2, episode 1 on BBC Sounds - this podcast episode explores the emotional manipulation and deception involved in romance fraud, focusing on a case where a vulnerable individual is targeted by someone posing as a dream partner. It highlights the psychological tactics used by fraudsters and the lasting impact on victims, making it a powerful resource for raising awareness among safeguarding professionals about the risks and signs of financial exploitation through romantic scams.
 

The hidden victims of romance fraud videos from the Metropolitan Police:

• Sarah's Story - 'My mum lost her savings to AI dating scammer'
• Nazaha's Story - '"I couldn't afford to feed my kids" - the reality of romance fraud'
• Diana's Story - '"I was groomed out my life savings" - how to protect yourself from romance fraud'

Abuse by family, friends, or people in a position of trust

Financial abuse is often carried out by those closest to the adult at risk, including family members, friends, carers, or others in positions of trust. This type of abuse can involve misusing money, coercing someone into financial decisions, or taking control of their finances without consent. It may be hidden under the guise of "helping" or "managing" someone's affairs, making it difficult to detect. As technology advances, so do the methods of control and exploitation, with some abusers using digital tools to monitor or restrict access to money. Recognising the signs and acting sensitively is vital to safeguarding individuals from harm.

The Financial Abuse Support Toolkit from the National Centre for Domestic Violence defines financial abuse as a form of domestic violence involving control over money, assets, and access to employment. It includes real-life experiences, warning signs, and guidance on recognising and responding to abuse.

Financial abuse information on the Hourglass website aims to raise awareness of how financial abuse can occur when someone in a position of trust interferes with an older person's ability to manage their money. It highlights common signs such as misuse of legal authority, unexplained financial changes, and isolation and offers practical advice for identifying and responding to abuse.

"it's only fraud" training presentation from TVP [748KB]  highlights the high harm of carer/family fraud, explains legal frameworks, and promotes safeguards like LPAs, deputyships, audit trails, and oversight to protect vulnerable individuals from financial abuse.

Gifts and Wills Advice guides from the Royal College of Nursing considers the ethical and professional considerations when nurses and nursing staff are offered gifts or bequests. It highlights the importance of upholding public trust, following the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, and seeking managerial advice, especially where gifts could be seen as influencing care or creating conflicts of interest.

Abuse by people in a position of trust (PiPoT)

Financial abuse can occur when individuals who hold a position of trust, such as professionals, volunteers, or staff in health, social care, or community settings who exploit their role for personal gain. Where concerns arise about someone in a position of trust, you are required to follow the PiPoT framework. This framework ensure that allegations are managed appropriately, safeguarding adults with care and support needs while maintaining professional accountability.

If you identify a non-professional (such as a family member or friend) suspected of abuse or neglect of a person with care and support needs, and they are employed or volunteering in a role that gives them access to other people with care and support needs, there may be a transferable risk. In such cases, you must also refer to the PiPoT framework to ensure appropriate safeguarding action is taken.

The PiPoT Framework can be found here: Berkshire Safeguarding Adults - Appendix Seven: Allegation Management Framework/Person in a Position of Trust (PiPoT).

Misuse of Powers of Attorney, Deputyship and legal arrangements

Legal arrangements such as Powers of Attorney and Deputyships are intended to protect individuals who may need help managing their finances. However, these roles can be misused by those in positions of trust, leading to financial exploitation, such as unauthorised transactions, coercion, or using funds for personal gain. With the rise of digital banking and remote access, the potential for misuse has increased. The links below provide information and advice on how to recognise the signs of abuse and what actions to take if you have concerns about the misuse of these legal powers.

The Office of the Public Guardian webpage on GOV.UK outlines how the OPG supervises attorneys and deputies appointed under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It should protect people who lack capacity by maintaining registers, investigating concerns about misuse of powers, especially financial abuse and ensure decisions made on someone's behalf are lawful and in their best interests.

Financial abuse information from The Law Society provides guidance aimed at solicitors on recognising and responding to financial abuse, especially when advising on wills, powers of attorney, and property matters. It outlines how solicitors should assess vulnerability, capacity, and undue influence, and what steps to take if abuse is suspected, including working with the Office of the Public Guardian and maintaining confidentiality.

Predatory marriage

Predatory marriage occurs when someone enters into a marriage with a vulnerable adult, often with reduced capacity or cognitive impairment, with the intention of gaining access to their finances, property, or inheritance. This form of abuse can be hidden and manipulative, with the victim unaware of the legal and financial consequences of the marriage. In England and Wales, marriage revokes any existing will, which can leave the victim's estate entirely to the new spouse.

The My Marriage My Choice website provides resources and training to help prevent forced, unlawful, or predatory marriages involving vulnerable individuals. It supports professionals to identify risks, uphold consent rights, and protect individuals from abuse linked to marriage or civil partnership.

Predatory Marriage UK aims to raise awareness of predatory marriage, where a vulnerable adult is manipulated into marriage for financial gain. It highlights how such marriages revoke existing wills, often leaving the new spouse to inherit under intestacy rules. The site advocates for legal reform to better protect adults lacking capacity and offers resources for recognising abuse and supporting affected families.

Doorstep crime, rogue traders and community safety

Doorstep crime and rogue trading involve individuals who exploit adults at risk by offering unnecessary, overpriced, or substandard goods and services, often using pressure tactics or deception. These crimes typically occur in or around the person's home and can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress. As methods become more organised and persuasive, it is important to remain vigilant. Community safety plays a vital role in prevention, and the links below provide information and advice on how to recognise, report, and respond to concerns about doorstep crime and rogue traders.

Trading Standards (part of the Public Protection Partnership) provides services in West Berkshire to protect consumers and investigate unfair trading practices. It should support safeguarding by addressing scams, fraud, and financial abuse, particularly where vulnerable adults are targeted and includes links to report concerns, access consumer advice, and understand enforcement actions.

The  Public Protection Partnership call blocker poster [1MB]  promotes the use of call blockers to help protect vulnerable adults from scam and nuisance phone calls. It highlights how call blocking devices can reduce exposure to financial exploitation by preventing unsolicited contact from fraudsters.

No Cold Calling Zones on the Public Protection Partnership website explains how No Cold Calling Zones help protect residents, particularly those who are vulnerable from doorstep scams and rogue traders. It includes guidance on how zones are set up and how communities can request one.

Economic abuse, money laundering and financial control

Economic abuse involves controlling a person's ability to acquire, use, or maintain financial resources, often leaving them dependent on the abuser, it a form of domestic abuse. It can include restricting access to money, sabotaging employment, or building up debt in the victim's name. In some cases, this abuse is linked to wider criminal activity such as money laundering, where individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable, are coerced into moving or holding illicit funds. With the rise of digital banking and online transactions, these forms of exploitation are becoming more complex and harder to detect.

Surviving Economic Abuse supports victim-survivors of economic abuse, where a person's access to money, finances, and essential resources is controlled or sabotaged, often by a partner or ex-partner. SEA provides training, policy guidance, survivor-led insights, and practical tools to help professionals identify, respond to, and prevent financial exploitation.

The Economic Abuse Toolkit on GOV.UK helps professionals identify and respond to economic abuse where someone controls another's access to money, employment, or resources. It supports safeguarding adults by offering practical guidance, screening questions, and links to specialist services, especially in cases involving debt or financial exploitation.

The 'Money laundering-linked financial exploitation: guidance for frontline professionals (accessible)' guide on GOV.UK supports professionals to identify and respond to financial exploitation linked to money laundering, where criminals coerce vulnerable adults or children into moving illicit funds. It outlines warning signs, safeguarding responsibilities, and multi-agency approaches to protect victims and prevent harm.

What is Financial Exploitation? on The Children's Society website explains how criminals exploit children by coercing them into using their bank accounts to launder money often under the guise of job offers or quick cash. It highlights financial exploitation as a form of child criminal exploitation and abuse, outlines warning signs, and stresses the importance of recognising and reporting it as a safeguarding concern.