Financial abuse help & support

Financial abuse happens when someone takes advantage of another person to gain access to their money, property or assets. This includes misusing funds, pressuring someone to sign documents, or stealing valuables. It often occurs in situations where trust is involved, such as with family members, friends or caregivers, but can also happen through scams and fraud.

Why it matters

Financial abuse can have serious consequences on all Australian’s, including loss of savings, increased debt and emotional distress. In some instances it can also impact independence and quality of life. It’s important to understand the risks and to take steps to prevent abuse is essential for protecting yourself or someone you care about.

How we can help?

Our team are dedicated to assisting and supporting our customers who may be experiencing challenges. We will provide extra care to those who need it based on an individual’s circumstances. We’ll protect your confidentiality and safety if you tell us you’re experiencing family violence or financial abuse, we won’t disclose what you tell us to anyone else. We will work with you to provide support and manage your banking needs safely.

Note these legal exceptions:

In NSW and NT we’re bound by certain laws and may be required to disclose some of what you share with us.

What to look out for

• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from your accounts
• Sudden changes to wills, Power of Attorneys or other legal documents
• Pressure to share banking details, PINs or passwords
• Isolation from trusted family or friends
• Someone taking control of finances without consent

Financial hardship support

We can also help you figure out how to manage money if you’re having trouble meeting loan or credit card payments.

For example:

• extend the loan period
• reduce your repayments
• postpone the due date for payment for a specified period
• provide an interest rate reduction
• provide support just for you, even if you have a joint loan.

How to apply for hardship support

Financial adversity referral program - apply here.

What is family violence?

Family violence (also called domestic violence) is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in a family or relationships, including past relationships.

It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or financial situation and refers to violence between family members such as partners, parents and children, siblings and more.

What is elder abuse?

Older people can be vulnerable as they often depend on others for help with financial tasks and decisions. Forms of abuse can occur often through people who are trusted including family members, support workers, carers, guardians and strangers. A common example of elder financial abuse is coercion, intimidation and misuse of Power of Attorney or Guardianship.

What is financial abuse? Signs to look out for

Financial abuse is a form of family violence that involves the use of power, control or manipulation over someone’s finances or financial situation.

Signs of financial abuse can include:

• denying you access to your own finances, bank accounts and financial records
• preventing you from working or studying
• threatening to stop supporting you or your children
• encouraging you to hand over control of assets you own
• making you take out loans or credit cards in your name that are for someone else, or guarantee a loan
• controlling all the decisions about how money is spent in your household
• using joint debts to stop you leaving a relationship
• asking you to explain all your spending
• taking out loans or credit cards in your name, without you knowing
• not paying their share of joint loans or delaying property settlements to cause you financial stress or hardship.