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Get the help you need

Elder financial abuse often comes from someone the victim trusts, like a family member or friend. This makes it a tough topic to bring up. Everyone's situation is different, however, there are some common signs of elder financial abuse listed below.

For more information, check out the Australian Banking Association's Safe and Savvy guide.

  • Emergencies: call 000 if you’re in immediate danger
  • Elder abuse info and resources: call 1800 353 374 or go to 1800ELDERHelp
  • Priority Assist team: call us on 1800 080 470 for assistance during tough times. Our caring and experienced team members will listen to your situation and help you take steps to protect your finances.

What are the potential red flags?

Control

  • Misusing third-party authorities like Power of Attorney
  • Forcing someone to sign documents, like a new will

Pressure

  • Breaking promises of care
  • Threats of harm
  • Playing on emotions

Misusing money

  • Fraudulent schemes
  • Misappropriation or theft of money
  • Forging signatures

Steps to help protect against elder financial abuse

Whether you'd like to do it online or need a helping hand, our Priority Assist team is ready to support you. Just give us a call on 1800 080 470. We're here to listen, understand, and help you take the right actions to safeguard your finances.

Keep an eye on your money

Check your recent account statements to spot any unexpected or unfamiliar transactions.

Reset passwords and pins

Prevent unwanted access to Internet Banking or accounts by changing your password, and debit and credit card PIN.

Update your contact details

Stay in the loop and contactable by updating your contact details like your phone number and address.

Change your mail address

Change the address for your mail, including new cards. You can either use the address of someone you trust or your local branch.

Get legal advice

Community Legal Centres Australia is here to help. They provide valuable information about legal services available in your area.

Reach out to the police

If you suspect you’re experiencing elder financial abuse, don't hesitate to contact the police. Your safety is paramount.

How can we assist?

It's a courageous move to seek help to stop elder financial abuse. When you reach out to us, your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
 
You can securely and confidentially reach out to us on 1800 080 470. Our dedicated team members are here to understand your circumstances and help you take safe and practical actions to protect your money and financial well-being.

Review account access

We can check who has access to your accounts. It's important to review, update or remove any third-party authorities, like a Power of Attorney, to ensure your finances are secure.

Protect your money

We offer practical solutions, like adjusting loan repayments to give you breathing room. We're here to support you until you're safe and ready to make long-term plans.

Resources and assistance beyond banking

1800 ELDERHELP

Not a crisis support line but an advice line for callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse.

Call 1800 353 374

National Debt Helpline

Offers free, independent, confidential financial counselling for those worried about their financial situation.

Call 1800 007 007

Capacity Australia

A not-for-profit that provides public professional awareness and knowledge of individual human rights.

Call 0400 319 089

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Free service open to anyone who’d like to raise concerns about the quality-of-care services being delivered to people.

Call 1800 951 822

Dementia Australia

Provides support services, education, and information for people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

Call 1800 100 500

Older Persons Advocacy Network

Free and confidential services with a focus on support for older people and their representatives.

Call 1800 700 600

Easy English guide

This guide explains how to get help if you’re elderly and being financially abused.

Learn more

Domestic violence and financial abuse

Important information

St.George’s approach to providing extra care for customers in vulnerable circumstances is guided by the Australian Banking Association's Banking Code of Practice. Links to the relevant industry guidelines are below:

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.