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Financial Abuse

Discover more about financial abuse, how it happens and what you can do to prevent and respond to this type of abuse.

Last updated: 29 May 2026
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Financial abuse

10 common forms of elder financial abuse

Here are 10 of the most common types of financial abuse from Safe & Savvy - A guide to help older people avoid abuse, scams and fraud.

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Financial abuse

AI for older Australians: the good, the bad and the surprising

Artificial intelligence may seem like science fiction come true, but understanding AI and knowing its risks can free you to enjoy its benefits. 7 min read

Image of an older man talking with an older woman about financial matters
Financial abuse

Creating your financial support team

Financial matters can be easier to manage if you have a ‘support team’ of trusted people you can draw on.

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Financial abuse

Financial abuse – what it is and how to stop it

Financial abuse of older people is a significant, and often hidden, issue that causes financial loss and emotional distress. How can we protect ourselves?

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Financial abuse

Financial elder abuse

Financial elder abuse is theft or misuse of an older person’s money, assets or property.

Dr Kay Patterson
Financial abuse

Financial elder abuse and the importance of enduring documents

I encourage people of all ages to have their enduring documents in place

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Financial abuse

How can older people get on top of debt?

Most people have some financial debt, but for older people, owing money can be crippling. The National Debt Helpline can assist.

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Financial abuse

Managing financial stress

Older Australians may be feeling increased financial stress as their families face cost of living pressures. Financial counselling could help prevent tension becoming abuse. 6 min read

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Diversity

Older people, cultural diversity and financial elder abuse

Culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may have unique factors that leave older Australians vulnerable to financial abuse.

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Financial abuse

Safeguarding against scams, frauds and identity theft

Find out how scams and frauds can happen and how to avoid becoming a victim. There is also helpful information about what to do if you are affected.

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Financial abuse

Scams and your savings

Older people are prime targets for scams that could rob them of their savings. Awareness and caution can help keep your money safe.

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Financial abuse

Warning signs of financial elder abuse

One of the best protections against financial elder abuse is awareness and knowledge. Learn what to watch out for and how to intervene at the first sign of concern.

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Financial abuse

Who pays the fine when someone else is driving your car?

Find out who pays the fine if someone else drives your car in Australia. And learn how to protect yourself from unwanted fines and potential financial abuse.

Financial Abuse videos

Financial Abuse News

All More from this section
Moneysmart.gov.au
Financial abuse

Planning for Retirement?

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Moneysmart, a free service by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on behalf of the Federal Government, is designed to take the complexity out of planning for your financial future.

07/05/2026
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Financial abuse

Older Australians need to see fairer credit rules for retirees

07/05/2026
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Financial abuse

Review finds most bank lacks clear elder abuse information

22/02/2026
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Financial abuse

Financial abuse through coerced directorships an issue for self managed super

23/01/2026

Financial Abuse Events

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Council on The Ageing NSW
Financial abuse

Staying Safe from Scams

Scams are becoming more sophisticated and more frequent, targeting people in increasingly convincing ways.

26/8/26
The Grand Ballroom, Wests' Diggers Club Tamworth NSW, Australia
26
Aug

Financial Abuse Resources

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Dementia

#OkorNotOk - Financial Abuse

training
National Ageing Research Institute
Legal information in Tagalog factsheet
Financial abuse

Legal Information in Tagalog

factsheet
CAXTON Legal Centre
70+ Roz - Stay Active and live longer
Community involvement

Ageless with Roz

podcast
Roz Townsend
Scams Report
Financial abuse

The Scams Report

report
Australian Seniors

Financial Abuse Real Stories

All More from this section
Senior man sitting at the end of the bed

Peter's story about capacity and financial abuse

Andrew begins a deliberate campaign to convince his father, Peter, he is losing his ‘marbles’.
Financial abuse
Senior couple sitting on bench in park

Nina and Joe's family agreement gone wrong

Nina and Joe helped invest in a property with their daughter. They were able to get that investment back after proving it was not a gift.
Family agreements
Elder Abuse is everyone's business
Need information or advice on elder abuse now?

CALL 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)

In an emergency call 000


This free number will redirect you to an existing phone service near you. This is not a 24-hour line. Call operating times will vary. A collaboration between the Australian, state and territory governments.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Compass is committed to ensuring equitable and inclusive responses to end elder abuse for people with diverse characteristics and life experiences

Compass – Guiding Action on Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse Action Australia
Made for all Australians regardless of nationality, culture or language, Compass is an inclusive website navigating elder abuse.
Compass is an initiative of EAAA and funded by the Attorney-General's Department Ⓒ Copyright EAAA Compass 2026. Made by Grade
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