If you're in immediate danger, please call 000.
What is financial abuse
Financial abuse can take many forms. This may include when someone takes away your access to money, manipulates your financial decisions, or uses your money without consent.
Financial abuse is a type of family and domestic violence. People who use coercive control may use financial abuse as part of their behaviour. This type of abuse can occur at any stage of a relationship. It may occur alongside other types of violence, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
It can leave you feeling vulnerable, isolated, depressed and anxious.
Financial abuse can happen to anyone. The abuser could be your partner, a family member, carer or friend. Financial abuse is never your fault.
Some of the many signs of financial abuse
Financial abuse is often hard to recognise. It can be different depending on your specific circumstances.
It might involve someone:
- restricting your access to bank accounts, credit cards or cash
- pressuring you to ask permission to spend your own money
- using or accessing your money without your consent
- withdrawing or transferring large amounts of money from a joint bank account
- refusing to contribute to shared costs or child support
- misusing a power of attorney and acting against your interests
- pressuring you to sign documents, take on a debt or change your will
- making you feel guilty, foolish or afraid about how you manage your money
- taking your name off accounts without your knowledge or agreement
- using your phone or internet logins to apply for loans or services in your name, without your knowledge or agreement
- taking advantage of the sharing of resources in families and communities
- coercing you into being appointed as co-director or sole director of a company without decision-making power or access to financial information
- controlling or limiting your ability to work and earn income, or get support
Get help if you feel unsafe
1800RESPECT is a free and confidential 24-hour hotline. It provides counselling and support to anyone experiencing family and domestic violence and financial abuse. Call 1800 737 732, chat online, or text 0458 737 732.
What is elder financial abuse
Elder financial abuse occurs when someone in a position of trust takes advantage of their role or causes financial harm to an older adult. This type of abuse can take many forms and can affect any older person.
Beyond losing money, elder financial abuse can restrict an older person’s access to safe housing, proper nutrition and medical care. It can also lead to serious emotional affects like anxiety and depression.
Elder financial abuse is a form of elder abuse which covers a range of other behaviours including physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
Some of the signs of elder financial abuse
It might involve someone:
- applying pressure, threats or intimidation
- misusing or stealing your money, possessions or assets
- pressuring you to make, change or sign legal documents
- failing to deliver promised care
For information on elder financial abuse, see protect your money in retirement.
Your options for support
Contact your bank or financial provider
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your bank or financial provider to seek support. Some financial providers have a dedicated specialist team to talk through your needs and safely help you manage your finances. Your provider won’t ask for your life story.
Banks and insurers are committed to taking extra care with customers experiencing vulnerability including financial abuse, family and/or domestic violence, and elder abuse.
If you are having trouble with loan repayments, contact your lender about financial hardship assistance. See how to ask for help with financial hardship.
If you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, find out how to get urgent help with money.
Get free legal advice
If you have incurred debts as a result of financial abuse, you may wish to seek legal help or advice. For example, you may have been coerced into a debt or not have known about a debt.
Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for help to obtain free legal advice.
Other options for support
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse or elder financial abuse, there are free and confidential services available.
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Crisis support, confidential one-to-one support |
13 11 14 – phone 0477 13 11 14 – text 24 hours, 7 days a week |
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Information, support and counselling service for domestic, family and sexual violence |
1800 737 732 – phone 0458 737 732 – text 24 hours, 7 days a week |
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander run crisis support – free and confidential |
13 92 76 – phone 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander run legal services, support services, recovery and healing |
First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence Find a service in your area |
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Free and confidential advice from a financial counsellor if you're struggling with debt |
1800 007 007 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday |
| Family counselling, mediation and dispute resolution services |
1300 364 277 |
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Help for families affected by relationship or separation issues |
Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 32 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday |
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Women’s legal advice and referral service |
Women’s Legal Services Australia Find a Women’s Legal Services in your area |
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Free and confidential counselling service to support men |
1300 78 99 78 24 hours, 7 days a week |
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Counselling, information and referral service for men |
1300 766 491 24 hours, 7 days a week |
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Help to get back on your feet |
Good Shepherd Australia Financial Independence Hub 1300 050 150 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |
Elder abuse support
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Elder abuse resources, information and service providers for older Australians and people who care for them |
Find an elder abuse specialist organisation in your state or territory (under the ‘Find Help’ tab) |
| National elder abuse helpline for support services
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1800 ELDERHelp This number redirects you to a phone service in your state or territory. Operating hours and services vary |
| Independent and confidential information to older people experiencing abuse in the aged care system |
Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800 700 600 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday This number redirects you to the Older Persons Advocacy Network organisation in your state or territory |
Key actions you can take
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For free and confidential 24-hour counselling and support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
- Financial abuse can take many forms, and the signs may vary depending on your circumstances. It doesn’t look the same for everyone.
- Financial abuse can occur at any stage of a relationship, including after it has ended.
- Older Australians may also experience financial abuse, known as elder financial abuse.
- Financial abuse is never your fault. There are support options available if you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse or elder financial abuse.