Financial Safeguarding

Financial Abuse includes:

having money or other property stolen
being defrauded
being put under pressure in relation to money or other property
having money or other property misused

It is essential to remember that it is normally presumed that a person has the capacity to make their own decisions, so they must always be at the heart of any action.

Where a person lacks capacity then raising a concern means action can be taken to prevent further abuse. In all cases, reporting a concern means that all the relevant help, information and support can be provided.

Reporting a concern

Here are some examples of the types of concern and the ways in which you can raise them.

Concern: An adult at risk has been financially abused and the abuse is a crime. The 'victim' has capacity and wants to report to the police.

Action: Report to the police by ringing 101 - For further information about the non-emergency police number, visit the Northumbria Police (https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/) website.

Concern: An adult at risk might have been financially abused and there is reason to believe they may NOT have capacity to report it themselves.

Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will liaise with the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.

Concern: The Appointee of an adult at risk might be financially abusing the individual.

Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.

Concern: An attorney acting under a registered Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney, or a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection is financially abusing an adult at risk.

Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern. The Safeguarding Adults Team will report to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and liaise with the Council's Financial Safeguarding Team.

Concern: An adult at risk has been financially abused by the manager and or owner of a CQC Regulated Service.

Action: Report as a Safeguarding Adults Concern Report a safeguarding concern and also to Care Quality Commission on 03000 616161.

Concern: An adult at risk has been the victim of a bogus caller/ distraction burglar.

Action: Report to police on the non-emergency number - 101 - and report a safeguarding concern.

Concern: An adult at risk has been the victim of a scam.

Action: Report to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline, telephone 03454 04 05 06

Report a safeguarding concerns - members of the public