Skip Header

Financial abuse

Find out more about criminal influence, to ensure you’re in control of your financial purse strings.

What is financial abuse?

If anyone - including your partner, spouse, friend, carer or relative - is controlling your finances without your knowledge (or against your will), it's financial abuse. It's a crime and should be reported.

How to spot financial abuse

If someone is trying to manipulate, coerce, influence, undermine, check up on or control any of the following, ask yourself ‘why?’ If there’s a valid reason such as illness, vulnerability or genuine concern, that’s fine. If not, you need to question their motives. Most importantly, take action.

None

Work

No one should insist you should stop working if you don’t want to. Talk to someone you trust.

None

Your bank accounts / credit cards

If someone has access to your account and you’re not happy with the situation, talk to your bank or building society. Check your balances and credit status regularly.

None

Debt

If someone is running up a debt in your name or looking at your finances without your consent it might be a crime. Monitor your finances closely.

None

Savings

If someone has taken these without permission, you need to seek help. Keep track of your savings.

None

Will

It’s your will and any attempt to change it against your wishes is against the law.

Helpful resources

Seek help. If you’re concerned about your Fidelity account, call us on 0800 358 7712. Alternatively contact your bank, credit card company and the local police on the non-emergency phone number 101. You might want to take a look at these too.

None
By the Money & Pensions Service

Money Advice Service

The UK Government’s free and impartial money advice service

None
Promoting safety and transparency

UK Finance

The collective voice for the banking and finance industry

Other financial threats to look out for

Fraudsters are highly committed to their cause. By knowing what they’re up to, you can take steps to protect yourself.

Suspicious emails and phone calls

Learn how to spot a fraudulent email or phone call, so you’re not reeled in.

Investment scams

Be wise. Don’t fall prey to too-good-to-be-true, high-pressure, deadline-driven offers.

Pension fraud

All that glitters isn’t gold. Discover how to dig deeper and protect your pension with our tips.

Identity theft

Look beyond the disguise. Impersonation can be the first step to someone stealing your assets.