How to detect and avoid elder financial abuse

Estimated reading time is 5 minutes.

Developed by the Australian Banking Association (ABA), the safe and savvy guide has been created to help you detect potential elder financial abuse, scams and fraud for both you and your loved ones.

The guide will help you understand:

What elder financial abuse is, and why you need to be aware of it.
How to recognise the types and signs of elder financial abuse.
How to protect you and your loved ones against potential abuse both now and in the future.

The ABA Safe & Savvy guide (PDF 5.8MB)

If you’re older than 50, or you have a loved one over the age of 50 then this guide is for you.

The more you understand about elder financial abuse, the more likely you, your family and friends will be able to identify and act to prevent it.

If you think you’re being financially abused, or have had fraud on your NAB card or account, then head to our fraud and scams page to find out what to do, and who to contact.

Setting up a Power of Attorney could help you manage your finances by choosing someone you trust, to act in your best interests.

Be aware, it can also be abused by an attorney to take your assets for themselves or for others. The ABA Safe n Savvy Guide explains Power of Attorney.

You can learn about how to set one up with NAB by referring to the information pack here.

Online skills, knowledge and confidence are key for older Australians to protect their privacy, avoid scams and reduce social isolation that can foster elder abuse. Be Connected is an award-winning Australian government initiative that provides all of this – free of charge. The Be Connected website is a one-stop shop with more than 150 online learning modules and 350 learning activities. From setting strong passwords to communicating on social media and spotting scams – it is a powerful resource for older Australians to protect themselves. Visit www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au to find out more.

Information, resources and tools

Australian Government | Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together in a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities, and risky online behaviours.

https://www.cyber.gov.au/

Australian Government | ReportCyber

ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.

https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | Scamwatch

Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Australian Government | Office of the eSafety Commissioner

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.

https://esafety.gov.au/

Australian Government | Attorney-General’s Department

The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.

https://www.ag.gov.au/RightsAndProtections/Pages/default.aspx

IDCare

IDCare is Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit counselling and support service set up to assist Australians impacted by identity theft and cyber-related crimes.

IDCare can assist NAB customers to navigate through the process when identity details or credentials have been compromised through fraud or scams. IDCare is a free service for all Australians.