Financial abuse and elder financial abuse support - NAB

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We’re here to help you

If you're experiencing financial abuse, elder abuse, or family and domestic violence we're here to help. We encourage you to contact our Extra Care Specialist team as early as possible. The team can talk with you about your situation and help you find ways to manage your banking safely.  

Contacting us is free and confidential. It won't affect your banking with NAB and can be an important step towards getting support.  With your permission, we may also connect you with trusted support organisations to help you get the right support.

Support options for financial and elder abuse

We'll take the time to understand your situation and work with you to find the support that best meets your needs.  Everything you tell us will be treated confidentially. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, please call 000.  

Get NAB Extra Care Specialist team support Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm (AEST/AEDT)

Banking safety review

We can support you with a banking safety review, this may include:

  • checking which devices can access your Internet Banking
  • removing any unsafe or unauthorised devices, where appropriate
  • updating your contact details
  • changing joint account settings
  • updating passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication
  • updating your mailing address
  • updating your email address

We can also help if you've received messages in transactions that are abusive or controlling, or if you need access to past statements or information about your direct debits.

Individual account set-up

We can help you set up your own account and make sure your banking information is sent to you safely and privately.

You can choose to:

  • receive statements, letters and cards online
  • use a safe mailing address

We'll work with you to make sure your account details and communication preferences are set up in the safest way for your situation.

Financial assistance

If you're worried about making repayments on your home loan, credit card or other lending products, we may be able to help. You can request financial assistance, which may include a payment break or a flexible payment arrangement.

You can ask for financial help using NAB Messaging by logging into NAB Internet Banking or the NAB app. Once you message us, a member of our team will follow up with a phone call to discuss your situation.

To learn more, visit Financial assistance

Referral assistance

We can help connect you with trusted support organisations that may be able to help you get the right support. Whether you need specialist support or help beyond banking, we're here to guide you and connect you with services that meet your needs.

You can also visit Ask Izzy to search for support services and resources in your local area.

Free, independent and confidential financial counselling

Financial counsellors offer free, independent and confidential advice to help you manage your money and understand your options. They can help if you're experiencing financial stress or having trouble keeping up with repayments.

A financial counsellor may be able to speak directly with NAB and other lenders on your behalf, so you don’t have to manage conversations with multiple banks or service providers yourself.

Visit National Debt Helpline.

Accessible help for everyone

We offer a range of accessible services to help you access the right support, in the way that works best for you.

Easy English Extra Care support guide

Our Extra Care information is available in Easy English.

Easy English is a way of writing that uses simple words and clear information. It can help people who find reading, understanding or processing written English difficult.

What is financial abuse and elder financial abuse?

Financial abuse happens when someone controls another person's money, property or financial decisions. It can affect a person's financial safety, independence and ability to make their own choices.

Financial abuse is often a form of domestic and family violence, but it can also happen in other relationships. It may be used to control someone, make them dependent on another person, or make it harder for them to leave an unsafe situation.

Elder financial abuse happens when an older person's money, property or finances are misused. It often involves someone they know and trust. It can happen once or many times and may cause financial harm, emotional distress or both.

Financial abuse and elder financial abuse can include the following behaviours.

Not giving money for essentials

Someone refuses to give money for things like food, rent or medicine or threatens not to.

Blocking access to money

Stopping someone from using either their own or their business's money or preventing them from making their own financial decisions.

Taking property without permission

Moving someone’s property or money to another person’s name without asking.

Hurting credit score

Not paying bills or debts on purpose to damage someone’s credit rating or financial history.

Misusing legal power

Using a power of attorney to take someone’s money or property for personal use.

Business exploitation

Using someone’s business name or money for personal gain without their permission or forcing them to sign business documents they don’t understand.

Forced to borrow money

When someone makes another person take out a personal loan, business loan or credit card they don’t want or don’t understand.

Hiding bank information

Not letting someone see their own bank statements, business records or Internet Banking, so they don’t know what’s happening with their money.

Unfair sharing (or unreciprocated sharing)

Not helping with shared costs, asking for money and not paying it back or not sharing fairly, for example during parental leave.

External support for financial and elder financial abuse

Many organisations provide support for people experiencing financial abuse or elder financial abuse. These services can offer specialist advice, information and support to help you stay safe.

If there is an immediate threat to your safety, please call 000.

Support close to you

  • Senior Rights Victoria
    Provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights of senior citizens.

    Victims of crime helpline
    Can provide financial assistance, advice and support through counselling, making a report, emergency home security and much more.

  • Elder Abuse Helpline
    Provides free and confidential support. Trained staff can listen, discuss your situation and offer referrals to appropriate services and resources.

  • Housing SA Private Rental Program
    Provides assistance for individuals and families to access a tenancy in the private rental market, services includes support with bonds, removals and advocacy.

    South Australian elder abuse phone line
    Provides confidential support for you or someone you know is concerned about elder abuse and can provide advice on the situation.

  • Council On The Ageing
    Provides information, support, advice and education and connects you other support services and resources.

  • Financial Rights legal centre
    Offers advice and advocacy for customers in financial stress.

  • Older Persons ACT Legal Service
    A specialised service within Legal Aid ACT. It provides legal support and advice when experiencing elder abuse and connects you other relevant support services and resources.

  • Victims of Crime
    Support with claiming compensation for any suffering, including financial earnings both past and future.

    Elder Abuse Helpline
    Provides tailored support for people over 65 years of ages experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse.

  • Anglicare Private Rental Support
    Provides assistance for individuals and families to access a tenancy in the private rental market, this includes support with bonds, removals and advocacy.

    Tasmania elder abuse phone line
    Provides confidential support for you or someone they know is concerned about elder abuse and can provide advice on the situation.

Tools and resources

Wherever you are in life, find the tools and resources that make managing your money easier.

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