Staggering amount stolen from elderly 'by family' in Birmingham uncovered by charity

An elderly woman from Birmingham was left sitting in the same spot all day after suffering a stroke, as her son greedily claimed benefits in her name. Neglected by everyone, she had no idea her son was exploiting her.

This is one of many horrifying stories of financial abuse within the South Asian community. According to domestic abuse charity Roshni, more awareness needs to be raised of financial abuse against the elderly in this ethnic group.

It is difficult to collect evidence on the issue however, language barriers and lack of knowledge can stop victims from reaching out. Traditionally, South Asian people live in extended multi-generational families and may fear being isolated if they speak up about abuse.

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Financial abuse is the mistreatment of someone in terms of their money or assets, such as property. This can include restricting access to money, pressuring someone about their will or stealing their money.

Surwat Sohail, CEO of Roshni, said: "We are raising awareness of elderly abuse, especially financial abuse of elders within South Asian families. Many don't know it is domestic violence and often sons and husbands control the finances.

"The elderly are prevented from having control of their money, sometimes there are threats to put them in a care home. One case study we heard was a mother, 65, who didn't know her son was claiming benefits in her name for himself.

"She had a stroke and was just left to sit on the sofa in the same spot all day. It was domestic violence because of the lack of care and stimulation, the daughter-in-law didn't want her there but she wanted the money.

"Sadly she passed away a few years ago but someone was able to intervene beforehand and help her. The domestic violence is more subtle as it's taking the finances away, it is more mental.

"Right now evidence is anecdotal and we are raising awareness that these are abusive practices. We hope more victims will come forward and seek support.

"We can offer all of our services including outreach, counselling or refuge. We want to inform families that this is abuse and victims that there is help available."

Charity Hourglass, who tackle abuse and exploitation of elderly people, received five calls of economic abuse in Birmingham in the last three years which combined, resulted in a total loss of £66,100 from older people.

In the West Midlands in the same three year period, they claim they received seven calls of incidents, with a total value stolen or defrauded from older people at £205,650. Five of these cases involved South Asian victims.

In three out of five economic cases, the perpetrator was the victim's son. In the other two cases, it was unspecified family members.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO of Hourglass said: "Economic abuse of older people has reached epidemic levels and blights the lives of millions of older people. Research by Hourglass reveals that over £53 million has been stolen or defrauded from Hourglass helpline callers in the last three years - but this is likely to be a gross underestimate.

"Theft is theft. But taking money from an older person is often thought to be a victimless crime.

"We hear stories where families believe that 'taking money without permission' is acceptable as the older person no longer needs the money. Or that it is the family's inheritance and they're 'just taking it early'.

"But these are simply excuses for abuse. Excuses that are wrong, especially when 61% of perpetrators of this abuse are close family members, most often adult sons and daughters.

"While the ongoing economic crisis exacerbates these issues further, this is not an epidemic brought about by financial insecurity alone. This tide of abuse has existed for years yet continues to remain hidden and ignored by those who can do something about it."

Advice for elderly includes:

• If other people do your shopping, keep an eye on receipts and what is spent

• Only let people you trust have access to your accounts, money or any benefits or pensions

• Be aware of phone and internet scams - do not send money or information before confirming identities

• Always do your research when employing people for household jobs or repairs. Make sure you obtain a few quotes and use reputable companies. If someone is pressuring you this may be a cause for concern. You are entitled to say 'no' and close the door. If you are worried call 101, if they become aggressive or inappropriate call 999

• Ensure you choose secure passwords for online banking that only you know and if you need to write them down keep them in a safe place and do not share them

• Keep important documents and valuables safe and out of sight

• Think about who you might want to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity to do so, and consider giving someone you trust Power of Attorney

Signs of economic abuse include:

• Signatures on official documents that do not resemble the older person's own

• Sudden changes in bank accounts, including unexplained withdrawals of large sums of money

• The unexplained inclusion of additional names on an older person's bank account

• Sudden and unexplained transfers of assets to a family member or someone outside the family

• The abrupt changes to, or the sudden establishment of wills

• The sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to an older person's affairs or possessions