Financial abuse

Financial abuse is unacceptable and we’re here to provide the information you need to help keep you safe. It can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender or sexual orientation.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when someone attempts to restrict access to your money, control your financial decisions or use your money without your consent.

Here are some examples of financial abuse:

Preventing access to joint funds, causing financial hardship.
Forcing access to your bank accounts to make transactions without your permission.
Putting you on a weekly allowance, even if you object.
Overusing credit cards or refusing to pay bills and ruining your credit rating.
Forcing you to cash in, sell or sign over your financial assets or inheritance.
Forcing you to agree to a power of attorney that would allow someone else to legally sign documents on your behalf.

Woman gazing out the window at the falling rain

Possible scenario

Christine shares a bank account with her partner. When they separated, her partner withdrew a large sum of money from their joint account without her consent or knowledge and then changed the account so that she could not access it without her partner's approval. Christine has no other source of income, so this left her with no money to live on.

How to get help and prevent financial abuse

Remember, there are no circumstances in which financial abuse is acceptable. If you think this may be happening to you, there are ways to get help and regain your independence. For all support resources, you can ask for an interpreter or translator if you need one.

If you’re not feeling safe, you should always call 000 in an emergency.
If you'd like to talk to someone, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for free and confidential counselling.
If you’re looking for help to get back on your feet, you can visit the Good Shepherd Financial Independence Hub or call on 1300 050 150.
For women, non-binary and gender-diverse people who are keen to start making a plan to regain their independence, they can book an appointment with a Money Clinic specialist at the Centre for Women's Economic Safety.
If you're struggling with debt, you can visit the National Debt Helpline or call on 1800 007 007.

If you worry that your own behaviour could potentially be recognised as abusive, please seek support. It takes strength and courage to admit to using violence or control. Free and confidential support is available for men who have been or are behaving abusively - call the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491 or chat to a Counsellor online at the No to Violence website.

4 simple ways to guard against financial abuse

It’s important to understand the risks involved when setting up a joint account with someone. You’re essentially allowing control and sharing your finances with another person.

Here are some ways you can prevent financial abuse from happening to you:

Understand what you’re signing and don’t give up control over your money. AMP Bank offers Offset Deposit Accounts in individual names linked to a joint home loan account.
Keep your personal information safe. Change your passwords, PIN, codes, and login information regularly. Secure your important documents in a safe place.
Set aside some savings and work towards supporting yourself. Try to remove yourself from depending on someone else for your financial wellbeing.
Recognise the signs of financial abuse. For example, are you:
- being pressured to give or lend money?
- being isolated from your family and friends?
- being denied access to your own accounts?
- being blamed for financial problems?

Further resources, services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Department of Health	Information about health support and services listed by topic.	health.gov.au/health-topics	1300 78 99 78 Available 24/7
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Agency)	The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain an improved quality of life. The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.	ndis.gov.au	1800 184 527 3pm – midnight, 7 days
Healthdirect Australia	Speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. It can help if you're not sure if you should see a doctor or manage your condition at home.	healthdirect.gov.au	1800 022 222 Available 24/7
Services Australia	Access Medicare and some health services at low or no cost. Help for people with disability or if you're caring for someone.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/health-and-disability
Disability Gateway	Information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia.	disabilitygateway.gov.au	1800 050 321 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday
Job Access	Gives people with disability, employers, service providers and the community access to information about services, financial assistance and workplace solutions.	jobaccess.gov.au
Disability Advocacy Finder	Find a Disability Advocate near you - someone who can ensure your choices and rights are respected and you are being treated fairly.	askizzy.org.au/disability-advocacy-finder

Financial support directory

Our financial support directory includes product help, calculators and a list of community and government organisations that can provide relevant support for your situation.

View directory

Protection from financial abuse

What is financial abuse?

Possible scenario

How to get help and prevent financial abuse

4 simple ways to guard against financial abuse

Further resources, services and support

We're here to help

Important information

Whatever wealthy you want