Personal Home > Who are you? > Seniors > Protect yourself against fraud > The elderly and financial exploitation > What is financial exploitation?

What is financial exploitation?

Financial exploitation describes a situation where a person's financial resources are stolen, abusively controlled, mismanaged, or improperly used by a third person.

Examples are:

• Theft;
• Fraud (e.g., forged cheques);
• Embezzlement;
• Fraudulent use of a power of attorney (going well beyond the person's intentions);
• Loans obtained under pressure or threats;
• Forced sale of goods or services;
• An "inheritance" taken over by a relative before the person dies;
• Fraudulent use, theft and skimming of an ATM card;
• A cheque is cashed by an attorney or authorized person for his or her personal needs (e.g., a pension cheque);
• Request for excessive security deposit.

What are the signs of financial exploitation?
What can you do if you witness or are a victim of financial exploitation?
How to avoid financial exploitation.