Alleged million dollar family fraud. Police urge elderly to speak up about abuse
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Queensland and Victoria police during the arrest in Melbourne of a man accused of financial elder abuse (Queensland Police)
Queensland Police want people to be vigilant for signs of elder abuse, following the arrest of a man alleged to have defrauded an elderly family member of over one million dollars.
An investigation began in January last year when the Queensland Public Trustee raised concern about an 83-year-old Ashmore woman.
Police allege that, between 2014 and 2018, a 64-year-old Melbourne man, a family member of the victim, had transferred over $1.145 million dollars from the woman’s bank accounts into his own without permission or authority.
It’s alleged the man used the woman’s debit card to make over $150,000 in unauthorised purchases or withdrawals, leaving her account almost empty.
The man was arrested in Melbourne in a joint operation by Queensland and Victoria police. He is due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court in July.
Detective Superintendent Lance Vercoe, of the Queensland Police Financial and Cyber Crime Group, said police will act to protect and support victims of elder abuse.
“In all of my 42 years of policing, I find these types of offences the most gut wrenching and disturbing, that someone could treat their loved ones this way.
“I would recommend that the elderly and vulnerable never feel ashamed, and to take control if this behaviour occurs and always reach out to a support person or friend.”
Queensland Public Trustee, Samay Zhouand, said almost all cases of elder abuse occur within family relationships.
“It’s devasting, but over 80 per cent of financial elder abuse reports in Queensland involve family or friends mismanaging their role as attorney.
“We all have a role in raising awareness of elder abuse and financial fraud to reduce the risk of elder abuse in the community.”
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed each June 15 since 2006.
Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they trust, such as a family member or friend. Abuse could be physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual, and includes mistreatment and neglect.
