A man has been accused of defrauding his mother for more than $1 million, while police urge the community to “stay vigilant” for signs of elder abuse.
Police allege that the 64-year-old Melbourne man transferred more than $1.14 million from his 83-year-old mother’s account to his account between 2014 and 2018.
The Melbourne man allegedly used his mother’s debit card from Queensland to make more than $150,000 in unauthorized purchases and withdrawals, leaving the retiree’s account nearly empty.
Police allege that the Ashmore woman, who was ill, was unable to allow her son – who had no power of attorney – to access her money.
In January last year, detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group and Crime and Intelligence Command launched an investigation after the Public Trustee filed a complaint on behalf of the woman.
Camera icon The woman’s son has been charged and is due to appear in court next month. Delivered. Credit: News Regional Media
Last week, detectives flew to Melbourne to execute a search warrant at the man’s address in Elwood.
He was later charged with a count of fraud over $100,000 and is due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 4.
Detective Superintendent Lance Vercoe of the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said allegations of elder abuse were “worrying” and urged people to remain vigilant for the signs.
“In all my 42 years of police work, I find these kinds of offenses most heartbreaking and disturbing that someone can treat their loved ones in this way,” he said.
“I would advise the elderly and vulnerable never to feel ashamed, take control if this behavior occurs, and always contact a support person or friend.”
Camera icon The Domestic, Family Violence, and Vulnerable Persons unit of QPS has warned the community to remain vigilant against elder abuse. MONKEY Image/Claudia Baxter. Credit: News Corp Australia
The public trustee and CEO, Samay Zhouand, said nearly all cases of elder abuse occurred within family relationships.
“It is devastating, but over 80 percent of reports of elder financial abuse in Queensland involve family or friends mismanaging their role as lawyers.” h said.
“We all have a role in raising awareness of elder abuse and financial fraud to reduce the risk of elder abuse in the community.”
It comes on Wednesday, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
It is estimated that one in six older Australians will experience some form of elder abuse. It can be emotional, financial, physical, or sexual. It can also be the result of neglect.
“Whether we are ninety, we all deserve to be safe, equal, and respected. To prevent elder abuse from happening, we need to understand how it works and the underlying attitudes, structures, and beliefs that cause it,” said Cybele Koning, CEO of Caxton Legal Center.
If you know someone or have been a victim of elder abuse or financial abuse and the matter is not urgent, please get in touch with the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192.
