This Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June), Queensland Police are reminding the community to stay vigilant towards the signs of elder abuse after a man was arrested for defrauding an elderly family member of over $1 million.
Detectives from Financial and Cyber Crime Group, Crime and Intelligence Command, commenced an investigation in January 2021 after a complaint was received from the Public Trustee on behalf of an 83-year-old Ashmore woman in relation to alleged misappropriated funds from her bank accounts.
Following a protracted investigation, detectives identified 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.
Police will allege that due to illness, the woman did not have capacity to provide him with permission to access these funds. Police will also allege the man never held an authority of enduring power of attorney to lawfully access her finances.
Police will further allege the man used the woman’s debit card to make over $150,000 in unauthorised purchases or withdrawals for his own use. Police will further allege by May 2018, the woman’s account had been left nearly empty.
On 7 June, 2022, Financial and Cyber Crime Group detectives travelled to Melbourne to execute a search warrant at an Elwood residence with assistance from Victoria Police Financial Crime Squad.
A 64-year-old Elwood man was charged with one count of fraud greater than $100,000.
He is due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court 4 July 2022.
Detective Superintendent Lance Vercoe of the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said the investigation highlights 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,” Detective Superintendent Vercoe said.
“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”.
The Public Trustee and chief executive officer, Samay Zhouand, said almost all cases of elder abuse occurred within family relationships.
“It’s devastating, but over 80 per cent of financial elder abuse reports in Queensland involve family or friends mismanaging their role as attorney.
“The Queensland Police Service plays such an important role, and we thank you for your critical work.
“But, it does not stop there.
“We all have a role in raising awareness of elder abuse and financial fraud to reduce the risk of elder abuse in the community,” Mr Zhouand said.
If you know someone or are a victim of elder abuse or financial abuse and the matter is not urgent, for confidential advice, support and referrals (including community groups and support services) contact the elder abuse helpline, run by the government funded Uniting Care Elder Abuse Prevention Unit on 1300 651 192.
For more information on understanding, recognising and seeking help to prevent elder abuse, visit police.qld.gov.au/domestic-violence/elder-abuse
