If you suspect that you or someone you know is being financially abused, then you need to act immediately. Here are four things you can do right away:

1. Tell someone - Talk to a person you trust and tell them what’s happening. Don’t be embarrassed - telling someone is your first step to making the abuse stop.
2. Get help - Call the police, a lawyer or a local senior’s centre to find out who can help you deal with the abuse.
3. Tell your bank if it relates to financial transactions - If you think someone is taking money from your bank account or charging your credit card without your permission, let your bank know immediately so they can shut account activity down.
4. Get some distance - remove the abuser from your home and change the locks if someone has a key.

Where can you get more help? Read more here.

What does financial abuse look like? Read Anton’s story:

At 85 Anton has lived in the same house for 50 years. Last year, he began to have problems remembering things and missed some bill payments. His nephew suggested he sign a power of attorney giving him signing authority - it meant his bills would be paid on time and his cheques would be cashed.

Everything was fine for a few months. But now his nephew has put Anton's house up for sale - without his permission.

Three things Anton should do right away

1. Tell a trusted friend or another family member
2. Tell his bank
3. Contact a lawyer