Financial abuse is a form of exploitation that is often hidden, misunderstood, and deeply damaging. For amputees and disabled people, the risk can be higher — not because of weakness, but because systems, dependence, and vulnerability are too often taken advantage of by others.
This is not a topic about blame. Financial abuse can happen to anyone. Understanding the signs is about protection, dignity, and empowerment.
What Is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse occurs when someone controls, exploits, or misuses another person’s money, benefits, property, or assets for their own gain. It can be committed by:
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A partner or ex-partner
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A family member
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A friend or “helper”
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A carer or personal assistant
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Someone met online (including romance scams)
It can happen slowly and quietly, often disguised as help, love, or support.
Why Amputees May Be at Increased Risk
Amputation can bring sudden or long-term changes that others may exploit, including:
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Reliance on others during recovery or long-term mobility changes
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Access to benefits, compensation, or lump-sum payments
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Fatigue, pain, trauma, or mental health challenges
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Reduced ability to manage paperwork, banking, or admin independently
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Fear of losing support or being left alone
None of these make someone “easy to exploit” — but they do create situations where trust is required, and trust can be abused.
Signs of Financial Abuse to Watch Out For
Changes in Control
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Someone else insists on managing your money “to help”
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You are discouraged from seeing bank statements or bills
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You are pressured to add someone to your bank account
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You are told you are “bad with money” to justify control
Pressure and Manipulation
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Feeling guilty for spending money on yourself or your needs
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Being told you “owe” someone for care, time, or kindness
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Pressure to give money, gifts, or loans you’re uncomfortable with
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Being rushed into financial decisions
Isolation
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Someone discourages you from speaking to friends, family, or professionals
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You’re told “they wouldn’t understand” or “they’ll interfere”
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Financial conversations are kept secret
Missing Money or Assets
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Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
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Benefits or payments not reaching you
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Personal items, equipment, or valuables going missing
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Debts or contracts you don’t remember agreeing to
Online and Romance Scams
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Someone you’ve never met asks for money, gift cards, or “emergency help”
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Promises of love, marriage, or relocation tied to financial requests
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Requests to keep the relationship or payments secret
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Stories that don’t quite add up, especially around crises
“But I Gave the Money Willingly…”
Many people experiencing financial abuse say:
“I agreed to it.”
“They didn’t force me.”
“I wanted to help.”
Financial abuse does not require force.
If money is given because of pressure, fear, manipulation, dependency, or emotional control, it may still be abuse — even if it felt like a choice at the time.
The Impact of Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can lead to:
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Loss of independence
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Increased reliance on the abuser
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Anxiety, shame, or depression
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Inability to meet basic needs
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Difficulty leaving unsafe situations
For amputees, it can also directly affect:
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Prosthetic access and maintenance
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Transport and mobility
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Medical care and recovery
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Housing stability
What You Can Do If You’re Worried
Talk to Someone You Trust
This could be a friend, family member, support worker, GP, or charity. You deserve to be listened to without judgement.
Get Financial Clarity
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Ask for copies of bank statements or benefit letters
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Consider a separate account only you control
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Seek independent advice before signing anything
You Don’t Have to Act Immediately
You are allowed time to think. Anyone pressuring you to act now is a red flag.
Seek Specialist Support
There are organisations that understand both disability and safeguarding and can support you confidentially.
A Final Reassurance
Financial abuse thrives on silence, shame, and confusion — but you are not foolish, weak, or to blame.
If something feels wrong, it deserves attention.
If you’ve lost money, you still deserve support.
If you’re unsure, you’re allowed to ask questions.
Your independence, safety, and dignity matter.
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