Financial abuse
We can help you take back control of your money.
Financial abuse can take many forms. It could be someone stopping you from earning or using your own money. It could be someone running up debts in your name, or spending your money without your permission.
Whatever it is, you don’t have to deal with it on your own – we can help.
What does financial abuse look like?
Financial abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, or disability. Often, it’s carried out by a partner, but it can also be a family member, friend or carer. They might:
- stop you from working or getting to your job
- make you hand over control of your bank accounts
- make you explain what you’ve spent your money on
- stop you buying essentials
- take out credit cards or loans in your name
- spend your household budget on other things without telling you
- withdraw money from your account without your knowledge or permission.
What can Principality do?
We’ll listen to your situation and make sure we understand what you’re going through before we suggest ways we can help – we won’t judge you or put any pressure on you.
We can offer practical support to help you take back control of your money. This could include:
- helping you understand the payments going in and out of your account
- letting you know your options if you have a joint account
- setting up a new savings account
- sending your statements to a different address
- helping you deal with any debts
- working out a budget.
We might also tell you about other organisations that can support you and help keep you safe.
Important:
If you need help urgently, you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 0247.
This free helpline is run by Refuge and Women’s Aid and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Not ready to talk?
UK Finance has worked with several banks and building societies to create a leaflet about financial abuse. This leaflet contains more examples of financial abuse, how we can help, and lists other organisations that can support you when you’re ready.
You can download the leaflet here.
Is someone you know a victim of financial abuse?
They might need some support from you to ask for help. You can show them the UK Finance ‘It’s your money’ leaflet and encourage them to contact us, their bank or building society, or one of the organisations listed at the back of the leaflet.
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