Laws needed to deal with elder financial abuse

Accountant and MHK working on new legislation to increase protection

The Isle of Man needs legislation in place to protect elderly and vulnerable people from financial abuse.

That's according to Bridge Carter from the accountancy firm UHY Crossleys.

She's working with Jason Moorhouse MHK to bring forward a Private Members Bill on the matter, hopefully in the next year.

A member of her own family was subject to such abuse, but legally Ms Carter found she wasn't able to do anything about it. 

She also says she found it very difficult to spot the signs:

You can more from Ms Carter below:

In a statement to Manx Radio, Mr Moorhouse said: "I have been working with Bridge since July to try to bring forward a piece of legislation that would bring together and develop the legal protection for situations involving elderly and vulnerable financial abuse.

"The process has been more complex than I had initially anticipated and the AGs Office are wanting a level of clarity on the existing situation on Island before the drafting can take place.

"Another challenge has been finding similar legislation, examples in the US has been identified and this should assist with the process.

"This certainly does appear to be a genuine issue on Island and hopefully we will be able to create the legislation that will make it easier for the people in this situation to get the legal support they need."

Financial crimes against elderly residents are reported to the Island's police on a daily basis, but it can be difficult to spot the signs.

That's according to Inspector Gavin Callow from the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Officers typically see two types of financial abuse against older and vulnerable people - coercive control and online scams.

Inspector Callow is urging anyone who has suspicions to report them:

You can hear Inspector Callow's full interview with Manx Radio's Sian Cowper below:

Age Concern IOM is one local charity which recieves calls from elderly and vulnerable people looking for help and advice on financial abuse on a regular basis.

Chief Executive of the organisation Helen Southworth says awareness of the issue is an essential part of solving it: