Financial Abuse Urged to be Reported as Millions of Adults in Ireland Are Affected
A concerning report from Safeguarding Ireland reveals that 30% of adults in Ireland have faced financial abuse, mostly at the hands of someone they know. Common abuses include the unauthorized use of cash, bank cards, and property. Patricia Rickard-Clarke, Chairperson of Safeguarding Ireland, emphasized that such crimes often involve coercion and escalate over time. To protect themselves, vulnerable adults are advised to maintain control over their finances, avoid sharing sensitive information, and seek assistance only from trusted individuals. Authorities are calling for increased awareness and reporting of financial abuse in the community.