18 June 2025

Suncorp Bank encourages customers to stand guard against elder financial abuse

10 min read

In support of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Sunday 15 June, Suncorp Bank encourages its customers to regularly check in on their older loves ones. 

With about 1 in 6 older Australians reporting they have experienced abuse in the last twelve months, it is necessary that family members and friends can recognise the warning signs to provide support to those in need (Australian Institue of Family Studies, 2021). 

One of the primary forms of abuse experienced by elderly people is Financial Abuse, involving the theft or misuse of a person’s money or assets. Older individuals can have an increased risk of experiencing financial abuse as they may rely on others to help complete financial tasks, such as banking. 

For Customer Support Manager, Benjamin Jackson, identifying the early warning signs of Financial Abuse is a responsibility he takes seriously.  

“My team, Specialist Customer Support, plays a crucial role in investigating, managing conversations, and speaking with customers to help prevent the most vulnerable from becoming victims of abuse,” said Benjamin. 

“It is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously and believe everyone has a part to play.”

Benjamin shares that in one-fifth of elder abuses cases the perpetrator is an adult child, emphasising the bank’s important role of assessing each customer’s personal situation on a case-by-case basis (Australian Institue of Family Studies, 2021).

“Whether it’s unusual transactions in branch, customers who seem distressed, or power of attorney circumstances, our team are trained to support our customers with care and understanding.” 

“In some situations, we escalate our interactions and implement necessary controls to keep our customers funds safe. Sometimes these may be precautionary measures, but we want to put our customers’ safety first, in all that we do,” said Benjamin.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for communities to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people. Benjamin outlines some ways family members and friends can support loved ones all year round. 

“It’s important to know the signs. Keep an eye out for individuals who sign legal documents, control access to accounts, or use money on behalf of your loved one,” said Benjamin. 

“Let’s work together to respect and preserve the dignity of older people, helping to provide a safe environment for those who have gone before.”