Merseyside Police is encouraging people to be alert to the warning signs of fraud by abuse of position as it supports a national awareness campaign running during the week commencing Monday 7 September.
The campaign is led by the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, and aims to help people recognise when somebody may be exploiting a position of responsibility, authority or trust for financial gain.
Fraud by abuse of position can take many forms. It may involve carers, employees, professionals or others using their access, influence or authority to steal money, manipulate financial decisions or exploit vulnerable individuals.
National figures show that a total of 3,812 reports of fraud by abuse of position were made to UK police forces (excluding Scotland, where figures are reported separately) during the 2025/26 financial year. In Merseyside during the same period, investigators were working on 79 cases, and victims referred to Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officers (FASOs) had lost a combined £821,570.
Most commonly, victims were aged between 60 and 74. Despite the significant impact of these crimes, specialist intervention by Merseyside FASOs helped recover £61,200 for victims during the financial year.
Detective Sergeant John Causton, of the Economic Crime Team at Merseyside Police, said: “Fraud by abuse of position is particularly concerning because offenders exploit trust at a time when people may be at their most vulnerable. We see criminals taking advantage of individuals experiencing ill health, cognitive decline or bereavement, using their close relationship or position of responsibility to gain access to money, bank accounts or financial information.
“These offences can cause significant financial loss and leave victims feeling deeply betrayed. Fraud can often be a complex crime to investigate and, although it can sometimes take time to piece together the evidence, we are relentless in our pursuit of offenders.”
Investigators from Merseyside Police’s Economic Crime Team currently have seven unrelated fraud by abuse of position cases with defendants due to make their first court appearances during September and October 2026. Two of these cases involve allegations that a woman aged in her 70s had been defrauded out of £23,000 and a man aged in his 60s had lost more than £190,000.
Merseyside Police is encouraging anyone who supports an elderly relative, acts under a power of attorney, is involved in administering an estate, or works within the care sector to remain vigilant for signs of financial abuse.
Detective Sergeant Causton added: “If you feel pressured, notice unexplained changes to your finances, or become concerned about the behaviour of somebody in a trusted position, take action. Speak to a family member, friend, bank or the police. Acting quickly can help prevent further losses and protect others from becoming victims.”
As part of the campaign, Merseyside Police is encouraging people to watch for common warning signs of fraud by abuse of position.
Warning signs to look out for
Be cautious if:
- Someone in a position of trust is taking an unusual interest in your finances or savings.
- You are being encouraged to keep financial decisions secret from family members or friends.
- Unexplained withdrawals, transfers or purchases appear on bank accounts.
- A trusted individual begins pressuring you to make payments, gifts or loans.
- You feel uncomfortable questioning financial decisions or transactions.
What to do if you are concerned
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
- Speak to someone you trust about your concerns.
- Contact your bank immediately by calling 159 if you believe your finances may be at risk.
- Keep a record of any suspicious activity.
- Report concerns so appropriate safeguarding measures can be considered.
How to get advice or report information
- Visit the Stop! Think Fraud website at gov.uk/StopThinkFraud for more comprehensive advice and guidance.
- If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- Victims of any crime, including fraud, can obtain support from Victim Care Merseyside by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or request support online at https://www.victimcaremerseyside.org/ at any time.
- If you have information about those committing fraud or cybercrime, you can pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.