North East residents urged to be help protect vulnerable adults at risk of financial harm

Residents across the North East are being asked to be alert to vulnerable adults in their communities who are susceptible to financial harm.

Adult Support and Protection Day takes place on Thursday, 20 February, 2025 and Police Scotland is urging everyone to report any concerns to ensure those in need are able to access support.

Financial harm can cover theft, fraud and pressure to sign over property or money. It also relates to rogue traders, online scammers and misuse of benefits.

People can be at increased risk to be harmed financially through factors such as ill health, trauma and physical or mental health conditions.

It can happen anywhere - in someone’s home, where they work, or in a public place - and is often caused by the people closest to them. It can even happen in places responsible for keeping someone safe, such as a care home, hospital or day centre.

It’s important to speak up about any concerns you have, as the person may not be able to do so themselves.

In the north east, officers have introduced a scheme which aims to identify people who may become susceptible to fraud through personal life circumstances, such as bereavement, ill health or other life changes.

These people don’t necessarily meet the criteria for social services or additional care support but due to their circumstances they can be more vulnerable to fraud.

Several banks and bank mangers are heavily involved through the banking protocol initiative, and officers work closely with them to ensure the appropriate measures are in place. They are fully supportive of the initiative.

Detective Inspector Kerry McCombie said:

“Protecting people from harm is not just about policing or working with partners, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to watch out for vulnerable people in our communities who may be at risk of harm and to report concerns to someone who can help.

Due to their vulnerability, the person being harmed may not be able to report it themselves, so it is vital that you look out for them and report anything you think is not right.

In response we work collaboratively with partners to ensure that the right support and most appropriate advice and assistance is provided to those who need it.”

Brenda Walker, National Adult Support and Protection Coordinator for Scotland, said: “It can be difficult to know what to do when you’re worried about someone, and you might feel that you don’t want to interfere. However, reporting your concerns could really help to keep someone safe and turn their life around.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping those in their communities safe, so I would encourage anyone who has seen something that worries them to please say something.”

If you’re worried that someone is at risk of harm or neglect from others - or harming or neglecting themselves – contact Police Scotland via 101.

Call 999 if you believe the person is in immediate danger.

Contacts:
Aberdeen City: APSW@aberdeencity.gov.uk 0800 731 5520
Aberdeenshire: adultprotectionnetwork@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 01467 533100
Moray: accesscareteam@moray.gov.uk 01343 563999