Advice needed please

[Devon Maid]

My mum is wanting to lend (give) money to a person in another country that she is quite obsessed with. She has met this person a few times, he is younger than me, she has known the family for years, and went on holiday there a couple of years where this person was absolutely the best thing in the world. She has no diagnosis of any mental health issues but I had an appt with her Dr probably over a year ago as I had concerns and have been keeping notes every time mum does something a bit strange (it’s a long list...) I’m going to call the Dr tomorrow and request a phone appt.

In the meantime Mum is wanting to set up phone banking so she can send money abroad. I’m very concerned that she’s being played. I have POA and will call the bank tomorrow to discuss but this has all blown up today and if anyone has any advice I’d be grateful to hear it please.

[Melly1]

Hi Devonmaid,

I would be worried too. Difficult to though, if your Mum argues she 'knows' this person. I think contacting the bank is a good idea.

Is the POA activated or just in place for when its needed?

Melly1

[Devon Maid]

Hi Melly, it’s registered with the bank but she has capacity so I cannot stop. I know that she doesn’t really understand money like she once did and I’m worried that there’s nothing to stop her sending all her money to him. It’s a worry.

[sunnydisposition]

What a difficult situation.

I think the banks the quickest thing to do. There should be a 24 hr help line.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-ad ... rom-abuse/

Action on Elder Abuse (0808 808 8141) and Age UK (0800 678 1174).

[bowlingbun]

Talk to the bank, explain that mum is a vulnerable adult and they have a duty of care towards her. If they refuse to block the transaction, then they can expect a claim against them.

[Devon Maid]

Thank you both, that’s really helpful. I didn’t realise that the banks would have a duty of care to that degree. Very much appreciated.

[bowlingbun]

If possible, go to the bank personally rather than phone, then you just get a call centre.
If you get no joy, put your fears in writing and post it to the bank Recorded Delivery.
I have a leaflet about the duty of care somewhere, will try and find it tomorrow.

[Devon Maid]

I’ve already put all the poa info, my passport and I’d in my bag ready to go there tomorrow, thank you for the tip. I did find them helpful when I set up the poa, but this might need moving faster.

[bowlingbun]

As you have POA, why not open a separate savings account in mum's name that you are sole signatory to, and then mum only has her pension going into the other account?

[Devon Maid]

Can I actually take control away from her like that? I think that might be a step too far at the moment, but thank you.