Financial exploitation is a form of financial abuse. It occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child, young person, or adult (including those with care and support needs); to misuse or take their financial assets (including welfare benefits) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.
The victim may have been financially exploited even if the activity appears consensual; or may not have explicit knowledge of the exploitation.
Financial exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur using digital or postal communication.