When people think about fraud, they often picture sophisticated online fraud, phishing emails or criminals operating from behind a screen. However, some of the most damaging frauds are committed not by strangers, but by people in positions of trust. 

New analysis of reports made to Report Fraud – the UK’s cybercrime and fraud reporting service – highlights the scale of fraud by abuse of position, a crime that occurs when someone exploits a position of responsibility, authority or trust for financial gain. During the 2025/26 financial year, victims reported losses of almost £94m through this crime. More than £51m of those losses were suffered by people aged 70 and over. 

Unlike many other frauds, abuse of position frequently takes place within existing personal or professional relationships. Offenders may be family members, friends, carers, employees or others entrusted to support a person’s financial affairs. The trust placed in these individuals can provide direct access to money, assets and personal information, making offending easier to conceal and harder to detect. 

For legal professionals, the findings highlight a growing risk affecting some of society’s most vulnerable people.

Report Fraud received 628 reports involving the alleged misuse of power of attorney during the reporting period, resulting in reported losses of tens of millions of pounds. While powers of attorney are an important safeguard and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, are used appropriately, they can also be exploited by individuals seeking to benefit financially from their position.

We also continue to receive reports involving wills, probate and the administration of estates. In some cases, allegations suggest offenders have exploited bereavement, family disputes or vulnerabilities to gain financial advantage. These situations can blur the line between criminal conduct, undue influence and civil dispute, making them particularly complex for victims and legal practitioners alike. 

Too often, abuse of position can be viewed primarily as a family matter, safeguarding concern or civil dispute. While those elements may be present, we should also recognise that, in some cases, it is serious fraud causing significant financial and emotional harm. Viewing these cases through that broader lens is essential if we are to identify risk earlier, protect vulnerable individuals and intervene before losses escalate.

Solicitors are often among the first professionals to identify signs that something may be wrong. A client who appears reluctant to speak in front of a family member, unexplained changes to legal arrangements, unusual financial decisions, concerns around capacity, or sudden requests to amend wills or powers of attorney can all warrant closer scrutiny. 

As our population ages and more people rely on others to help manage their affairs, vigilance will become increasingly important.

The impact of abuse of position fraud extends well beyond the financial loss itself. Victims often experience a profound sense of betrayal because the offender is someone they trusted. Confidence can be damaged, relationships break down and, in some cases, victims may lose their independence altogether. That is why prevention is so important.

For legal professionals, safeguarding is not simply about compliance. It is about recognising risk, asking the right questions and taking appropriate action when concerns arise. Opportunities to intervene often emerge long before a matter reaches law enforcement. 

Fraud by abuse of position remains significantly underreported. Victims may be reluctant to come forward because they are dependent on the offender, embarrassed by what has happened, or concerned about the consequences for family members. In some cases, they may not even know they have become a victim of fraud. This makes the role of trusted professionals even more important.

By identifying warning signs early and encouraging reporting, the legal sector can play a crucial role in protecting clients and preventing harm. In many cases, legal professionals may be the only independent party with visibility of emerging concerns. Recognising those warning signs early can make the difference between preventing harm and responding to it after significant losses have occurred. 

Our ambition must be to move beyond responding to harm and towards preventing it. Earlier reporting, better intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration between safeguarding, legal and law enforcement partners can help identify risk before significant losses occur.

How to protect against abuse of position fraud

l Review financial statements regularly: Review bank statements and financial records with elderly or vulnerable clients, relatives or individuals you support. Early identification of unauthorised transactions can help prevent further losses.

l Watch for warning signs: Be alert to unpaid bills, missing possessions, unexplained withdrawals, sudden changes to a will, power of attorney or financial accounts. These can all be indicators of financial abuse.

l Act quickly if something feels wrong: If concerns arise, speak to the individual privately where appropriate. Safeguarding concerns can also be raised with the local authority’s adult social care team. Concerns about an attorney or deputy can be reported to the Office of the Public Guardian.

l Encourage reporting: Financial abuse often remains hidden. Early reporting can help protect victims and prevent further offending. Reports can be made through Report Fraud.

By remaining alert to the warning signs of abuse of position fraud, legal professionals can help ensure that positions of trust are used to protect vulnerable people, not exploit them.

Chief superintendent Amanda Wolf is head of Report Fraud