Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking with policing partners to help ensure that allegations that a person has falsely claimed to hold power of attorney in order to obtain or exercise control over a vulnerable person's finances are appropriately identified and investigated as potential fraud.

The Government recognises fraud by abuse of position is a serious and often hidden threat, where someone in a position of trust abuses their position for financial personal gain. Allegations that an individual has falsely claimed to hold, or has abused, a power of attorney in order to obtain or exercise control over a vulnerable person’s finances may constitute fraud and should be reported to Report Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service.

Report Fraud uses the latest technology to improve the reporting experience for victims, provide case updates and improve the speed and quality of information shared with police to boost the chances of successful prosecutions. Where there is sufficient evidence and a viable lead, reports are referred to the appropriate police force or law enforcement partner to determine whether investigation or other enforcement activity should take place.

Through the Fraud Strategy 2026-2029, the Government is strengthening its response to fraud, including through a dedicated cross sector working group on fraud by abuse of position focused on developing a system-wide response to protect vulnerable and older people who rely on legal protections such as powers of attorney.