What Happens if a Power of Attorney Steals Money in the UK?
When someone is appointed as a Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK, they are given a great deal of responsibility and trust. Unfortunately, there are some people who abuse this trust and use the LPA to steal money from the person they are appointed to look after.
If a Power of Attorney steals money in the UK, the Court of Protection has the power to take action. The Court of Protection has a range of powers to protect vulnerable people, including ordering that the LPA is revoked and ordering that the attorney repays all that they misappropriated in the dishonest use of the LPA.
If the attorney is found to have stolen money, they may be prosecuted for theft or fraud. Depending on the severity of the crime, they may face a prison sentence and a fine.
It is important to note that if the person who appointed the Power of Attorney is vulnerable, the Court of Protection may take steps to protect them. This could include putting a ban on the attorney making any further decisions on behalf of the person, or ordering that all of the person’s assets are frozen until the case is resolved.
If you suspect that a Power of Attorney is misusing their position or stealing money, it is important to act quickly. You should contact the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) as soon as possible and report your concerns. The OPG will investigate the case and, if necessary, take action.
It is also important to remember that if you are appointed as a Power of Attorney, you have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the person you are appointed to look after. This means that you must not misuse your position or take advantage of the person in any way.
In conclusion, if a Power of Attorney steals money in the UK, the Court of Protection has the power to take action. This could include ordering that the LPA is revoked and ordering that the attorney repays all that they misappropriated in the dishonest use of the LPA. It is important to remember that if you are appointed as a Power of Attorney, you have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the person you are appointed to look after. If you suspect that a Power of Attorney is misusing their position or stealing money, it is important to act quickly and contact the Office of the Public Guardian.
