Mother withdrawing large amounts of cash

[nnbq]

My mother has started drawing out £80 in cash every 2 to 3 days. She denies this, cannot account for the money and says she is rich so she can spend it how she likes.

She gets taxis to take her to cash machines, I suspect she gives them her pin number and asks them to withdraw the cash. I also suspect she is giving excessive tips to the drivers.

I have Power of attorney so can control how much is in her current account. . I am struggling with what my responsibilities are, At what point do I intervene, it is her money so if she wants to give £20 tips in theory she can.

Am I allowed to take her bank card off her at any point?

 

[Sirena]

My mother got to a similar stage - she would withdraw money (around £80 like your mother) and then two days later go back and withdraw more because she had forgotten she'd done it. I never knew what she did with the money, I suspect she put it somewhere 'safe' i.e. lost it. If you have POA you do need to intervene when you think she is no longer able to use her money in her own best interests.

I started arranging daily carers for her at that point. I agreed with the carers how often she would go to the bank, and how much she'd withdraw. I monitored her account so knew how much was going out. So I didn't need to take her card away.

When I registered the POA with the bank, they asked me if I wanted her to still be able to access the account herself. I said yes, but if I had said no they would have blocked her access. I think you would need to communicate with the bank, as if you simply take her card away she'll presumably just apply for a new one.

 

[Chunky12]

We registered LPoA with the bank.
And with other organisations where mum has money ie Premium Bonds, Building Society.
We have access to her account and can see her spending.
We’ve put a limit on how much cash she can withdraw at any time (£50) and if she asks for any sum over £200 the bank contacts us immediately.
We dread to think how much money she’s “lost” money.
Registering LPoA is your first step and then set limits as to how much cash she can withdraw,
As regards the taxis - is this a known firm? I’m sure there’s some safeguarding issue with them using your mum’s pin and taking excessive “tips” from her. Think you can report concerns to the local council who issue licences.
it may feel as if you’re taking away their independence by helping manage their finances but their are too many people out their who seem to have a radar with regards to vulnerable adults and will take time to groom them. You are keeping your mum safe .. and doing your best by her . Best regards .

 

[GeorgieW]

I registered the LPA with the banks. When the intervention occurred last November I took all the cash and cards away when my mother ended up in hospital. I never gave her them back - however, since she now lives with me there is no point in giving her it all back