Broke and betrayed: The silent scourge of Singapore seniors financially abused by their own children

The Ministry of Social and Family Development says that financial abuse of elders remains a concern and the Government is studying the issue with its partners. - Photo: ST

SINGAPORE: An elderly woman was left penniless and homeless after she sold her house to live with her only son who promised to take care of her, but he disappeared after pocketing the sales proceeds.

A woman in her 70s handed her ATM card to her son to help her withdraw money as she has mobility issues – only to find out that he took at least S$20,000 to S$30,000 from the account without her consent, leaving her with almost nothing.