Family members taking money is common throughout Northland, said Julie Moebus, manager of Age Concern Kaitaia and District.
Age Concern, which has the contract for elder abuse response services for all of Northland, sees a lot of older people who have had money stolen by family members.
"We get a lot of that sort of thing happening. If people come to us, we can help them."
Ms Moebus said older people were often taken advantage of if they depended on help.
"The granddaughter or daughter would say 'we'll get your groceries for you' and then they also get a whole lot of groceries for themselves and mum doesn't realise," she said.
Age Concern recommends older people protect their cash, chequebooks and cashflow cards from everyone. They should never give out the PIN for their cashflow card or credit card, Ms moebus said.
"If you give your PIN out to other people, you're not allowed to do that. You take some responsibility," she said.
Ms Moebus suggested people who rely on help with shopping set up separate card with a limit for their family members.
"That way, it is traceable," she said.
Ms Moebus said another concern was older people who are coerced into giving their children or grandchildren money.
"A lot of elderly people feel that they have to look after the young ones."
Age Concern provides support for older people working through a grievance, including with family members, she said.
