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If you've been locked out of your bank accounts, contact your bank directly. Financial abuse is taken seriously by financial institutions.
Locking You Out of Your Money
Someone locks you out of bank accounts, credit cards, or financial services — changing passwords, removing your access, or freezing accounts you depend on.
What You Might Notice
You can't access online banking or financial accounts
Passwords have been changed or your access has been revoked.
Cards are cancelled or frozen without your knowledge
Your cards stop working unexpectedly.
The other person controls all financial account access
You have no independent access to money.
What You Can Do
Contact your bank directly, in person or by phone
Explain the situation. Banks have processes for domestic and family violence situations.
Open an account in your name only
A separate account the other person doesn't know about provides financial safety.
Ask about the bank's DFV support services
Most Australian banks have dedicated domestic and family violence teams.
Important: This resource provides general information, not personal advice. Every situation is different. The actions suggested here may not be safe in your specific circumstances — particularly if the person causing harm could notice changes to your devices or accounts. Always consider your physical safety first.
If you need personalised support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or your local specialist domestic violence service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Changing passwords, removing authorized users, or otherwise denying victim access to shared or individual financial accounts. Cuts victim off from their own money, savings, investments, or financial records, creating immediate economic vulnerability and dependence.
Financial Account Security Reset Change passwords, enable MFA, remove adversary as authorised user on individual accounts.
SAFE-M-0136
Financial Counselling Contact financial counsellor experienced in DFV situations for guidance.
SAFE-M-0137
Emergency Financial Access Maintain separate emergency fund in adversary-unknown account.
Detection Indicators
ID
Detection Indicator
SAFE-D-0123
Financial Account Lockout Unable to access financial accounts using previously valid credentials.
SAFE-D-0124
Authorised User Removal Notification of removal from shared financial accounts.
The TFA Matrix is a research framework under active development. Technique classifications, detection methods, and mitigations reflect current understanding and are subject to revision. This framework does not constitute forensic methodology, legal evidence standards, or clinical diagnostic criteria. Practitioners should apply professional judgement appropriate to their discipline and jurisdiction.