Zeynep's Story

Summary

Zeynep was being financially exploited by her informal carer. Our advocacy team acted fast to safeguard her benefits, her identity, and her future.

Full Case Study

Zeynep is a vulnerable adult living under an informal private care arrangement. During a routine welfare check, she confided in the team at Manor Gardens that her carer had opened a bank account in her name, claiming it was to save money for her son’s upcoming wedding. Zeynep was worried this might affect her benefits. The disclosure raised serious concerns about financial exploitation and the possibility of cuckooing.

Shortly after, a letter addressed to Zeynep from the Department for Work and Pensions was found at the carer’s address. It became clear that Zeynep’s identity was being used for official financial correspondence without her full understanding or consent. The team strongly suspected that the carer had used Zeynep’s personal details to conceal income or savings, potentially committing benefit fraud and putting Zeynep at risk of sanctions or legal investigation.

Her Manor Gardens advocate, Tasmia, responded immediately. She conducted a welfare check to ensure Zeynep’s safety and reviewed the DWP letter with her, explaining its implications. A safeguarding alert was raised with Adult Social Services, and Tasmia liaised with the DWP safeguarding team and a benefits advisor to protect Zeynep’s entitlements. She also supported Zeynep to close the fraudulent bank account and begin reviewing safer care options.

The safeguarding case has since been resolved. Zeynep's benefits were protected, no sanctions were applied, and the fraudulent account has been closed. The carer is no longer involved and has been referred to the relevant authorities. Zeynep is now receiving culturally appropriate care from a regulated provider and continues to receive advocacy support from Manor Gardens.