A close friend, family member or acquaintance took advantage of your trust to take your money, divert your funds or abuse a power of attorney? You're not alone. Breach of trust is one of the most difficult situations to experience because it involves personal betrayal. But you have recourse, and Report Quebec can help you document your case.
What is Breach of Trust?
Breach of trust occurs when a person you trusted uses that position to take your money, property or benefits. In Quebec, depending on circumstances, this can constitute a crime under the Criminal Code (fraud, theft, breach of trust) or give rise to civil recourse.
The Most Common Forms
- Embezzlement — A loved one managing your finances takes money for themselves
- Power of attorney abuse — Someone uses a power of attorney to empty your accounts
- Loan never repaid — A friend or family member who refuses to repay
- Financial manipulation — Pressure to obtain money or property
- Theft by household employee — Home help, caregiver, etc.
- Exploitation of a vulnerable person — Elderly, disabled person
Real Examples Reported in Quebec
Case 1: "My brother had my power of attorney to help me during my illness. I discovered he had transferred $45,000 from my account to his. He says it was for 'services rendered'."
Case 2: "My best friend managed the accounting for my small business. For 2 years, she embezzled $28,000 in small amounts. I only realized when closing."
Case 3: "My ex-partner opened credit cards in my name during our relationship. I'm left with $15,000 in debt I never contracted."
Case 4: "The home care worker for my mother had her sign checks. In 6 months, over $20,000 disappeared from my 82-year-old mother's account."
Signs of Breach of Trust
Red Flags to Watch
- Unexplained transactions on your bank statements
- The person becomes defensive when you ask questions
- Refusal to show you documents or receipts
- Changes in your financial situation without explanation
- The person isolates you from other loved ones
- Pressure to sign documents quickly
- Vague promises of repayment that never come
What to Do If You're a Victim?
Step 1: Secure Your Access Immediately
- Revoke powers of attorney with your bank and notary
- Change your passwords for banking and financial accounts
- Close joint accounts if applicable
- Alert your financial institutions about the situation
Step 2: Document Everything
- Gather all bank statements showing suspicious transactions
- Keep messages, emails, texts exchanged
- Note dates, amounts and circumstances of each incident
- Get testimonies from people aware of the situation
Step 3: Evaluate Your Options
Depending on severity and amount, several options are available:
- Formal notice — Formal letter demanding repayment (often effective)
- Small claims court — For amounts up to $15,000 (no lawyer needed)
- Superior Court — For larger amounts
- Police complaint — If the abuse constitutes a crime (fraud, theft)
- Public Curator — If the victim is a vulnerable person
Step 4: File a Complaint If Necessary
Breach of trust can be a crime under the Canadian Criminal Code. If the amount is significant or the person clearly acted in bad faith, a police complaint can lead to criminal charges.
How Report Quebec Can Help You
We understand that reporting a loved one is difficult. Our service is confidential and non-judgmental.
- Structured documentation — We help you organize your file
- Formal notice generation — Formal letter to request repayment
- Guidance to recourse — Small claims, police, Public Curator
- Official record — Your report creates a documented history
- Support in procedures — We accompany you step by step
Victim of Breach of Trust?
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