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This is heartbreaking. My former mother-in-law (both her sons have been killed). The son I was married to was killed by a drunk driver, the other unexpectedly from sepsis 2 months ago. I've been with her day and night for the past year. Her house is a wreck despite being very aware and able to care for herself. However, she does forget things often.



What I am in desperate need of help for is the online scams she is encountering. There is one man in particular that she met on Facebook 15 years ago, keep in mind she has only ever received one photo of this individual that appeared to be a screenshot and looked like Fabio. I have warned her many times but she has not heeded my advice and says he makes her feel special. This person claims he is stuck in South America until he can sell the rest of his copper. I have been helping her get her house ready to sell and look for an apartment. To my horror when I looked through her phone I found multiple receipts for payments ($50, $100, etc.) to this Simon person in WhatsApp.


I understand the desire for companionship, she was widowed 20 years ago. I told her I would take her out to buy a new outfit and take her out to be with real humans her age. I know this “Simon” is a joke. , I blocked him on her WhatsApp account but I'm sure he messaged her on Facebook if he couldn't get her on WhatsApp. I don't know how to stop this or what to say to him if I can get her phone (which I'm sure I can if needed). She's very frugal and to see her waste this kind of money is breaking my heart.


She has sisters that got involved to try selling her house but of course the realtor was taking some huge commission and she needs it to continue to live off of so I found one that wouldn't take less. I need some help here a single mom myself, any advice I would so be grateful for!

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FBI . www.ic3.gov if emails were involved they will Investigate .
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Reply to KNance72
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There is no guy. Don’t even think of the scam in those terms. I have both a former coworker and a friend’s mother who’ve been many years embroiled in these scams. The coworker still is, endlessly waiting for her man’s arrival, after one last minute surprise excuse after another. She’s out countless money she will never see and a fantasy man who doesn’t exist. My friend’s mother is also out thousands. But the family has recently finally put a complete stop to it, after about 3 years. Mom fell and was transported to hospital. Her sons led her to believe her iPhone was broken in the fall, they grabbed the phone and made sure she’d never see it again. Her daughter persuaded mom to add her to her banking when mom was transferred to a few weeks of rehab. The bank had long been aware of mom being scammed but couldn’t stop it. The sons got mom a plain Jane flip phone, no internet access. Her known contacts were added, no scammers included. Her email gone as well. Online banking set up and routed to daughter. Last message to mom on iPhone was scammer reminding mom to have her tax refund come to him. Mom is home now with hired sitters, her car has been sold, all relatives and friends have clear directions on not taking her anywhere to get a phone or computer, and she has no internet access. She’s unhappy to be “treated like a child” but that’s quickly countered with reminders that her money is being preserved for her care. So, this is a lot to take on, but it can be done, with a firm plan and good timing. You will never catch or punish the scammer. Protecting the elder is the only win possible and that’s just a shame
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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She can’t take care of herself if she’s forgetting and falling prey to scammers.
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Reply to LoopyLoo
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There's no licensed real estate broker that is going to sell her house without taking a commission. You are possibly being scammed. Don't fall for this.

You need a licensed reputable broker to guide you through the process and to make sure mom's house is LEGALLY sold and that she gets her money. If you have to pay a commission, that's what you have to do for this professional service. You may find a reputable licensed broker who will accept a smaller commission, so maybe you can negotiate that, but don't count on it. Brokers have expenses, and they can't sell a house for free.

Ask to see their license from the state. Inspect it carefully. Find out what sales the broker has had in the recent past. Don't hire a crook!
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Reply to Fawnby
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