How To Help Someone Who Is Being Scammed
Support a loved one who is currently being scammed — including when they don't believe you.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Helping someone mid-scam is delicate, especially when manipulation has them defending the scammer. Patience, empathy, and practical steps work better than confrontation.
If they're open to help
Move quickly through the immediate safety steps together.
- Help them stop contact and stop payments
- Contact their bank together using official numbers
- Preserve evidence and report it
If they don't believe you
Manipulation can make victims trust the scammer over family. Avoid arguments that push them away.
- Stay calm and avoid 'I told you so'
- Ask questions that encourage them to verify independently
- Suggest a pause: 'just don't pay anything until we check together'
- Involve their bank, which can apply protections
Conversation script
“I'm not angry and I'm not judging — I just want to help you check this is safe.”
“Could we pause any payments for 24 hours and verify together?”
“Let's call the bank on the official number and ask them, just to be sure.”
Frequently asked questions
They trust the scammer more than me — what do I do?
This is common with manipulation. Don't force a confrontation; encourage independent verification, involve their bank (which can apply protections), and keep the relationship supportive so they'll turn to you when doubt sets in.