Support - What to do when developmentally disabled family member is being catfished/scammed? — Scope | Disability forum
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Support - What to do when developmentally disabled family member is being catfished/scammed?

Miacb
Miacb Member Posts: 1 Listener
in Children, parents, and families
Hello all,

My adult brother, who has a developmental disability, is being catfished. He connected with someone through instagram, they moved the conversation to Whatsapp and for the last couple of weeks he has been exchanging money to giftcards to send to the person. He is not forthcoming with much information, and this has happened once before in the past couple of years. 

I am wondering if anyone in this community has any resources to share that helped in a similar experience. We are based in California, and just looking for any support. 

Thanks in advance!
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Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Member Posts: 31,154 Disability Gamechanger
    HI and welcome,

    Scope is based in the UK and i'm unsure of what's available over in the USA. Who looks after your brother long term? Have they spoken to him? Should he really be speaking to other people this way, especially as he's vulnerable like this.

    I don't have any other advice for you but i hope you'll be able to find a solution soon, i just wanted to welcome you to the community.
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  • woodbine
    woodbine Member, Community Co-Production Group Posts: 7,720 Disability Gamechanger
    If it was happening here in the UK I might suggest a word with the police?
    Be extra nice to new members.
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  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Posts: 9,540 Scope online community team
    Hi @Miacb :) Welcome to the community!

    I'd agree that contacting the police would be a good idea. I'd get in touch with your local police service and see what they say, 
    Online Community Coordinator, she/her

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