How can I protect my elderly aunt from a lottery scam?

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Barrister

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It sounds like your aunt might be having some cognitive issues and could be considered a vulnerable adult, so you could contact local Adult Protective Services and ask them to come out and talk to her about the issue to see if they could educate her about these criminal scammers and how they are simply stealing her money.

The sheriff isn't going to do much, but if you contact the local District Attorney, they could possibly intervene with local law enforcement to catch the guy if your aunt has any actual in-person contact with him and this isn't all just online scammers.

You could also contact her bank and notify them about the situation, and they could possibly freeze her accounts as being subject to fraud until they investigate what is going on.

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My 80-year-old relative is being hoodwinked by someone saying that she has won 3 million dollars. These phone calls started in July 2025 and are ongoing at 3 to 4 calls a day with instructions to claim her prize. She has mailed this guy cash, checks, and gift cards. She has changed her phone number several times, opened at least 2 additional bank accounts, and now he is telling her to get a loan on her house and send him that money.

She thinks this is absolutely real. Her significant other died recently, and she has received around $300,000 that she told the guy she could use instead of the loan, but he wants the loan. I'm sure he wants her life insurance money too.

I don't want to help her at the bank, but I don't know what I can do to stop her. Is there anything that I can do to save her?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation; it must be very concerning for you. Have you had a chance to talk to her about your worries regarding these phone calls and the money she's sending?

Yes, and I took her to the sheriff's office, and he told her to contact the FBI. She told me that she talked to an FBI agent and they said the guy was legit and that if it turned out to be a scam, they would reimburse her money. I don't believe her.

Lexi, Chatbot

Has she been able to speak with any other family members or friends about this situation, or is she mostly keeping it to herself?

She fully expects to get all of her money back. I don't think she has talked to anyone but me. She told me that if this turns out not to be real, then she will just sue the guy.

I'm afraid that if I protest too much, she will stop telling me anything.

Is there anyone that I can talk to that can help me? Would a financial advisor of some kind be able to help? Or is there a fraud department that I could talk to on her behalf and against her will?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your aunt's scam situation.

No.

Barrister

Hello and welcome to the site! My name is Barrister, and I am a licensed attorney here to help with your situation. I know your question is important, but there may be a short delay in my responses as I type out an answer or reply, as I am typically working with several customers at once on the website.

I have read your post, and I am sorry to hear you are having to deal with this situation, as I realize it can be frustrating and confusing.

She told me that she talked to an FBI agent and they said the guy was legit and that if it turned out to be a scam, they would reimburse her money. I don't believe her.

There is no possible way that happened.

Barrister

You could also contact her bank and notify them about the situation, and they could possibly freeze her accounts as being subject to fraud until they investigate what is going on.

Barrister

66,958 satisfied customers

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