Published on 12, July, 2020
My son who is 26 years old with high-functioning autism has been a victim of an online scam where scammers offer him a very high salary, allowance, company car and accommodation to produce music record labels for him. Since March 2024, he has been paying the fraudsters a few thousand US dollars for various things such as artist ID card, delivery charges, registration fee for artist conference, etc., etc. Although we reported it to the Police (Action Fraud for cyber crime), he denies that he is being scammed and refused to receive help. This has been going on for 4 months and as his savings is depleted, he is getting frustrated but still refuses to talk about it with the Police, his therapist or his parents. He has been living with us and has no real concept about money, no need to pay rent or buy food and every penny he earns from temporary jobs is kept in his account. We don't know how he would survive once he realises that he would never get his money back. The care and attention the scammers give him could be what he is craving for. He screamed and cried a few days ago, out of frustration, but still would not open himself up to anyone. I cannot find a support group for online scam victims and need help on this. Once he knows that he is not alone, he may be willing to tell others about his situation.
Oh Elaine what a horrible situation these scammers are evil how they prey on the vulnerable.
The only thought I have had is can you somehow message them and tell them you know what they are doing.
I think there are also support groups that help people that have been scammed.I am so upset for you and hate this sort of thing.
When I get the odd scamming call I try and keep them on the phone for ages to delay them phoning someone else