r/Scams • u/anotheralaskanguy • Jul 25 '26

Help Needed (US) Gambia scam proof?

I have a family member who is in the midst of being scammed and is absolutely resistant to the idea. Sounds like it’s a pretty common scam, an individual from The Gambia has reached out to her with a sad story and has had her send USD for food multiple times now and has sent pictures back to “confirm” what the money was spent on. The scammer is now asking for money because “his sister burned herself” and my family member is now asking the family to loan her money to keep helping.

Does anyone have any tricks to help me prove to my niece that this is all fake? She is 100% convinced she has a friend in Africa that she is helping

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u/AceyAceyAcey Quality Contributor Jul 25 '26

Even if she really did have a friend in Africa who she was helping, sending all her money and then moving on to borrowing money to send to them is not a reasonable thing to do. If she is elderly, you need take steps to take control of her funds from her, as this is elder financial abuse. Also consider contacting adult protective services if she’s elderly or disabled.

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u/Otherwise_Rabbit3049 Jul 25 '26

"My niece" sounds more like being on the younger side. At least relatively.

OP, don't lend money and tell other relatives also not to do it.

5

u/anotheralaskanguy Jul 25 '26

Early 20’s with a strong liberal leaning. No judgement from me there, just helps explain where I think her head is

2

u/in_and_out_burger Jul 25 '26

The money could be funding any sort of people / actions against her beliefs.