Talking to a Parent
If you are worried about a parent’s online relationship, protect the conversation first.
You may be completely right about the risk and still lose the person if the first conversation feels like an attack.
Do not lead with embarrassment.
Avoid jokes about age, loneliness, technology, or being gullible. People of every age can be manipulated online. Shame makes it harder for someone to tell you what is really happening.
Bring one or two facts, not twenty accusations.
Pick the clearest concern. Maybe plans to meet have been cancelled three times. Maybe money was requested. Maybe a job story changed. Ask about that specific thing.
Give them room to be right.
If you act as though the only acceptable answer is “I was fooled,” you make it harder to examine the evidence fairly. Say clearly that you are willing to find reassuring evidence too.
If money is being sent, focus on stopping the next payment.
You do not need to settle the whole relationship before protecting the bank account. Ask for a short pause while you check the facts. If a payment has already been made, contact the financial company used to send it as quickly as possible.
Keep contact open even if they disagree with you.
If they are being isolated, losing contact with family can make the situation worse. You can set financial boundaries without cutting off the relationship with your parent.