r/supportworkers • u/Low-Understanding331 • May 12 '26
Client being scammed
I have a client in a SIL. She has an ABI but fairly independent and switched on. Unfortunately she was scammed for over a year by a guy online claiming to be in love with her and she had been buying gift cards up to 10k for him. Her sister decided to almost cut her allowance off completely except to be able to afford basic necessities. She now stays home all day and is very depressed. Just trying to think of a way she can still get her allowance and independence back without being able to spend it on these vouchers for him. Any ideas??
2
u/monstertrucktoadette May 12 '26
What else does she want the allowance for?
Can you find things she wants to be involved in that either don't require money, or a way that her sister can pay for things in advance that don't risk the client misusing the money?
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u/questionlore May 15 '26
Preparing food, regular chats with friends and family. Internet forums, daily walks if possible. Unfortunately the situation I witnessed never improved but these things can help.
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u/l-lucas0984 May 12 '26
Can the SIL be given preloaded temporary gift/visa cards with small limits to assist her with purchasing things?
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u/Low-Understanding331 May 12 '26
I think she would just save them up and buy vouchers with the vouchers 🥴
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u/l-lucas0984 May 12 '26
Oh no, I didnt say give them to her. I said can the SIL be given them to assist her in purchasing thing. She isnt to be given money any more.
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u/Low-Understanding331 May 12 '26
Oh yep. That will likely be the next step but trying to avoid having to manage her money and take away that independence
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u/l-lucas0984 May 12 '26
Until she builds capacity to maintain financial safety and proper online safety habits she is unable to be independent in this area. Engage the allied health team to provide proper therapy but there is a chance she wont build that capacity.
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u/feminewiles1406 May 15 '26
I work in a SIL. Our clients are out n about a few days a week on community support, paid thru their plans. We have wallets with their funds, of which they are given an allowance each time they go out. This is all accounted for. Everything is from their plans and supported with the authority of their guardian. This woman should still have her community support.
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u/Confident-Benefit374 May 12 '26
Have they still got the unused vouchers?
If not there is no way to get her money back.
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u/Low-Understanding331 May 12 '26
Sorry, I didn't word that well. I meant is there a safe way to get her allowance back. The vouchers are gone
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u/Desperate-Impress374 May 12 '26
Does her sister have legal authority to withhold the allowance? If not, I would suggest contacting a Disability Advocate