Welcome to the “For Loved Ones” Section
Support for Family Members and Friends

Scams and fraud don’t just affect the victims — they also impact those closest to them. This section is designed to provide support and information for anyone who wants to help a loved one navigate this difficult and sensitive situation.

Why does this section exist?

When I shared my personal experience on LinkedIn about how difficult it is to be a victim of online fraud, I was overwhelmed by the number of comments and messages I received. People opened up about their own or their loved ones’ stories, and many admitted they didn’t know how to help someone who had gone through such a trauma. I’ve also experienced firsthand how quickly people are judged for “falling for” a scam.

These reactions inspired me to create this section of the website. My goal is to offer guidance not only for victims but also for those around them — to show how support can be offered without judgment or blame, and why it’s so important for those affected to feel that they are not alone.

Why is this page important for family and friends?

The effects of online scams go far beyond the victim. They often bring emotional — and sometimes financial — strain to families and friends. This page is here to show you how to be a source of strength without judging, blaming, or unintentionally increasing the guilt the victim may already feel.

What you’ll find on this page:

• Supportive Information: Practical tips to help you provide meaningful support. Blaming doesn’t help, but constructive questions can — as long as they come from a place of care. Condescension and interrogation, however, have no place here — they often drive victims into silence.

• Emotional healing and starting over: Guides and suggestions to help your loved one process what happened and begin to look ahead.

• How to support without judgment: Foundations of non-judgmental support, with real-life examples and tools.

Why is non-judgmental support so important?

Those affected often deal with intense guilt and shame, which can hold them back from healing. Your understanding and compassionate approach are crucial to their recovery.

On this page, you’ll find expert advice, personal experiences, and real stories that will help you support your loved one without judgment. Through our blog, we’ll also introduce you to professionals who can assist both victims and their families.

What can you do as a first step if you want to help?

Remember: if someone opens up to you about what they’ve experienced, that’s already the first step in their healing journey. Give them space, don’t interrupt or question their story, and don’t make them feel like it was their fault — they already know. If you can’t actively help, just listening can mean the world.

Victims need time and emotional energy to process what happened and to reopen themselves to others. This is a deep trauma that requires compassion and support.

Filing a report: One of the most important steps is to make an official report to the authorities.

Involving a professional: If needed, help them find a specialist who can guide them through the healing process. We will soon list professionals on this site whom you can reach out to.

This is not a problem you can downplay or “get over” quickly. That’s why we’re here — to offer guidance and support to both victims and their loved ones.

Emergency Contacts and Online Support in the UK

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing emotional distress due to an online scam, the following resources are available in the United Kingdom:

• Police / Emergency services (all emergencies): Dial 999

• Non-emergency police number (e.g., to report a crime): Call 101

• Emotional support (24/7, free, confidential):

  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

  • Mind UK (mental health support): www.mind.org.uk

Cybersecurity and Scam Reporting Support

For issues related to online threats, scams, or cybersecurity, you can contact the following services:

• Action Fraud (UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime):
  Visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
  Offers information on how to protect yourself and respond to cyber incidents.
  Visit www.ncsc.gov.uk

What if the scam is international?

If the online fraud has international implications, you can also report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — especially if you were contacted from abroad or suspect a foreign scam operation.

• IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center): www.ic3.gov

To file a report with IC3, it helps if you’ve already filed a local police report and can provide a case number or supporting documentation.

Tips for international reporting:

• Provide a detailed account of the incident, including dates, names, communication content, and any evidence (emails, screenshots).

• Note whether you’ve reported the case to authorities in other countries.

• Be patient: international investigations can take time, but organizations like IC3 help ensure that the data reaches the right enforcement agencies.

Remember, you are not alone.

The impact of online scams can be profound — emotionally, mentally, and financially. But with support and the right information, healing is possible. Whether your case is local or international, this page and the organizations listed are here to help guide and support you and your loved ones.

Don’t hesitate to reach out — to your community, to professionals, or to official organizations. Every step toward healing is a step toward wholeness.

If you need more guidance or support, contact us. We’re here to help.
Ambassadors of AlertInsight