Discovering that a family member or vulnerable adult has fallen victim to an online scam — especially a crypto scam — can be overwhelming. You may feel a mix of anger, confusion, and helplessness. But what matters most is acting quickly and supportively.
At SafeHaven Recovery, we specialise in helping families just like yours take the right next steps. Here’s what to do if you suspect (or know) someone has been scammed.
✅ 1. Stay Calm and Supportive
Victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed or fearful of judgment. Scammers are skilled at manipulating trust and emotions — this is not your loved one’s fault.
Your role is to create a safe space where they feel:
- Heard (without blame)
- Believed (even if it sounds unbelievable)
- Supported (especially if they’ve been isolated)
✅ 2. Gather All the Details
Before taking action, try to gather as much information as possible:
- Names or aliases of the scammers
- Screenshots of messages or emails
- Website or platform used
- Dates and amounts of transactions
- Bank or crypto wallet information
The more you know, the better your chances of recovery or stopping further loss.
✅ 3. Report the Scam Immediately
Here are the most important places to report:
- Action Fraud (UK’s national fraud reporting centre):
👉 www.actionfraud.police.uk - Their Bank or financial provider:
Many banks can initiate investigations or block future transactions. - The Platform Used (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook, or crypto exchanges):
Report profiles to prevent others being targeted. - The Police (especially if the person is vulnerable):
If there’s a risk of continued exploitation, police or safeguarding teams may need to be involved.
✅ 4. Secure Their Devices and Accounts
If the scam involved remote access, passwords, or personal information, it’s critical to:
- Change passwords (email, banking, social media)
- Scan devices for malware
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Consider replacing compromised phones or laptops
You may need a trusted IT support service to help with this step — we can recommend specialists if needed.
✅ 5. Get Professional Help from a Scam Recovery Service
Most people don’t know where to begin when crypto or international scams are involved. That’s where SafeHaven Recovery comes in. We help families:
- Trace and investigate the scam
- Communicate with banks, platforms, and exchanges
- Understand what’s realistically recoverable
- Protect the individual from being targeted again
🚨 Bonus Tip: Watch for Repeat Scams
Scammers often re-target victims, pretending to be:
- Law enforcement
- Recovery agents
- “Government compensation” schemes
These secondary scams are common and cruel — always double-check with a trusted expert before responding to anyone offering help.
💬 Need Advice Now?
If you’re worried about someone you care for, don’t wait.
At SafeHaven Recovery, we offer a free and confidential consultation to help you understand your options and protect your loved one from further harm.
👉 Contact us today — you don’t have to face this alone.
