An elderly mother-in-law living with her family is repeatedly messaging suspicious people on Telegram, and her family's attempts to address it often trigger anger.
Here's what to know
Posting on Reddit's r/Scams forum, the original poster said their mother-in-law moved in after the couple's daughter was born and now helps with childcare while both parents work.
"Since moving in, we've caught her repeatedly communicating with suspicious strangers online, most recently on Telegram," they explained. "Despite pleading with her to stop and explaining the dangers, she keeps doing it. She's also become extremely defensive and angry when confronted."
The family said the issue is difficult because "she's mentally sharp, is great with the baby, and does this on her own time," yet they are also "increasingly concerned about her judgment, especially since we trust her to care for our baby."
"We're considering blocking apps like Telegram, though she'll probably just find another way," they added. "How do we protect ourselves and our family?"
Across the replies, the behavior was described as a serious household risk rather than a minor family dispute.
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"This is dangerous behavior," one commenter said, warning that "it is only a matter of time before she falls for a scam."
"You are never going to convince a lonely elderly lady to cut off the only men who make her feel loved and desired," another Reddit user added, referring to how romance scams use emotional manipulation to take advantage of individuals.
That sense of urgency shaped much of the advice, with users urging the couple to shield family records, secure valuables and cash, and avoid giving her loans.
"I would install danger stamp chrome extension. Or block specific urls inside the router itself," another person recommended.
More background
A recurring theme in the comments was that the danger may have more to do with isolation than confusion. One user explained: "The reason why they cling to it anyway is because the scammers fill a deep emotional void that nobody else is filling."
Several replies expanded on that, arguing that direct warnings may fail if the chats are providing attention or validation.
Users also stressed that the fallout can reach beyond the immediate victim. One commenter warned that people caught up in these schemes may "beg borrow and steal from their loved ones," adding that scammers often use victims like this to "become mules," which would put the mother-in-law in legal jeopardy.
What can be done?
Most of the practical guidance centered on protecting the household's finances and records first.
Users also pointed toward outside help and education. Suggestions included alerting trusted relatives and friends whom she might reach out to for money, watching scam-exposé videos — such as those from the YouTube channel Catfished (@CatfishedOnline) — to learn about the realities of these scams, reviewing cybercrime guidance from local authorities, and calling the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for guidance.
Technical limits came up, too, including blocking Telegram or WhatsApp, switching her to a more restricted phone or a basic handset, and watching for gift-card or crypto purchases. At the same time, commenters said those steps may not solve the problem if companionship is the deeper draw, and some suggested senior-center activities or closer social contact.
Taken together, the advice emphasized both firm rules and a nonjudgmental approach.
Where can I learn more?
Stories like these offer more context on how vulnerable people can get pulled into risky digital relationships.
• One family said a loved one trusted an AI bot over relatives as delusions deepened.
• In the U.K., scammers drained £250,000 from her after she clicked a crypto ad.
• A mother alleged Character.AI exploited her autistic son with lifelike chatbot interactions.
• On Instagram, a user was disturbed by an AI therapy bot conversation.
• A mom faced backlash after her 5-year-old wished an AI chatbot happy birthday online.
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