My elderly, low-income mom lives in a small, bedbug-infested apartment with my lazy, unemployed cousin and untreated, paranoid schizophrenic brother. Her health worsened, leading to depression, and she spends most of her time alone. She began exploring online, engaging with scammers posing as celebrities, such as Kevin Costner and Snoop Dogg. I found used Apple gift cards, which alarmed me, and she became defensive when I questioned her about them. Last night, she confessed she’s behind on rent and had been using her rent money to buy gift cards for scammers, believing they were romantically involved. She even went to meet one at the airport, but no one showed. Now she’s worried about eviction. I tried to listen and show compassion, but she knew better than to spend rent on gift cards. I can't fix this and fear for her. These scammers target lonely older adults, and I don't know how to help, especially with my family issues.

They weren't just strangers... they were Kevin Costner and Snoop Dogg, and they genuinely wanted to spend time with her. For you or me, that might not seem like a big deal, but for a lonely older woman who's been taking care of someone who can't look after themselves or won't, this kind of fantasy can be incredibly comforting.

I understand why you're feeling upset, but maybe try to be a bit more understanding with your mother. It's natural to dismiss hopes that don't quite align with our own, but everyone has their dreams and desires.

That's the approach I try to take—being understanding and empathetic. Still, I can't help feeling worried and frustrated because it seems the landlord might not care, which could result in her and the others she lives with being evicted and becoming homeless. She said she's going to try to talk to the landlord, and while I'm not too optimistic, maybe they can work something out.

It makes me angry how some people can take advantage of others' livelihoods and still sleep peacefully at night.