Dad’s been conned

QMy father, who was a banker, has become involved in a huge internet scam. It started after my mother died a year ago. Having been promised millions as a result of some strange foreign will, he has now been told by the scammers – who have milked him of over £100,000 – that they have brought the money to England. Apparently, they have shown the money to him, in a huge box – but it is all black. They say this is because it had to be dyed to get it through customs. Hence the term ‘black money’. Now apparently it has to be ‘laundered’ to get it back to normal – and they want £5,000 to pay for the special chemical to get rid of the black dye. Then, they say, half of it is his. He’s been shown how it works and has apparently seen a black banknote restored to the original. I have rung the fraud squad, begged my father to realise it’s a scam and shown him videos on Youtube of people who’ve been conned like this, but I’ve had no joy and he continues to believe them. Is there anything I can do? Name and address supplied

ABar getting him sectioned – and this would be extremely difficult, as I imagine he seems sane in every other way – I don’t think there’s much you can do. It may be that his bank could help. But unfortunately I fear this will end only when he has no money left. Bereavement has left him feeling lonely and powerless. The scammers have not only restored his status, perhaps flattering him into thinking his banking advice is helping them in this venture, but also given him a role and a diversion. Also, if he gives up now, he’ll have to admit he’s been cruelly conned. What about a family intervention? Weeping grandchildren? Mention of how your mother would be turning in her grave? Saying how brave he’d be if he did the right thing? Promising a proper role within the family in future? Would any of these help? The truth is that in the end it is his money and his choice.