Help convincing an elderly neighbor that Steam gift cards aren't currency
Hey everyone,
I recently befriended a sweet 75-year-old neighbor who is constantly being scammed online. Some scammers claim to be from charities, others befriend her over days or months before asking her for gift cards.
The two worst right now:
- A "general" who has built a romantic relationship with her and constantly asks for Steam gift cards so he can "pay for his internet" and keep talking to her.
- Someone claiming to be Prince William who needs her to pay for a charity delivery, also, somehow, via Steam gift cards.
But why am I posting here? I've already explained to her that Steam gift cards can only be used on the Steam store, which sells video games and software. But understandably, she isn't fully convinced. These are "people" she talks to every day, she's sent them gift cards before, and she's only known me for less than a month. It makes sense that she wouldn't take my word for it over theirs, especially with emotions involved, even if she's not rude about it at all and is really respectful about her doubts.
What I think would work is if she could hear it from an actual Steam representative, over the phone, email, or chat, confirming that you can't pay for internet or charity deliveries with Steam gift cards.
Is there any way to make that happen? I don't think this help page will cut it on its own, since she "knows" these "people." Any tips would be appreciated.
P.S. This lady is in a really tough financial situation and genuinely can't afford to keep losing money like this. To make things harder, she has a condition that affects her mobility, doesn't seem to get many visitors, and isn't originally from this country. Most of her family lives overseas. That means almost all of her social needs are met online, which is part of why these scammers have such a strong hold on her.