How to listen when a friend says they were tricked into a fake deal

When a friend bursts out “I was tricked into a fake deal,” your first job is to make them feel heard. Jumping straight to advice can make them think you don’t care about their feelings. Take a breath, give them eye contact, and let them unload the story. Even a simple nod can signal you are present.

I’m sorry that happened to you.

That sounds awful, tell me more.

Give them space to describe what went wrong. Ask gentle questions that keep the focus on them, not on the scam itself.

• What made you decide to go ahead with it?
• Who did you talk to before you signed?
• How did you find out it was fake?

While they answer, avoid interrupting. Let the words flow. If you notice they are nervous, mirror their tone a bit so they feel you’re on the same wavelength.

I can see why you felt pressured.

It must have been frustrating to realize it was a lie.

Show empathy with short reflections. You don’t need to solve the problem right away. Acknowledging the hurt builds trust.

How to give practical support

Once they have vented, you can start offering help. Keep suggestions simple and ask if they want your input before diving in.

• Do you want me to look up the company?

• Would you like me to call the bank with you?

If they say yes, move quickly but stay organized. Write down key details so nothing gets lost.

I’ll write down the dates and amounts for you.

Let’s gather the emails and screenshots together.

If they seem unsure, give them a gentle nudge toward action without sounding pushy.

It might help to report it to the consumer agency.

You could also block the number to stop more messages.

When you suggest next steps, use “you” to keep the focus on their control.

How to keep the conversation balanced

A conversation about a scam can turn into a blame session. Guard against that by redirecting any self‑critical remarks.

• Everyone gets caught by a clever trick.

• The important thing is what you’ll do now.

If your friend starts saying “I should have known better,” respond with reassurance.

You didn’t have all the info at the time.

It’s easy to miss the red flags when they look real.

Offer to stay in touch as they work through the issue. A quick check‑in later in the week shows you care.

I’ll call you tomorrow to see how it’s going.

Message me if you need any more help.

How to protect the friendship

Talking about money can be awkward. Keep the tone light enough that the friendship stays comfortable. If you sense tension, change the subject briefly to something neutral.

• Did you see the game last night?

• How’s your garden coming along?

A short pause lets both of you breathe. When you return to the topic, reaffirm that you’re on their side.

I’m here for you no matter what.

Your friendship means more than any deal.

Wrap up with a clear plan

End the chat with a summary of what you’ll do together. This gives both of you a roadmap and prevents the conversation from fizzling out.

• We’ll email the consumer bureau tomorrow.

• I’ll forward you the link to the scam‑watch site.

Finish with a friendly note that reinforces your support.

Let’s grab coffee later and talk about something fun.

Take care and remember you’re not alone in this.

Closing thought

Helping a friend out of a fake deal is about listening, offering clear steps, and keeping the bond strong. When you stay calm, show empathy, and give concrete help, you turn a painful moment into a chance for both of you to grow together.

Be kind ❤