So, my(21f) partner’s younger brother J, (21m), who is bipolar and schizophrenic, fell for an internet scammer this week. On 2/12 they met, 2/14, they started dating, and as of yesterday(2/17) they are engaged. I know that, with mental illness or not, it’s easy to be persuaded by a scammer. My focus is not so much on that. 

Yesterday, J was in the process of giving his bank info and social security information to his “wife’s lawyer”. (Mind you, we are in the south. The scammer is allegedly from New York.) Myself, my partner, their parents, siblings, and a family friend all jumped in to beg him not to give any personal info to this person who was very clearly a scammer. With how fast the situation moved (engaged in 5 days), we worried he was delusional. He could not see the evidence right in front of his face that she is not real. We found the real account of the catfish, we found real documents of what affidavits of claim look like, etc, and showed him. But he refuses to consider our side. 

I’m worried that by us challenging his delusions, that we pushed him further and further down the path of not trusting us and trusting this stranger instead. 

What do we do? I have no idea what to do next. I have tried endlessly to remind him that I believe his feelings are real. That his love is real. It’s just misplaced. He isn’t a harm to himself or others but he is very manic and very delusional right now and very angry. We are snowed in and can’t leave our houses, and his doctor’s office is closed. 

Please don’t hesitate to comment or PM me if you need additional context or info. 

Any and all help is appreciated. TIA.