Elder financial exploitation doesn’t always look like scams from strangers. Sometimes, it happens within families — and it devastates the most vulnerable.

My mom, Annette, was one of the earliest and most heavily impacted victims of my cousin Jonathan Tudor’s fraud scheme. While many were enticed into buying luxury cars that didn’t exist, my mom’s story was different and began a year earlier. Jonathan used his position as a trusted family member to exploit her most sacred vulnerabilities. He knew she was in her late 70s, living alone without a safeguard to spot the red flags. And as a lifelong Santa Barbara resident, he knew she had strong community ties — relationships he would later exploit to fuel his larger scheme.

Although my mom didn’t have money for a new vehicle, she had savings, which Jonathan convinced her to hand over so he could “double” it. Over the span of a year, she sent him nearly every dollar she had, along with income from small jobs in her 70s. He told her to cover her living expenses on credit cards, make only minimum payments despite 25% interest rates, and send the rest to him. Instead of safeguarding her future, he drained her accounts. She was to receive her $20,000 back in January. It is now September, her credit cards are maxed out, and my stepmom and I are working together to prevent her from falling into collections.

Jonathan is now facing 78 felony charges, and the prosecutor has confirmed he has no money left, including the estimated $650,000 he took from victims. Civil recovery isn’t possible. Restitution, if it comes, will be pennies on the dollar years from now. And because there are so many victims, there are no priority cases, no matter how severe the loss. Bankruptcy has even been suggested — but for my mom, who has spent years carefully rebuilding her credit in her 70s, that would erase everything she worked for.

On her behalf, I applied for assistance through California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), which helps cover crime-related expenses like medical bills, counseling, or lost wages. But because her losses were financial only, and her medical bills aren’t considered directly caused by the crime, she doesn’t qualify.

My mom has no retirement account to fall back on. She has always worked hard, lived within her means, and put me first my entire life. I never wanted for anything, and only as an adult did I realize the sacrifices she made so that I could succeed.

Now, in her late 70s, when she should be enjoying her golden years, she is instead cutting essentials like internet and car insurance just to get by. She will never ask for help herself, but I see the numbers in her bank account, and I know what she’s giving up.

I won’t run down the list of hardships my mother has already overcome, because she never wants to be pitied. Most people don’t see her struggles because she always bounces back with quiet strength. But this has affected her differently. It has dimmed a light in her I’ve never seen fade before. She is having trouble sleeping, and I see the toll it’s taking on her.

I never imagined I would be here asking for help, but this is my last option. This fundraiser isn’t about charity — it’s about restoration. My mom has said the emotional damage is worse than the financial loss, but restoring what was stolen will at least give her space to focus on healing.

If you know my mom, you know she is one of the happiest, most positive people you will ever meet. You would never guess her challenges, because she hides them behind a smile. She is trusting and optimistic to a fault. A relative she trusted exploited that light and devastated her life.

Our goal is $20,000, which represents the $10,000 she entrusted to Jonathan and the $10,000 he promised to return. Every dollar raised will go directly toward her living expenses and rebuilding what she lost.

I want a miracle for her. I want to restore her dignity and remind her that people do see her, and people care. I am not one to ask for help, but I’ve exhausted every other option.

If you’re not in a position to give, please don’t feel pressured. Times are hard for everyone, and I deeply understand that. But if you can contribute something you won’t miss — even $5 — it will make a difference. And if you can’t, simply sharing the link with others would still make a difference.

There are no heroes in this world like our mothers. She has always been my hero — and now I’m hoping we can come together and be hers. Your generosity will not only restore stolen savings, it will restore hope, dignity, and light.