get taken in (by someone or something)

1. To be fooled, swindled, cheated, or beguiled (by someone or something). It galls me how many people get taken in by companies' claims that "the customer matters most." You spent $1,000 on some cure-all pill you bought off the Internet? How could you get taken in like that? A: "It's so frustrating how Mom always gets taken in by Rich's cockamamie schemes." B: "Right? It's not like she ever sees any sort of return on her 'investment.'"

2. To be adopted, looked after, or given foster care (by someone or something), often in an unofficial or informal manner. At this shelter alone, nearly 200 abused animals get taken in each year. My younger brother and I got taken in by our aunt and uncle after our parents were arrested. That cat hit the jackpot when she got taken in by you guys. She's never been loved more in her life.