Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2024 September)
Realizing that you have been scammed can be a devastating experience. In addition to the stress and worry caused by the theft of your money, victims often feel ashamed for falling victim to a scam. Many suffer a loss of self-worth, blaming themselves and questioning their own intelligence and decision-making ability. Romance scam victims may be especially hard hit, experiencing all the previously mentioned emotions while also grieving the loss of what they thought was a loving relationship. Recovering after being scammed can take time, but there are organizations that can help.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and non-members. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Call for guidance you can trust, free of judgment. Call 877-908-3360 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. To learn more about the AARP Fraud Watch Network, visit aarp.org/fraud.
AARP Fraud Watch Network VOA | ReST Program
The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) created the VOA | ReST Program, which stands for Resilience, Strength, and Time. The goal of the program is to help people who have been the victim of a scam recover emotionally by re-establishing trust and building back resilience. Participants are invited to attend the online, hour-long sessions using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Discussions are confidential and participants are welcome to attend as many sessions as they wish. During the program, small groups are led in discussion by one or more trained peer facilitators. To learn more and register for a session, visit aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/voa-rest-program.
Cybercrime Support Network’s (CSN) Romance Scam Recovery Group
CSN, along with the FINRA foundation, offers a free support program for romance scam survivors. Participants can attend 10 one-hour virtual group sessions, facilitated by a licensed counselor. The sessions support victims’ mental well-being while focusing on helping them work through their feelings of loss, embarrassment and isolation. Participants also learn about cybercrime and ways to protect yourself online. Learn more at fightcybercrime.org/programs/romance-scam-recovery-group.
Financial Crime Resource Center
Access educational resources to help prevent being scammed as well as resources for victims of scams. Their Victim Recovery Checklists offer recommended steps to take immediately after you discover you are the victim of a scam. To access the checklists, visit victimsofcrime.org/victim-recovery-checklist.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice launched the National Elder Fraud Hotline to help combat fraud against older Americans and provide services to victims. The hotline is managed by the Office for Victims of Crime and staffed by professionals. Callers are assigned a case manager, who remains their point of contact and assists with reporting the crime and connecting the caller with needed resources. Call the hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) Monday-Friday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. EST. Services are available for speakers of English, Spanish, and other languages.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).