Since my blurb is on Healthy Alternatives, why would I be writing about scams? That’s because they can harm people in ways that we don’t see!
First of all, you may know someone who’s been scammed—or maybe it’s happened to you (hopefully not). The financial cost can be steep. But what’s often less visible are the emotional, psychological, and physical tolls that follow. New research is showing that fraud and scams don’t just rob people of money—they can rob them of peace of mind, sleep, and in some cases, long-term health.
Plus, there’s a new scam happening. Scammers are now hooking into your hobbies and interests, and after gaining your trust, they ask for money. That’s when the scam begins. This kind of scam can really hurt people’s ability to trust others!
So, What Happens When You’ve Fallen for a Scam?
(By the way, I almost fell for a scam about having my business’s electricity turned off in an hour for nonpayment of a bill. Since I have a bookkeeper, I didn’t know if this was true or not, and I couldn’t contact the bookkeeper. Fortunately for me, my wife called it a scam. When I contacted the power company, they said they were hearing from a number of customers in the same area who had received these calls.)
What Happens to Your Mind After You’ve Been Scammed?
Scam victims commonly report:
Anxiety, depression, PTSD: In studies of internet scams, people report prolonged anxiety and depression. In some Australian investment scams, even after a year or two, PTSD symptoms persisted. One case study found victims “taking antidepressants or other psychotropic medications” even 1–2 years after the fraud.
o “I felt as though my mind was disintegrating.” - Victim of a bank impersonation scam
o “There is a particular feeling of self-doubt and creeping dread…you run through all the conversations you’ve had …and doubt your memory at every turn.” - Fraud victim describing the aftermath
Shame, guilt, embarrassment: Many feel they “should have known better,” which leads to self-blame. This can deepen isolation and prevent people from reporting or seeking help.
o “She was angry. She’s like, ‘I’ve been so stupid. I should never have done this. I can’t believe I’ve been scammed." - Support worker recalling a client’s reaction to a romance scam.
Sleep problems and obsessive thinking: Night-time rumination, insomnia, and panic attacks are frequently reported. One UK fraud victim even said they had to double their antidepressant dosage due to the psychological distress.
The Physical Toll
Mental/emotional distress doesn’t stay confined to the mind—it shows up in the body:
A study from RUSH University found that older men who had been financially exploited experienced elevated blood pressure that persisted for years—potentially increasing the risk for stroke or heart disease.
Victims often report physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, appetite changes, and even panic attacks.
Research from Spain found that scam victims reported a lower overall quality of life and poorer general health compared to non-victims.
o “I’ve had my identity stolen … It left me feeling anxious and violated … even when there was no financial loss.” - Victim of identity theft
Who Suffers Most: Risk Factors & Vulnerabilities
Not everyone experiences the same level of injury, and certain factors make some people more vulnerable to deeper impacts:
Older adults: Particularly susceptible to both emotional and physical effects. Studies show that older scam victims report higher blood pressure, social withdrawal, and increased medication use.
People with mental health challenges: Existing depression or anxiety often worsens post-fraud.
Lower-income individuals: Those with fewer resources or support systems often experience deeper financial and emotional impacts.
Prolonged scams or identity theft: The longer a scam goes undetected—or if identity misuse drags on—the worse the emotional fallout tends to be.
o “To think you’re going to get a relationship and you are not is hugely devastating for our client group.” - Support worker discussing romance scam victims.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Obvious)
Scams aren’t just crimes against a bank account—they're assaults on mental and physical well-being:
Public health burden: Increased anxiety, depression, medication use, and even cardiovascular risks suggest a wider societal cost.
Long-term economic impact: Beyond the initial loss, there are costs in productivity, healthcare, therapy, and ongoing stress-related conditions.
Breakdown of trust: Many victims withdraw socially, lose trust in institutions, and avoid online or financial tools—leading to further isolation.
What Helps: Recovery and Support
Research and victim interviews point to several helpful interventions:
Timely emotional support: Mental health care, especially soon after the incident, helps victims recover faster.
Community & peer support: Just knowing you're not alone can reduce shame and isolation.
Quicker compensation & clear communication: Victims who are promptly supported and treated respectfully by institutions experience better health outcomes.
Public awareness: Normalizing the fact that scams can happen to anyone helps reduce stigma and increases reporting.
Conclusion
Being scammed is rarely just a matter of money. The emotional wounds, sleepless nights, and ongoing stress can linger long after the scam has succeeded and the money is gone. As we better understand these hidden costs, it’s time to treat scams not just as financial crimes, but as public health threats. Whether through better prevention, faster compensation, or mental health support, recognizing the full impact of scams can help victims heal, and protect more people from suffering in silence.
This is a crisis in healthcare, and it will only get worse as AI can be used to facilitate the manipulation of people’s emotions.
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