Fraud victims left counting the cost of a scam on their wellbeing, survey shows

More than half of people whose mental health was affected said they experienced anxiety

A survey has found that 60% of people who were the victims of scams suffered with their mental health afterwards.

More than half (55%) of people whose mental health was affected said they experienced anxiety. Some of those whose mental health was impacted also reported dealing with depression (48%), or low self-confidence and self-esteem (51%).

This survey was done for the Stop! Think Fraud campaign by the Government. It’s supported by groups from law, tech, banks, telecoms, and charities. 26% of people who were scammed noticed changes in their body like weight changes, headaches, and panic attacks. Many victims also experienced disturbed sleep.

The campaign highlighted the words of a of a 64-year-old fraud victim: “I think more people need to recognise just how much of a toll fraud can have on someone’s mental health. The stress affects all aspects of your life, and if you don’t have a good support network around you, it could easily become really overwhelming.

“To this day I still receive texts, calls and sometimes emails from people trying to steal my money. I’d like to think I’m a lot more vigilant now, but anyone could be caught out by these scams.”

“My advice to anyone is do not respond to unsolicited calls, texts or emails, and keep a close eye on your bank account. If you’re unsure of something, stop, think and check before you do anything. It could save you thousands and protect your mental health in the long run.”

The campaign has teamed up with Mental Health UK and behavioural psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos. Charlene Marks, head of Mental Health UK’s mental health and money advice service, said: “This research demonstrates that fraud is about more than losing money – it can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. These worrying statistics also underline how money and mental health are intrinsically linked.”

“In fact, we know from other studies that we at Mental Health UK have carried out that if a person is already struggling with their mental health, this can make them much more vulnerable and three times more likely to be a victim of online fraud.”

“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to be targeted by criminals looking to steal your money, and it’s understandable to feel worried it could happen to you or a loved one. Understanding the risks of fraud and knowing how to protect yourself can help address any anxiety you might experience.”

“Dealing with fraud can be distressing, and it’s common that this is compounded with feelings of shame or blame. It’s really important that people seek support for their mental health if it’s having a continued impact on their wellbeing. With the right support people can move forward with their lives, and for many seeking help from their GP or a registered counsellor represents a positive step forward.”

Dr Papadopoulos said: “One of the most insidious things about these scams is that they create a barrier to seeking support, because the victim feels ashamed.

“There is a sense that they ‘should’ have known better, that they ‘could’ have spotted the signs, and as a consequence, this embarrassment often stops people from not only feeling entitled to seek support but, critically, from processing and responding to what has happened in a way that minimises the impact on their mental health. The fact is that scams like these can happen to anybody. Fraudsters and the technology they use are becoming so advanced that our ability to spot fraud and respond to it is constantly being challenged.

“It’s vital to get people not only to have a sense of entitlement about seeking support, but to equip them with the skills to stop, think twice and develop tools to respond. The key message here is to encourage anyone that has experienced fraud to seek support, because good effective support is out there.”

Here’s some top advice from Dr Linda Papadopoulos on how you can avoid falling for fraudsters’ tricks:.

1. Be aware that wrongdoers often pretend to be someone in charge or a “trusted” voice. They might use language that triggers strong feelings like fear or hope and promise big money if you “act now”.

2. Although you can’t stop a con artist from trying to trick you, you can make it harder for them. In the moment, this could mean ending the chat by closing a text, email or conversation. Or, switch up your online passwords to boost your internet safety.

3. If you think you’ve been duped by a scam, report it. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can tell Action Fraud about it online or ring 0300 123 2040. For those living in Scotland, you should talk to Police Scotland by dialing 101.

4. If you’ve been tricked by a scam, remember there are people who can help. It’s really important to feel confident enough to ask for support because by speaking up, we can take back control.

Over 2,100 people across the UK, who’ve been the victims of fraud, were questioned by Savanta between February and March. For further information on scams and how you get help, go to stopthinkfraud. campaign.gov.uk.