IMPACT ON FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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As with many violent crimes, fraud often causes vicarious victimization of those closest to the actual victim.  Monetary losses may impact family members directly because they are financially dependent on the victim.  If a fraud victim is upset or depressed about the crime, this, too, may have an impact on the victim's relationships.  If a victim fears that he or she will be blamed by family or friends for the crime, the person may hide the crime, isolating him or herself from a very important support system.  In many cases, couples may separate or divorce as a result of the financial and emotional conflict caused by fraud.  

The impact of fraud on a family structure may be especially severe if one member "recruits" other members into a scam and they all lose money or property.  When this occurs, family members lose trust in one another and resentment may disrupt regular interaction patterns.  Parents may feel that their children cannot make sound decisions; children may believe their older parents lack the ability to manage their own financial affairs.  Everyone suffers.

Friends and family members need to be supportive of fraud victims.  Regardless of the circumstances of the scam, most victims of financial crimes are innocent.  Many just made a bad decision based on a slick presentation of a fraudulent product or service.  And any of us can be fooled.  

Victims of fraud also need to recognize that their family members may also be experiencing trauma as a result of the crime.  If relationships start to falter, they need to be rebuilt.  If a couple have difficulty putting the pieces back together on their own, there is nothing wrong with seeking advice or counseling.  Victims do not have to allow their personal lives to fall apart as a result of fraud.  When dealing with the aftermath of their victimization, this is one area of their lives where individuals can assert some control.  Having a strong support system can be a key part of psychological recovery.