EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF FRAUD
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Similar to victims of violent crimes, victims of economic crimes such as fraud may suffer mental and emotional harm, as well as stress-related physical effects, in addition to their financial losses.  In fact, many victims lose their entire life savings and are devastated by the psychological and social impact. They can feel robbed of not only their money, but also their security, their self-esteem, and their dignity.  They may spend years trying to recover from these crimes.

Many victims of fraud describe their victimization as a "psychological mugging."  They may describe their experience as "like being raped" and often experience the same loss of trust as sexual assault victims.  Fraud victims may also experience:

• guilt 

• self-blame (often extremely high)

• shame

• disbelief

• anger

• depression

• sense of betrayal

• sense of violation

• isolation ("suffering in silence")

• social indifference 

• social stigma ("victim-blaming")

• loss of faith in the world and the system that was supposed to protect them

• financial problems (due actual monetary losses, lost work, and/or identity theft)

• health problems (related to stress)

Unfortunately, social indifference may extend to law enforcement. Often, white collar crimes are a low priority and victims of fraud may encounter skepticism, suspicion, and contempt when they seek to report the offense.  This can lead to additional feelings of shame and helplessness, often referred to as "secondary victimization."  Even when law enforcement does pursue the case, fraud crimes are often difficult to trace and prove in court, unless there is physical evidence, such as a forged check or credit card receipt.  Even when there is physical evidence, the perpetrator may escape detention or, if caught, may not be convicted or punished.  If they are caught and ordered to pay restitution, many offenders use any means necessary to avoid paying, often liquidating their assets and hiding them out of reach, or declaring bankruptcy.  Fraud victims are often left with no closure, a reality that may impede their financial and psychological recovery.

Fraud victims often lack support from family and friends, who blame them or make fun of them for their gullibility.  If a victim is elderly, family members may begin to doubt the senior's ability to manage his or her financial affairs.  This may result in the senior losing control over his or her finances.  Worse, in some cases, the victim may actually lose enough of his or her savings to no longer be financially independent; this can result in a loss of personal freedom as he or she is forced to sell property and depend on others for housing and transportation.  Fearing these outcomes, many fraud victims do not disclose their fraud victimization to others, suffering alone.  This can lead to isolation and depression.

Fraud victims should know that there is a growing recognition of the impact of white collar crime.  New awareness and technology are making arrest and prosecutions more successful, and there are new resources available for victims to help them recover both financially and psychologically.  If you have been a victim of fraud, or any financial crime, there may be support groups or specialized counselors in your area.  Your local Victim-Witness Assistance Program may be able to help.  In York County and Poquoson, the phone number is (757) 890-3402.