Judith faces nearly $180,000 in taxes due to a scam that affected her 401(k) withdrawals, highlighting the ongoing struggles of fraud victims. Congress has stalled on relief bills aimed at assisting these individuals. Experts note that financial fraud is often underreported, with victims frequently feeling shame and fear, which contributes to the silence surrounding these crimes. The narrative emphasizes the need for transparency and support for victims, as financial fraud is one of the few crimes where victims are often blamed. Support groups are emerging as a source of comfort for scam victims, offering a space for discussion led by trained facilitators, fostering understanding without judgment.
Column by Michelle Singletary: Scam victims are finding solace in fraud support group programs. There, victims participate in small group discussions led trained facilitators where they receive understanding, empathy, and, most importantly, no judgment. https://t.co/f0MtwdPugQ
Column | Scammers convinced her she was an FBI asset, draining her life’s savings - @washingtonpost https://t.co/JehtQpLRy0
"We need to be able to admit to ourselves that scams can and do happen to anyone." Column: What my mom's experience with romance scams taught me about blame 📝 Rory Macleod https://t.co/o0FcUfmMat