Feeling frightened, helpless, foolish — it’s a natural reaction to being scammed, but it needn’t paralyze you. You can deal with it, and become stronger and smarter as a result. You are still fully you, not just a victim.

Reframe the event. It was financial abuse, not personal failure.

Understand the event. Learn its lessons, to protect yourself in future.

Talk about what happened with a trusted family member, friend or (if needed) therapist. You have nothing to hide, and much to gain — support, connection, the wisdom of shared experience (others may tell their own scam stories in return), and, above all, the power of not falling into silent isolation. When you use your voice, you reclaim your power.