Survivors Remember
- It was not your fault!
- You are a survivor!
- You are stronger than you know!
- You are not alone!
- Axios! You are worthy!
- Vera! It’s all true!
To get help, please visit ScamVictimsSupport.org and sign up for the SCARS Institute Support & Recovery Program at support.AgainstScams.org
My Scam Story #58
Government Impersonation Scam/Phone Scam Victim/Survivor’s Story
Survivor’s Origin: USA
This is the original victim’s story, enhanced by the SCARS Institute Editorial Team to improve comprehension, readability, and continuity. The names were changed to protect the survivor’s identity.
WARNING: THIS SCAM VICTIM/SURVIVOR’S STORY MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME PEOPLE. DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
ADVERTENCIA: LA HISTORIA DE ESTA VÍCTIMA/SOBREVIVIENTE DE ESTAFA PUEDE SER INSENSIBLE PARA ALGUNAS PERSONAS. SE RECOMIENDA DISCRECIÓN.
If you need help, join our free SCARS Institute Support and Recovery Program at support.AgainstScams.org
Si necesita ayuda, únase a nuestro Programa gratuito de Apoyo y Recuperación del Instituto SCARS en support.AgainstScams.org
My Scam Story
I never imagined I’d fall for a scam. At 72, I’ve lived through enough to think I could spot a con a mile away. I’m a retired therapist, soft-spoken, careful with my money, and always eager to do what’s right. But last fall, I lost nearly $600,000—my entire life’s savings—to someone I believed was an FBI agent. I’m still reeling, but I’m sharing this to warn others. Here’s how it happened.
It started with a phone call in September 2023 while I was driving my husband to a doctor’s appointment in Bethesda, Maryland. The caller ID showed “Montgomery County Police Department.” I answered, thinking it was urgent. A man introduced himself as an officer and said he needed to connect me to the police chief. Another voice came on, calm but firm, and told me my Social Security number was linked to a crime. They said I could face charges if I didn’t cooperate. Shocked, I agreed to help clear my name. The chief said it was a federal case and transferred me to an FBI agent named Wayne Jacobs.
Wayne sounded professional, authoritative. Over the next three months, we spoke twice a day. He wove a detailed story about my Social Security number being tied to a fentanyl smuggling ring, possibly connected to a Mexican cartel leader named “El Mayo.” He said the FBI was close to cracking the case, and I could help by protecting my money and assisting their investigation. I wanted to do the right thing—not just for myself, but for the greater good. If the FBI was involved, I thought, this had to be real.
Wayne told me my bank accounts were at risk from hackers. To “safeguard” my savings, I needed to move my money into secure accounts controlled by the FBI. He gave me precise instructions: withdraw funds from my Morgan Stanley retirement accounts, convert them to cash or gold bars, and hand them over to a courier who would deliver them to a federal vault. He warned me not to tell anyone—not my husband, not my bank—because the cartel had insiders everywhere. He sent official-looking documents with FBI letterhead, case numbers, even a badge ID. I searched his name online and found a Wayne Jacobs listed on the FBI’s website. It all checked out.
The first withdrawal was $50,000 in cash. A courier arrived at my home in Rockville, a polite man in a suit. I handed over the money, believing I was protecting it. Wayne called afterward, thanking me for my cooperation and updating me on the case. He said the cartel was using hacked accounts to launder money, and my funds were being traced to catch the criminals. I felt like I was part of something important.
Over the weeks, the requests grew. Wayne said the hackers had accessed more of my accounts, so I withdrew $100,000, then $150,000, always converting it to cash or gold bars. Each time, a courier came, and Wayne reassured me the money was safe in a federal account. He’d call with updates, saying they were close to arresting the cartel members, but they needed more to “track the funds.” I liquidated my IRAs, my savings, everything. By December, I’d given nearly $600,000.
There were moments of doubt. Once, when I hesitated, Wayne got stern, saying I could be charged with obstructing justice if I didn’t comply. Another time, he sent an email from “wayneajacobs@usa.com.” It looked odd, but he explained it was a secure server for undercover work. I wanted to believe him. I kept thinking, “Why would an FBI agent lie?” I even pictured myself getting a commendation for helping catch these criminals.
In January 2024, things unraveled. My bank contacted me, asking about the large withdrawals. I stuck to Wayne’s script, saying it was personal. But then he called with a new demand: convert my last $50,000 to gold bars. I went to a dealer, but something felt wrong. I couldn’t shake the unease. I confided in my daughter, who was furious. She insisted I verify Wayne’s identity. I called the local FBI office, and they had no record of my case. My heart sank.
A few days later, I got an email from Wayne, but this time I noticed the address didn’t end in @fbi.gov. I googled FBI email formats and realized it was a fake. I felt like the ground dropped out from under me. I’d been talking to a scammer, not an agent. The documents, the badge, the website mentions of Wayne Jacobs—they were all stolen or fabricated. I’d given away my retirement, my security, everything.
The shame hit hard. I’ve spent my career helping people through their struggles, yet I fell for this. I kept it secret for weeks, too embarrassed to tell anyone else. My husband was devastated—not angry, but heartbroken. We’re living off his pension now, scraping by. I replay every call, every decision, wondering how I missed the signs. The scammer played on my trust, my desire to help, my fear of being “in trouble.” He made me feel like I was saving myself and others.
I’m trying to move forward, but it’s hard. I’ve lost more than money—I’ve lost my sense of safety, my confidence. I used to think I was too smart for this, but now I know anyone can be fooled if the scam is convincing enough. I’m sharing this because I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did. If you get a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement, hang up. Call the agency directly using a number from their official website. Don’t let fear or trust cloud your judgment. And never move your money for someone you haven’t verified. I learned that lesson too late, but maybe my story can save someone else.
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PLEASE NOTE:
In the case of Scam Survivor’s Stories: The SCARS Institute displays this story to help recent scam victims. We are authorized to display this story and in this form or edition is copyright © Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. All rights reserved. The specific survivor’s identity has been anonymized for their protection. Photos are generated and are not of the real person.
In the case of the Criminal’s Stories: The SCARS Institute presents the Criminal Stories to assist scam victims in understanding that criminals are real individuals, despite their terrible actions, and we can gain valuable insights from their experiences to prevent crime and identify these schemes as they emerge. We aim to support victims and survivors in releasing the emotions they harbor toward the criminals, fostering a path toward potential forgiveness over time.
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started For New Victims of Relationship Scams: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- For Scam Victims Advocates: www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
More Survivor Stories
More Criminal Stories
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
SCARS Institute articles can help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org and www.ScamsNOW.com
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on SCARS Institute websites are for information & education only
The information provided in SCARS Institute articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
This is so terrible and my heart goes out to those who lost money, because unfortunately, we need it to survive.
Dear lady, you are a survivor and I applaud you for sharing your story. Take each day as it comes… AXIOUS. You are healing and it may not feel that way every day, but believe in your purpose in this world. God bless and keep you