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 #59
Tech Support 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 thought I’d be the one to lose $20,000 to a scam. At 70, a widow living in Evanston, Illinois, I’ve spent my days enjoying time with family and friends, staying active in my community. I’m not tech-savvy, but I use my computer for emails, photos, and keeping up with my grandkids. When a pop-up appeared on my screen in early 2021, warning me about a virus, I panicked. That moment changed everything, and I’m still grappling with the fallout. I’m sharing this to help others avoid the same mistake.
I was browsing one morning when the pop-up flashed across my screen. It looked official, claiming to be from Microsoft, with a phone number to call for help. It said my computer was infected and my bank accounts were at risk. I didn’t know much about computers, but I knew that sounded serious. I called the number, and a young man answered, polite and confident. He said he was from Microsoft’s “scam department” and could fix the problem. I trusted him—why wouldn’t I? Microsoft was a name I recognized.
He told me the virus was tied to hackers trying to steal my money. To protect my accounts, I needed to act fast and send a wire transfer to a secure account. He warned me not to tell anyone, not even my family, because the hackers could be listening to my phone calls. He gave me an address in another country and specific instructions for the wire. He even prepared me for questions the bank might ask, giving me answers to make the transaction sound routine. I felt like I was in a movie, doing something urgent to save myself.
I went to my local bank branch in Evanston that afternoon. I’d never wired money before, but I followed his script. The teller, a young man, asked why I was sending such a large amount—$20,000. I said it was for a family emergency, just as the scammer told me to. The teller hesitated but processed the transfer. I felt relieved, thinking I’d protected my savings. The man on the phone thanked me, saying they were now “cleaning” my computer and securing my accounts. He promised to follow up.
Over the next few days, I didn’t hear from him. I tried calling the number, but it was disconnected. My computer still worked, but something felt off. I checked my bank account and saw the $20,000 was gone. My heart sank. I called my daughter, who lives nearby, and told her everything. She was gentle but firm, urging me to contact the bank and report it. The bank confirmed the money was sent to an overseas account and couldn’t be recovered. I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach.
The embarrassment hit me hardest. I kept thinking, “How could I be so foolish?” I’ve always been careful with my money, living frugally since my husband passed. That $20,000 was part of my savings, meant to cover medical bills or help my grandkids with college. I couldn’t sleep, replaying the call, the pop-up, the moment I handed over the money. I felt like I’d let everyone down, especially myself.
My daughter helped me piece it together. The pop-up wasn’t from Microsoft—it was a fake, designed to scare me. The man on the phone wasn’t a tech expert; he was a criminal, probably working with a team to target people like me. They knew exactly how to gain my trust, using a familiar company name and high-pressure tactics to keep me from thinking clearly. I later learned they often target older adults, counting on us to be less familiar with technology and more trusting of authority.
I went to my bank again, hoping for a miracle, but the wire transfer was final. I felt so alone, too ashamed to tell my friends. My daughter encouraged me to share my story, saying it could help others. At first, I resisted—I didn’t want people to see me as the “stupid old lady” who fell for a scam. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was right. If I stayed silent, the scammers would just keep winning.
Looking back, there were signs I missed. The urgency was a red flag—why did I have to act right away? The warning not to tell anyone was another clue; real companies don’t operate like that. And the overseas address should’ve made me pause. But in the moment, I was scared and trusted the voice on the phone. I didn’t know pop-ups could be faked or that scammers could sound so professional. I kept thinking, “Microsoft wouldn’t lie to me.”
Losing that money has changed my life. I’m more cautious now, but also more anxious. I second-guess every email, every call. My daughter checks my computer regularly, and I’ve learned to ignore pop-ups and unsolicited offers. But the financial strain is real. I live on a fixed income, and that $20,000 was a cushion I no longer have. I’m grateful for my family’s support, but I hate feeling like a burden.
I’m still working through the shame, but I’m starting to see I wasn’t the only one targeted. Scammers are clever, and they’re good at what they do. I’m sharing this because I don’t want anyone else to feel this pain. If you see a pop-up or get a call about your computer, don’t engage. Hang up, shut down your browser, and call a trusted family member or friend. If someone asks for money or personal information, especially through a wire or gift card, it’s a scam. Verify everything, even if it sounds official. I wish I’d known that sooner, but maybe my story can help you avoid the same heartache.
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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.
These scams are the most real, because we depend on technology so much.
Thank you for speaking out and spreading the word. You are brave