Scams, Fraud, and Financial Exploitation

Mental health support for victims of scams, fraud, and financial manipulation, including romance scams, imposter scams, investment fraud, identity theft, and more.

Being scammed is a form of manipulation and victimization, not a failure of intelligence or judgment. Scammers use carefully engineered psychological tactics such as urgency, authority, secrecy, and manufactured trust to override your better judgment. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and the aftermath often includes shame, financial strain, and a shaken sense of trust in your own decision-making.

We help adults and teens who are navigating current or previous:

  • Romance scams and relationships built on deception

  • Ransom style non-consensual Intimate Images online of youths or adults

  • Imposter scams, including fake officials, tech support, “bank fraud departments,” or family emergencies

  • Investment and cryptocurrency fraud, including “pig butchering” scams

  • Identity theft and unauthorized use of personal information

  • Shame, self-blame, or grief following financial exploitation

  • Rebuilding trust in your own judgment and in relationships

  • False Emergencies

What This Might Sound or Look Like

  • Someone you met online who can never video chat, but always has a reason they need money

  • A call from “your bank,” the IRS, or law enforcement saying your account is compromised and you need to move your money to keep it safe

  • An investment app or “mentor” showing huge returns, but you have to pay a fee or tax before you can withdraw anything

  • Being asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or a Bitcoin ATM

  • Being told not to tell your family, friends, or bank teller what the money is for

  • A countdown or threat — act now, or you’ll be arrested, lose your account, or miss out

  • Being told to download a specific investing app

    • **it is possible to build and manipulate an app and list it on common app stores like google or apple.

How This Might Feel

Embarrassed and confused about how you didn’t see it sooner. Ashamed, even though you did nothing wrong. Anxious about money, or afraid it could happen again. Grieving a relationship that felt real, even after learning it wasn’t. Reluctant to tell family or friends, or worried about how they’ll react.

If any of this feels familiar you’re not alone. Scammers practice these scripts on thousands of people and perfect them. They learn how to make someone feel scared, dire, and desperate. Scams can be minutes, to months long, and hundreds of people “fall for them” every day. Therapy can help you work through the shame and self-doubt, and rebuild confidence in your own judgment.

Next Steps You Can Take

Stop all contact and payment — no legitimate bank, government agency, or partner will ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers. Save screenshots, usernames, phone numbers, and receipts before blocking, since they can help if you file a report. Call your bank or card company right away, using the number on the back of your card, not a number the scammer gave you. Money sent recently can sometimes be stopped or disputed, but that window is short. If you shared personal information, freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — it’s free and doesn’t affect your score.

Other scammers may reach out afterward offering to “get your money back” for a fee, sometimes posing as lawyers, investigators, or government agents. These recovery scams target people who have already lost money. Only your bank or card company, contacted using a number you look up yourself, can dispute or reverse transactions.

Talk to a therapist about the regret and grief that can come with this. You are not the one who did something wrong. In-person sessions are available in Plymouth, Michigan, and telehealth is available anywhere in Michigan.

Reputable Resources

FTC: What to do if you were scammed, step by step

FTC ReportFraud, to report any scam or fraud

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, to report online, romance, and crypto investment fraud — ic3.gov.

Support groups: Scams can be incredibly isolating, and talking with others who have been through it helps. The AARP Fraud Watch Network offers free, facilitated online support groups for fraud victims and their loved ones, and a free helpline at 877-908-3360. FightCybercrime.org runs a free, counselor-led 10-week support group for survivors of romance scams and crypto investment fraud.

Older adults (60+) can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm ET, and be assigned a case manager who helps with reporting and next steps.

Families worried that a parent or loved one is being financially exploited can contact Michigan Adult Protective Services. We offer support to victims of fraud and their loved ones.

Ready to talk? Book a free 15-minute intro call.

You may also find these pages helpful: Sextortion and Abusive Relationships.