Phishing for Relief—Overcoming Scams in the 21st Century

Consider this likely familiar scenario: It’s 9 am on a Tuesday, and you open your work email to start your day. One of the first messages in your inbox is from Bank of America and says, “Someone tried to log into your Bank Account from an unfamiliar device, and we need to add some extra security precautions to keep you safe.” Oh no, you think, someone tried to hack me! You dutifully click the link and fill out the information they ask for. The next day, you are shocked to find your checking account has been drained. 

Many of you reading this probably knew the email was a scam right away, but a lot of you may not have. But even if you could spot the scam, your psychological reaction in an actual scenario could make you more gullible. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. We receive so many emails, text messages, and phone calls daily that clicking on things while following instructions has become largely automatic. Unfortunately, scammers eagerly take advantage of these behavior patterns, and that’s how we get conned.

We’ll say this a million times throughout the following series, but scams really are everywhere these days, and we need to equip ourselves with the necessary tools for protection. For instance, even just knowing that the bank will never directly alert you to suspicious behavior on your account can save you from many common scams.

Besides knowing how to protect yourself, the other major component—especially if you yourself have been scammed—is self-compassion and forgiveness. Getting scammed and losing money can wreak havoc on our nervous system and our psychological health, and it can take a lot of emotional work to heal from the trauma. Being taken for a fool can feel humiliating, and as the shame and guilt grow, so do the detrimental mental health symptoms.

“Getting scammed has nothing to do with your intelligence or gullibility—scammers do this for a living, so of course they’re good at it,” explains Hannah Owens, LMSW. “Anyone can fall for a scam. The important thing is that you don’t waste your precious time and emotional energy judging yourself for being a victim, especially if you have to deal with the fallout of getting hacked or losing money.”

That’s why we put together this series of articles to help you better understand the contemporary fraud landscape and how to overcome the mental health impact of living through such an ordeal.

There’s a Reason Even The Smartest People Fall For Scams

Isn’t it confusing how even the smartest, most thoughtful people you know end up falling for scams? The answer goes far beyond merely being gullible. It doesn’t matter how diligent you are—scammers utilize expert psychological tactics that prey on our emotions, trust, and instincts.

This article unpacks all the sneaky methods fraudsters use to steal your money and information and leave you wondering what went wrong. It also gives you advice on how to spot these tactics sooner and hopefully keep yourself safe.

9 Common Scams and The Tactics to Watch Out For

It used to be you only had a couple of scams to worry about. There were MLMS, counterfeit cash, chain email scams, and others, but those were nothing compared to what you need to watch out for in the digital age. From romance scams to pig-butchering scams, learn all about the most common methods of fraud today and the signs to watch out for.

The Swindler-Proof Guide to Avoiding Romance Scams

People who are lonely or seeking romantic companionship can be especially vulnerable to what are known as romance scams—where scammers pretend to be interested in a relationship with the victim and instead extort large sums of money from them.

Being the victim of a romance scam can be particularly traumatic, because you’re not just losing money…you’re losing someone you thought you loved. Here’s how to stop this from ever happening to you in the first place. 

Online Scams Can Have Serious Mental Fallout. Here’s How to Deal (And Heal!)

The consequences of getting scammed go far beyond the financial loss—they can be emotionally devastating. We are left with guilt, shame, and paranoia, all while asking ourselves how we could’ve possibly been so stupid. If you’ve ever been in this position, we know how you feel and are ready with the tools to help you get through it. 

It’s Time To Stop Victim Blaming People Who Get Scammed

A major, often overlooked aspect of getting scammed is the guilt and shame we feel when it happens. Remember, it’s never your fault for getting scammed. Still, victims of fraud will experience plenty of judgment for their human error, which only worsens the emotional consequences. This needs to change.

I’ve Been a Victim of Fraud Twice—Here’s What It Feels Like

This article explores the visceral first-person experience of one of our editors who was nearly scammed to the point of losing their new home. It’ll probably be relatable to anyone who has been the victim or almost victim of a scam, and is a strong warning to anyone who hasn’t.

How To Deal With the Fact That People Are Trying To Scam You Every Day

At this point, there’s simply not denying that scams are an ever present threat—people lost $12 billion in income in 2024 ALONE and received over 7,000 robocalls per second. That’s crazy, and exhausting. Which is why it makes sense that constant exposure to potential scams can lead to heightened anxiety and distrust. This article provides expert tips on how to cope, and empasizes the need for improved systemic vigilance.