National Scam Survivor Day
May 8 is a day to recognize the journeys of scam victims and encourage them to reach out for support.
You’re not alone. You may feel isolated, embarrassed, and afraid to share what happened. And that’s natural: Someone has violated your trust and taken advantage of you. But you’re not alone.
“I have to keep telling myself that I’m a victim, and I didn’t do anything wrong.” That’s how Juanita started a conversation with the team at Operation Shamrock. (Read her story.)
53% of victims report they feel anxiety, stress, and/or trauma after being targeted by a scam
The organized crime groups behind scams are very, very good at it. It’s their business. They’re professionals. They use techniques including psychological manipulation to gain a victim’s trust.
In fact, 53% of victims who reported scams to the BBB Scam Tracker say they feel anxiety, stress, and/or trauma after being targeted by a scam.
Last year, the Better Business Bureau created National Scam Survivor Day to recognize scam victims, provide them with an opportunity to be heard, and fight the stigma that leads to isolation and resistance to reach out for help and support.
There’s strength in sharing your story to help prevent scammers from victimizing others. The more information law enforcement and other agencies have, the more they can work to stop the scammers. Your story also helps others become more aware of scams and the risks.
“I’m grateful to be working with the Better Business Bureau to support victims and increase awareness of the scam industry. Together we can do more to educate people about scams, mobilize law enforcement and industry efforts against it, and disrupt the scam operations,” says Erin West, Operation Shamrock Founder, and member of the Scam Survivor Day Coalition Advisory Board.
The Coalition includes corporate and nonprofit organizations collaborating to champion the needs of scam survivors. Other advisory board members include leaders from:
American Bankers Association Foundation
Consumer Action
Cyber Collective
Department of Veterans Affairs
Global Cyber Alliance
National Center for Victims of Crime
National Consumers League
National Cybersecurity Alliance
Project Goal
Stop Scams Alliance
If you’ve been scammed, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. And we’re stronger together.
Learn more about National Scam Survivor Day.
Read about the pig butchering life cycle to learn how the scammers operate.
Read about victims’ personal experiences in our Survivor Stories.