FRAUD: A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSAULT

FRAUD & DECEPTION – I use poetry, humor, photography, and education to help others heal, protect themselves and rise above challenges.

Fraud is a distinct category of crime. It is a widespread issue that impacts individuals and communities alike. This involves deceptive practices that can result in significant emotional and financial harm. This series was inspired when I became a victim of fraud. The ironic part. I am a fraud specialist. (Continued below the articles.) If I can be a victim, anyone can.

We are building the pages – New section.

FRIENDSHIPS AND FRAUD

The psychology behind it. Coming next

Understanding the psychology behind fraud is crucial in recognizing its signs and protecting oneself against it. In this section, THROUGH MY STORY, we will explore the various facets of fraud, its impact on victims, and practical strategies to safeguard against deception.

I was defrauded, and I found myself paralyzed—sitting in a chair in what I call survival mode. I remembered it well from my years of intense grief. This fraud did a number on me. Survival mode means: get up, handle your priorities, and nothing more (except tears). Go to work. Pay your bills. Do only what absolutely must be done, and then return to your chair.

With so many past traumas behind me, I fell into what I call a trauma brain loop. I stayed in it day in and day out—replaying everything, over and over again. How could I have let this happen? What would my future hold? My financial picture had been destroyed.  My plan to travel the world in retirement for this photography magazine you are reading came to a screeching halt.

If you read, Why I Create, you will find a bit about me and my life of many traumas. Deception trauma is its own category. It attacks the essence of what is true. It makes you question judgment, perception, even your own identity (“How could I miss this?”). For someone with my background and experience, that can cut especially deep. It doesn’t mean I failed. It means the betrayal was precise.

FRAUD THROUGH FAKE RELATIONSHIPS

Fraud takes on an even more sinister form when it involves someone pretending to be your friend. This betrayal not only deceives you but also capitalizes on trust, making the emotional toll even greater. Understanding how to spot these fake friendships is essential for protecting yourself from manipulation and financial harm.

Sadly, I share my story as a victim. It may seem ironic, but after 30 years as a fraud specialist, I found myself ensnared in a web of deceit—though not in the areas I dedicated my career to exposing. If I can fall prey to such manipulation, it serves as a stark reminder: anyone can be deceived.

I was vulnerable, not just due to my age, but also because of profound isolation and deep emotional grief. These factors left me open to exploitation, underscoring that even the most knowledgeable among us can be blindsided.  I share my story to help others. Especially those who beat themselves up, saying, “I should have known better.”

I worked in the fraud industry, focusing on spotting deception in transactions rather than seeing the human cost behind it. I often viewed fraud as a matter of dollars lost. I did not work with victims in schemes.  I worked within an industry that had no contact with victims. This oversight blinded me to the fact of what a victim looks like.

FRAUD AND THE PERFECT TARGET

Little did I know, I embodied the perfect target—burdened by agonizing grief, isolated, and vulnerable due to my age. I was unknowingly broadcasting, ‘Come get me,’ while oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows.

And they found me. Oh, did they work thier charm. They slipped into my life, masquerading as a friend, engaging me in weekly calls that felt genuine—each conversation a carefully crafted performance. But beneath the facade lay a sinister intent: to defraud me.

GROOMING – NOT FRIENDSHIP

When I uncovered the fraud, it hit me like a 1-2 punch. Not only was I heartbroken by the betrayal of what I thought was a true friendship, but I was also devastated financially by the deceit. It started out as a business transaction and then moved into a friendship. But that friendship was designed to continually set me up, to be defrauded. My mom had just died. When I spoke of this, I didn’t know I was setting myself up. Someone in a deep, agonizing, intensive grief, like I was, is a perfect victim for fraud. They prey on people in intense grief.

THE FRAUD IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED 

The summary of my story will go here. And then there will be a full page with all the details so you can avoid these fraudsters.  I can’t say anything quite yet. They remain oblivious to the investigation, but that will probably change soon. Every detail will be meticulously documented—names, dates, and events in this section for everyone to see. What they did will be fully exposed. The purpose, it is to keep others from harm. I take risks by trying to protect others, but I feel an obligation.

Rest assured, I am well-versed in the laws of libel. Every word I write will be backed by solid evidence that is 100 percent factual and provable in a court of law. They are unaware that I am currently gathering proof of their actions, but I have a ton of evidence.

WHY AM I WRITING MY STORY

I write to illuminate the paths of others. If you’re familiar with my art and poetry, you know how deeply my soul has been shaped by a relentless series of traumas throughout my entire life. Each wound has taught me to transmute my pain into something transformative—into art that resonates, and into words that offer solace. This process of transmutation is not just my survival; it is my lifeline, a bridge that connects my struggles to the healing of others.

This recent blow has knocked me to the ground, leaving me struggling to rise. Yet, this page serves as my lifeline—a fragile tether to clarity in the chaos. Rather than being drawn into the suffocating depths of trauma, I reach out to share my story.

My hope is not only to reclaim my own voice but also to resonate with others, especially those who have faced similar battles. Together, we can illuminate the path to healing.

GUIDANCE PAGES

These pages are crafted to assist individuals in recognizing and navigating potential fraud. Here, you’ll find essential advice on spotting the signs of deception, along with a comprehensive list of resources for civil, criminal, and psychological support.

FRAUD RESOURCES


🔐 Official fraud reporting sites

THE AARP HELPED ME TO IDENTIFY THAT I WAS A VICTIM OF A RARE GOLD COIN SCAM


  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
    • 1-877-908-3360

That line connects you with trained fraud specialists who can:

  • Walk you through what kind of scam you experienced.
  • Help you figure out what information was exposed.
  • Give step-by-step recovery guidance. (bank, credit, identity theft, etc.)
  • Help you avoid follow-up scams. (very common after the first one)

FRAUD RESOURCES:

🔐 Official fraud reporting sites

🧾 Government & law enforcement resources

🏦 Financial fraud & consumer protection

📞 Quick phone options

  • FTC fraud help line: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
  • Identity theft hotline: 1-877-438-4338

🚨 If you want a simple rule

  • Scam or fake business → FTC
  • Identity theft → IdentityTheft.gov
  • Internet crime (hacking, phishing, crypto scams) → IC3 (FBI)
  • Bank/investment fraud → CFPB / SEC
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