Suicide Awareness Month, also known as National Suicide Prevention Month, is observed every September to raise awareness about suicide. Sadly, the link between scams and suicide is becoming a growing concern, as financial fraud, cybercrime, and other forms of exploitation become more prevalent. This month, during Suicide Awareness Month, it was reported that complaints about scams have reached an all-time high. With more and more people being targeted by scammers, this blog explores the toll scams take on a person’s mental health, to promote greater understanding and empathy for those affected.
The financial impact of scams
Many scam victims suffer significant financial losses. According to the UK Finance 2024 Annual Fraud Report, over £1 billion was lost to scammers last year. This can include people’s life savings, retirement funds, pension pots or money set aside for important life events. It can also include debt if the person has borrowed money, taken out loans or re-mortgaged their home to pay the scammer. This type of financial devastation can lead to feelings of hopelessness, particularly if the victim doesn’t realise that you can get money back from a scam and struggles to see a way out of their current situation.
The psychological trauma of scams
Beyond the financial loss, scammers can be incredibly sophisticated and deeply manipulative, which can be very traumatising for those involved. Research by ‘Stop! Think Fraud’, a campaign launched earlier this year, revealed that three in five (60%) fraud victims have struggled with their mental health in the aftermath of the crime. Victims of scams often feel embarrassed or ashamed, which may prevent them from seeking help or confiding in others. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression and trigger mental health issues.
The emotional effect of scams
Scam victims often blame themselves for being deceived, which intensifies their emotional distress. This is particularly true of romance scams, where people have not only invested money but emotional energy into the relationship. The realisation that the person they’ve been speaking to is not who they said they were can illicit feelings of betrayal, which can trigger depression. The same can be true of impersonation scams, which can erode a person’s trust in people and organisations, making them feel insecure and more vulnerable having been tricked.
Aggravating factors that heighten the risk of suicide in scam victims
- People who are already vulnerable
Some groups, including those with existing mental health issues, or those going through significant life changes (such as divorce or bereavement), are more vulnerable to scams. Sadly, there have been several reports of individuals who were already facing emotional challenges and were unable to cope with the added strain of being targeted by scammers.
- Cyberbullying and Sextortion
Online harassment, such as sextortion, can also lead to suicide. Victims who are blackmailed with private or sensitive information or images often feel trapped and humiliated, fearing exposure and public shame. This intense pressure has led to suicides, particularly among younger victims, in both the UK and overseas.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Firstly, remember this is not your fault. More people are affected by fraud than any other crime in the UK. If scammers have targeted you, then you should notify the relevant authorities. You should also seek support from trusted friends or family members if you feel comfortable doing so. If you don’t have someone to confide in there are charities that support victims of crime.
- Contact the police
If you’ve been targeted by scammers you should report what’s happened the police. In an emergency, dial 999. If you’re not in immediate danger, you should call 101.
- Notify your bank
If you’ve sent money to a scammer or if someone has compromised your account, you should immediately notify your bank. Your bank can block any further transactions to the scammer.
- Report to Action Fraud
Victims of scams can also report the crime to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They handle reports and investigate internet-based crimes (tel: 0300 123 2040).
- Contact victim support
When you report a crime to the police, they should ask if you’d like help from an organisation like Victim Support. However, you don’t need to wait – anyone affected by a crime can get in touch directly (tel: 08 08 16 89 111).
Finally, if you have been impacted by any of the issues discussed in this blog, you can reach out to The Samaritans for additional help and support.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress, the Samaritans offer a confidential, 24/7 helpline for anyone in need of someone to talk to (tel: 116 123).
