Lloyds Bank has issued an urgent scam warning after a woman who lost £60,000 in a dating app scam is still recovering from the emotional impact two years later.
The scammer gained Marisha Wallace's trust before deceiving her out of tens of thousands of pounds, leaving her feeling angry and ashamed.
Many victims of fraud report feeling annoyed (27 per cent), angry (26 per cent) and powerless (24 per cent) long after the incident, even when they have been reimbursed, new research from Lloyds has shown.
The urgent warning comes following an analysis showing around 78 per cent of fraud victims are not accessing the emotional support needed to speed up their recovery.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds said: "The impact fraud can have on victims, even if no money is lost, should not be underestimated.
"We spend tens of millions of pounds on our fraud defences to prevent our customers from becoming a victim, and provide the tools needed so people can recognise the signs of fraud and better protect themselves."
Britons are urged to take advantage of the tools provided to aid a speedy recovery.
Britons are urged to take advantage of the tools provided to aid a speedy recovery
GETTYWallace explained the emotional journey she went through on her journey to recovery. She said: "At first, I was just angry, pleading for answers from the guy I thought I trusted.
"I was in shock–because I thought this stuff just doesn’t happen to smart, successful people.
"But I was wrong. I was so ashamed when I finally confessed to my family–I just kept imagining the house I wanted to buy for my mother."
Two years on, Wallace credits Victim Support with helping her recovery journey.
She added: "I'm feeling mentally stronger, but I don't want anyone to go through what I went through."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Dr Suleman Lazarus, a cybercrime expert at the London School of Economics, explains that fraud often creates a "ripple effect" that can alter a person's life plans and affect their personal wellbeing.
Lloyds also explained the story of Abbie Blyth who fell victim to a scammer posing as her business bank account provider.
During the call, she unknowingly gave access to her business bank account, resulting in the loss of thousands of pounds.
She said: "The immediate guilt, shame, and feeling of being a complete failure, was the worst experience of my life. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone around me. I couldn’t believe I could have allowed this to happen.
"These emotions have definitely stayed with me–I’ll always remember how this day changed me. But I’m so lucky that I was able to get back on my feet and rebuild my brand, and my confidence, with the help of my friends and family.
"I really don’t want anyone else to go through this."
Lazarus continued: "Fraud often creates a ripple effect, which can alter a person's life plans and affect their personal wellbeing in ways that aren't always seen or appreciated.
Fraud often creates a "ripple effect" that can alter a person's life plans and affect their personal wellbeing
PA"The true impact of fraud often extends beyond immediate monetary loss, with many victims struggling with emotional aftereffects like anger, depression or strained relationships."
Wayne Stevens, National Fraud Lead at Victim Support said: "There is a lot of embarrassment, shame and stigma associated with fraud, but it is vital that victims do not blame themselves.
"Accessing the right help and guidance makes a huge difference to victims' recovery - if you have been impacted, contact Victim Support for free, confidential support."
