Human impact of scams

Behind every scam is a person whose life may have been changed by deception, financial loss and emotional distress.

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Understanding the impact

Scams can affect anyone, regardless of their age, background or circumstances. Beyond financial losses, victims may face emotional distress, damaged relationships and difficulties rebuilding their confidence and trust.

Through research, survivor testimonies and expert perspectives, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) brings attention to these experiences and the importance of recognising and addressing the harm caused by scams.

How scams affect people

GASA's Global State of Scams 2025 report reveals the scale of scam victimisation and its consequences for people's wellbeing, confidence and relationships.

23%

of adults surveyed lost money to scams.

69%

of victims experienced stress after being scammed.

17%

of victims experienced a drop in confidence.

14%

of victims experienced family tension.

In their own words

Beyond the statistics are personal stories of individuals and families whose lives have been affected by scams. In these sessions from GASA's Global Anti-Scam Summits, survivors share what happened to them, how they were affected and their experiences of seeking justice, rebuilding trust and moving forward.

The Human Face of the Scam Epidemic: Survivor Stories
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Global Anti-Scam Summit America 2026
The Human Face of the Scam Epidemic: Survivor Stories

Speakers

  • Kathy Stokes – AARP

  • John DeMay

  • Mary Ellen Strange

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Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2026
A Romance Scam Survivor’s Story

Speaker

  • Kirsty Guest – Scam Survivor and Advocate, Speak To Be Heard

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Global Anti-Scam Summit America 2025
From Pain to Purpose: The Human Impact of Scams

Speakers

  • Kathy Stokes – Director, AARP

  • Amy Nofziger – Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP Fraud Watch Network

  • Lori Flowers – Fraud Survivor

  • Trina Clayeux – CEO, Give An Hour

Watch video
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Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025
Interview with a Survivor of Forced Scamming

Speakers

  • Andre Shenenko – International Justice Mission

  • Andrew – Survivor of forced scamming

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Global Anti-Scam Summit America 2024
They Picked on the Wrong People: The Websters' Fight Against Scammers

Speakers

  • Bill Webster – Former Director, FBI and CIA

  • Lynda Webster – Chairman, The Webster Group

Expert perspectives

Understanding the human impact of scams also requires examining how criminals manipulate their targets and why victims often face blame or stigma. These presentations explore the tactics behind different forms of fraud, the psychological pressures involved and the need for more informed, compassionate responses.

Watch Nick Stapleton's presentation
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Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2026
Inside the Mind of a Scammer

Speaker

  • Nick Stapleton, Television Presenter, BBC Studios

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Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025
Sextortion: How Yahoo Boys Target Teenagers

Speaker

  • Paul Raffile – Senior Intelligence Analyst

Watch Jim Browning's presentation
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Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025
Inside Pig-Butchering Scams: Lessons from Dubai

Speaker

  • Jim Browning, Scam Investigator

Watch video
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Global Anti-Scam Summit London 2025
Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You

Speaker

  • Becky Holmes – Author

Watch video
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GASA Virtual Meet-up
Blame & Shame in the Context of Financial Fraud

Speaker

  • Kathy Stokes – Director, AARP

AARP’s Fraud Wars

Hosted by Kathy Stokes, AARP’s Fraud Wars series series explores the human impact of fraud through conversations with survivors and people working to support them. The interviews examine how scams unfold, the challenges people face afterwards and the role of support in recovery.

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Supporting scam victims

People affected by scams may need practical guidance, emotional support and help navigating the steps towards recovery. Across GASA's network, organisations are working to make this assistance more accessible and improve how victims are treated.

The following resources provide information, reporting guidance and support for people affected by scams.

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Scam.org
Scam.org offers information about scams, guidance on reporting incidents and resources to help people understand their options and take action.

AARP

AARP Fraud Watch Network
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides free guidance and emotional support to people affected by scams, including a dedicated helpline and online support groups.

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