SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
How Scam Victims Can Deal With Fear And Panic Attacks
This article is addressed to new victims mostly. New victims, in the first couple of months after the scam ends, can be very fearful for their safety, sometimes the safety of family members, and especially about their future.
Of course, most scam victims have nothing to fear, even if scammers make threats and are very aggressive as the scam ends. That is just their way to silence you through fear. But also the time following the scam can invoke feelings of fear and panic, real or not.
IF YOU ARE AFRAID
If you are afraid call your local police immediately. Even if you have not yet filed a police report about the fraud do this. Tell them that you are the victim of fraud and that you are afraid for your life, and ask if they would send an officer to you.
Even if the fear is not real, treat it as if it is – at least until you can be assured that it is not. Also, read the rest of this article now, but later read our article on Scammer Threats to help you put this all in perspective.
Another option is to call your nation’s Crisis Hotline service. They are available in almost every country. In the U.S. call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org
A PANIC ATTACK IS A FEELING OF SUDDEN AND INTENSE ANXIETY.
Panic attacks can also have physical symptoms, including shaking, feeling disorientated, nausea, rapid, irregular heartbeats, dry mouth, breathlessness, sweating, and dizziness. It does not have to have all of them, but it may.
The symptoms of a panic attack are not dangerous but can be very frightening. Especially when you are the victim of a crime.
They can make you feel as though you are having a heart attack, or that you are going to collapse or even die.
Most panic attacks last somewhere from five minutes to half an hour. However, if you are a scam victim – especially one that has been threatened (though that is not required) – they can last for a day or several days. Some victims live in fear for weeks.
HOW TO HANDLE A PANIC ATTACK
It is very important not to let your fear of panic attacks control you.
Panic attacks always pass and the symptoms are not a sign of anything harmful happening,
Tell yourself that the symptoms you’re experiencing are caused by anxiety.
Try to ride out the attack. Try to keep doing things. If possible, it’s important to try to remain in the situation until the anxiety has subsided.
Confront your fear. If you don’t run away from it, you’re giving yourself a chance to discover that nothing’s going to happen.
As the anxiety begins to pass, start to focus on your surroundings and continue to do what you were doing before.
If you’re having a short, sudden panic attack, it can be helpful to have someone with you, reassuring you that it will pass and the symptoms are nothing to worry about.
That can be a friend, family member, or even the police if you are truly afraid for your life. When having an attack call someone who can help talk you down.
If you do these things it will help.
A Breathing Exercise For Panic Attacks
If you’re breathing quickly during a panic attack, doing a breathing exercise can ease your other symptoms. You need to slow and deepen your breathing.
Try this:
- breathe in as slowly, deeply, and gently as you can, through your nose
- breathe out slowly, deeply, and gently through your mouth
- some people find it helpful to count steadily from one to five on each in-breath and each out-breath
- close your eyes and focus on your breathing
You should start to feel better in a few minutes. You may feel tired afterward since a panic attack is using huge amounts of energy.
Visit the No Panic website for another breathing exercise to calm panic – here is the link: Having a panic attack? – NoPanic
Ways To Prevent Panic Attacks
You need to try to work out what particular stress you might be under that could make your symptoms worse. Obviously, the fraud is the main stressor, but try to think if there is something specific that is causing your fear and panic. On this website is all the information you need to overcome your fear.
In addition, Dr. Tim McGuinness has written a book specifically for scam victims about FEAR that is available at http://shop.AgainstScams.org – you might consider getting it and the GREEN Book for self-help recovery together.
It’s important not to restrict your movements and daily activities. In other words, do not feed the fear!
- Doing breathing exercises every day will help to prevent panic attacks and relieve them when they are happening
- Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, will help you to manage stress levels, release tension, improve your mood and boost confidence
- Eat regular meals to stabilize your blood sugar levels
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking – these can make panic attacks worse. Panic support groups have useful advice about how you can effectively manage your attacks. Knowing that other people are experiencing the same feelings can be reassuring. Your GP can put you in touch with groups in your area
- Seeing a trauma counselor or therapist will be essential, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can identify and change the negative thought patterns that are feeding your panic attacks
Is It Panic Disorder?
For most scam victims fear appears almost immediately after the scam ends (within a week or two usually) and can last a month or two. Of course, every victim exhibits this differently. But if the fear persists, then it may have become something more than a panic attack.
If you feel constantly stressed and anxious, particularly about when your next panic attack may be, you may have panic disorder.
People with panic disorder may avoid situations that might cause a panic attack. They may also fear and avoid public spaces (agoraphobia).
This can be caused by your trauma and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Remember, you are the victim of a serious crime. If your attacks are happening time after time, seek the help of a trauma professional.
Resources
Here are directories and resources to help you find a trauma counselor or therapist:
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Table of Contents
- Scam Victim Panic Attacks
- Helping Scam Victims Through Their Recovery
- How Scam Victims Can Deal With Fear And Panic Attacks
- IF YOU ARE AFRAID
- A PANIC ATTACK IS A FEELING OF SUDDEN AND INTENSE ANXIETY.
- HOW TO HANDLE A PANIC ATTACK
- A Breathing Exercise For Panic Attacks
- Ways To Prevent Panic Attacks
- Is It Panic Disorder?
- Resources
- Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books
- SCARS Printed Books For Every Scam Survivor From SCARS Publishing
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
I have experienced a DEFINITE panic attack when I feared the criminal was coming to my area. I was so afraid and so panicked with fear for my family. SCARS really helped me with online support to let me know that I was reacting to a message that contained common compliance wording. The criminals were trying to pull me back into their midst by inciting fear and anxiety in me. I learned when the day they were to come came and went without incident that my panic was groundless. I know that panic attacks can immobilize one, cause extreme physical distress and mental anguish. I have experienced more mental anguish regarding the current state of my finances than what I’ve experienced thinking the criminals were coming for me.
Fortunately I have not experienced a panic attack, but still feel elevated levels of anxiety. The first few months I was really worried I would do something else that would only make things worse. I still remain cautious and try to be careful making decisions.