Getting scammed feels horrible in so many ways. First, of course, there is the loss of what is a huge amount of money for us. Then there is the shock from being tricked like this. Then there is is the absolutely humiliation of being a victim. Cyberscams take your money but don’t leave you with physical signs of having been robbed – you didn’t get knocked to the ground and punched in the stomach, but you feel all the pain, shame, and anger.

As we continue to process the financial, legal, and emotional effects of this theft, we decided not to just keep quiet about it. The former journalist in me wants to inform as many people as possible to help prevent this happening to others. Many victims of these crimes hide, and I don’t blame them. Talking about this brings up all the trauma again, and it can be exhausting. However, I feel it is too important for me to stay silent.

Our Oro Valley newspaper published this article.

Here’s an interview I did with AARP Washington State’s Fraud Watch Friday show.