Investment Scam / Identity Theft

[KP2300]

Hi,

hoping I can connect with anyone who’s been in a similar circumstance. I have recently been the victim of a cyber crime involving a fraudulent investment scheme. I discovered relatively quickly and have put measures in place to prevent further loss. I did however, get as far as providing a significant amount of personal information and I’m now terrified about what will be done with it. I cannot stop thinking about worst case scenarios like cybercriminals having my address and knowing that I have children. Will they try to abduct my kids? I cannot sleeps from this fear. I am constantly sick to my stomach 😭 I never thought this would happen to me. 

[Rose-1]

Scams are frightening, can you report it. Maybe change passwords. I hope you can get some rest. 

[KP2300]

Thanks for the reply Rose. I have reported it and locked up all my accounts, cancelled cards, notified banks and police, ordered replacement licence etc. I’m just still so terrified of what they will do with my information. Honestly my only worry is they will come for my kids. They never threaten that or anything, but I jump straight to worst case. They can try to take my money but nothing of value is linked to the credit card they have. My only worry second to my kids, is that they will run up a debt in my name and I’ll have to foot the bill which will probably cripple my marriage. 

[Flop]

Hi KP2300,

I'm really sorry this has happened to you.

If you've locked your accounts then there shouldn't be any other way they can get money out of you. It sounds as though you've gone through the proper steps to ensuring it stops here.

Something to note is these scammers aren't hardened criminals; yes they're criminals for sure but scams like this often come from impoverished and desperate individuals overseas. What I'm getting at is without a shadow of a doubt, your family will be safe and they aren't coming for you. They solely wish to exploit people for their hard earned money. The information they have on you doesn't have much value if they can't make money off you anymore.

Be sure to change your passwords and when you do get a new pin number, perhaps just make it different from the last to be safe.

My heart goes out to you and I really hope your situation improves. Hope this has eased some of your worries. It'll get better ❤️