“ Falling into a Black Hole ”: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Cyberscam Victim-Survivors and Their Social Support Networks
Alyxandra Cazanis, Jao-Yue J. Carminati, Kimberly Ann Chew, Cassandra Cross, Jennie Louise Ponsford, Kate Rachel Gould · Victims & Offenders · 2025
Cyberscam victim-survivors commonly experience financial loss and emotional distress. However, victim-survivors and their family-members perspectives of scam vulnerability, impacts and support are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the experiences of cyberscam victim-survivors (n = 12) and their friends/family-members (n = 8). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Psychological impacts were pervasive, with scams contributing to distress, shame, decay of trust, and relationship conflict. Victim-survivors’ support needs were largely unmet. Perceived invulnerability was proposed as a modifiable risk factor; Increased awareness to de-stigmatize cyberscam victimization may reduce susceptibility. Targeted training of scam support services may also improve post-scam care.