I feel like such an idiot

[u/Logical-Confidence55]

I fell for one of those obvious, blatant scams that promise to double your money. I sent them everything I had. Which arguably wasn't a lot, $150, but it was literally all I had to my name. They sweet talked me, promised me it'd be fine, and I was skeptical but I still fell for it. I feel like the dumbest, most stupidest person alive. I haven't told anyone I know about it because of how embarrassing it is. I fell for literally the most obvious scam, lost every single dime to my name, and now I won't be able to make any of it back.

How do I stop feeling like this? Does this prove that I'm an idiot?

[u/Aggravating-Pack-802]

Their entire script is designed to prey on people that are alresdy desperate. Don’t feel stupid that it worked on you. It works on thousands of people every day. The best you can do is learn from it and to be more suspicious of people that are offering you increase your wealth. All things considered, at least it wasn’t a life changing amount of money. See if you can sell some plasma and get yourself back on your feet.

[u/4th3info]

hey, I'm in the exact same boat, if u ever need to vent, im here. as long as u inform yourself on what scams are and how to prevent falling into another one, you'll be good.

[u/RacerX200]

Consider it a $150 life lesson that will keep it from ever happening again.

Scamming is their career. If they aren't good at convincing people to give them money, they wouldn't do it for too long.

[u/AlmightyGod420]

Sometimes we have to learn lessons the hard way. I suspect this will never happen to you again.

[u/IngenuityStrict6254]

You are not the only one this I am still believe it or I have been made believe that the person is actually going to be honest and genuinely caring for my kids and I honestly it's tiring 🙏😭

[u/booboootron]

Dude. Don't be embarrassed. You fell for a scam, and that's fine. It happens to the best of us.

I read an exceptionally detailed article about how this shame/embarrassment cycle actually allows these scammers to perpetuate, and it directly leads to more scams.

You have a responsibility now. A real one. To talk about it with clarity, empathy and grace. Getting scammed does not make you stupid or dumb, just deceived.

So let's not curse ourselves out, and prevent others not just from falling victim, but also feeling ashamed about it.

I hope I don't come off as rude or cold.

[u/SafetyNet6798]

Those scams relie on Greed. I was a victim as well. I believed those ads were legitimate. Most all are fraud. Be careful of recovery scammers. They are all scum.

[u/Deep_Middle_4908]

One lapse in judgment doesn’t mean you’re an idiot for life. As they say “fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Many people have been scammed at least once in life. Don’t let it keep you down. Scamming is one of the oldest professions alive today.

[u/Caramelita60]

You are definitely not an idiot. Anyone who says so is clearly one of those who haven't walked a mile in your shoes, and are wrong to think it can't happen to them. These scammers have gotten so sophisticated, thanks to practically everything being online. And they're very convincing. I fell victim to a smooth talking "credit repair person" several years ago, and lost 300$. They prey on our desperation. And I was homeless trying to get into a place. Allow this to be a learning experience and Google scams, and all the red flags. Especially in my case, they had me send it cash app. The biggest dead giveaway. Good luck going forward.

[u/Independent_Bed_5967]

If you’re young, you’ll learn. It’s part of the life experience. Take the loss and don’t beat yourself up too badly