Many people who experience scams never report them. Some feel embarrassed. Others are unsure what steps to take next.
Established by BBB, National Scam Survivor Day is observed on the second Thursday in May. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, May 14. The day is meant to empower victims to report scams, reduce stigma and help others avoid similar experiences.
Many people who experience scams never report them. Some feel embarrassed. Others are unsure what steps to take next. BBB’s Scam Survival Toolkit was created to provide clear, practical guidance during a difficult time.
What is the BBB Scam Survival Toolkit?
The Scam Survival Toolkit connects people with resources to support financial, emotional and personal recovery. It offers step-by-step guidance based on individual situations, whether someone is trying to limit further losses, secure their accounts or regain confidence after a scam.
Users can also access the BBB Scam Prevention Guide, which outlines common tactics and warning signs to help people avoid future scams. Both resources are available through BBB Scam Tracker, BBB’s platform for reporting and staying informed.
Scam Survivors Share Experiences
Scams continue to evolve, reaching people in many different ways, from job offers to online marketplaces to personal relationships. As part of National Scam Survivor Day, some individuals are choosing to share their stories so others can recognize warning signs earlier.
Susan* believed she had secured a legitimate remote job before unknowingly sending thousands of dollars to a fraudulent employer. Job scams remain one of the most commonly reported scam types through BBB Scam Tracker. Her experience is also featured on the Joe Knows Better Podcast, hosted by BBB’s Joe Ducey.
Ann* lost more than $20,000 in a multi-year cryptocurrency and romance scam. What began as a relationship built on trust and shared values gradually turned into financial exploitation. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I really believed it was real. I trusted him.” Her story, also featured on the Joe Knows Better Podcast, shows how scammers build emotional connections over time and why it can be so difficult to recognize what’s happening until it’s too late.
John* attempted to purchase a shipping container through Facebook Marketplace, wiring thousands of dollars to a seller who never delivered. Online purchase scams like this consistently rank among the most reported to BBB.
By sharing their experiences, these individuals are helping others recognize risks, ask more questions and make more informed decisions. FBN
By Kryistyna Hook
About Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California
Better Business Bureau (BBB) has helped people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, consumers turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses and more than 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities.
The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Incorporated locally in 1938, BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California serves Greater Arizona and Southern, Central and Inland California, supporting businesses and communities with resources, insights, and connections that help build trust and strengthen the marketplace.
Kryistyna Hook is the senior director of Brand Strategies and Social Impact. She can be reached at [email protected] or 928-302-3701.
Leave a Reply