In recent years, with the rapid growth of telecommunications and online platforms, scams targeting seniors — from romance frauds to fake investments — have become increasingly common. DJK LLP, a law firm dedicated to protecting the legal rights of older adults, issues this important reminder: If you fall victim to a scam, there are three things you must never do — doing so could worsen your losses and jeopardize your chances of legal recovery.

1. Don’t Stay Silent Many seniors feel ashamed or blame themselves after being scammed. Fearing judgment from family or friends, they choose to stay silent. Some may borrow money secretly to cover the losses or suffer emotional stress alone without reporting the crime or seeking help.

However, silence only worsens the situation. Most scammers operate repeatedly — the longer you stay quiet, the more they will manipulate and exploit you, possibly drawing you into deeper trouble or illegal schemes. Silence can also prevent timely intervention by loved ones or law enforcement, reducing the chance of recovering losses.

DJK LLP’s Advice: The moment you suspect fraud, inform a trusted family member, seek legal counsel, and report the incident to the police. Speaking up early is key to minimizing harm and regaining control.

1. Don’t Act on Impulse or “Fight Back” Recklessly After being scammed, some seniors act impulsively, trying to “win back” their losses or retaliate. In doing so, they may:

Fall for another scam, like paying a high fee to a so-called “fund recovery company”;

Be manipulated by the scammer to perform illegal money transfers, becoming part of a criminal network;

Attempt revenge or confront the scammer directly through illegal or dangerous means.

Such actions only make the situation worse. Victims can inadvertently cross legal lines, turning from innocent victims into potential offenders.

DJK LLP’s Reminder: Stay calm — it’s your best defense. Any recovery efforts should be made legally and with professional support. Never trust “quick recovery services” online or participate in suspicious financial transactions.

1. Don’t Give Up on the Law Some victims, frustrated by slow progress or unresponsive systems, lose faith in the legal process. When the scammer disappears and the money seems gone, they give up entirely, thinking there’s no point in reporting.

In truth, persistence can pay off. While some scam cases take time, legal recovery is still possible, especially in group scams involving multiple victims. Filing reports, preserving evidence, and cooperating with investigators can lead to compensation and bring scammers to justice.

DJK LLP Emphasizes: The law may not solve everything instantly — but abandoning it guarantees no results. Save all chat records, bank transfers, and receipts. Work with a trusted attorney to take the first steps toward justice.

Conclusion: Being Scammed Is Not Shameful — Silence and Surrender Are Scammers prey on trust, emotions, and vulnerability — no one is immune, regardless of age or status. Seniors are often more susceptible due to limited digital literacy or emotional needs, but being scammed is never a personal failure.

DJK LLP urges all seniors: If you are scammed, speak out, stay rational, and have faith in the legal system. When you stand up for yourself, justice stands with you.