Finding hope again after a crypto scam

In June, a new client came to us having suddenly found herself in serious debt. A high year-end tax bill, her bank account being closed, an unexpected reduction in work and the fear that she had fallen for a financial scam had left her feeling overwhelmed and close to deep depression.

As we worked through the details together, we discovered that she had been the victim of an elaborate crypto-currency scam that had taken all her money and continued to harass her for more.

She told us:  “My family’s support was well meaning, but I felt a deep sense of shame and could not open up to them.”

After the initial meeting, she agreed that a family member would accompany her to future appointments so they could hear the advice first-hand and target their financial support. Over the following months, we met regularly to review progress and adjust payment plans.

At her most recent appointment we were delighted to see such a different person, with colour and personality again. She said:

“I would like to thank the team at Harpenden Money Advice Centre for all the support and advice you provided me and my family. You contacted all the companies I owed money and kept in constant touch with me. The BIG HMRC debt has been paid and my tax returns are up to date. My credit card is almost cleared.
I have come out of my silent shell, now joining family gatherings and have paid my family back most of their borrowed savings. My family monitors my payments and motivates me with my jobs and income. The family dynamics have been reunited – I now feel comfortable going to Sunday lunch and family dinners, where in the past I always found an excuse and went into recluse mode.”

Work is still slow, but she is now receiving her pension and is looking for some part-time work so that she can finish repaying what she owes her family.  All her previous savings have gone to the scammers.

This story first appeared in our December 2025 newsletter, where we share more updates on our work and recent impact.