People who have ever been scammed, conned or defrauded know just how painful it can be.

A swindle can leave victims traumatized, angry and doubting anyone and everyone — including themselves. Buying into a con artist’s game has little to do with intellect. Instead, these abusers are master manipulators of human vulnerabilities and emotions. It can take months, years or even a lifetime to heal from these scars. 

On the other hand, people who have avoided being conned might not understand how someone could fall prey for the trickery and deceits dished out by these con artists. People never know if or when or how it could happen, yet at any time they may strike even the best prepared.

Both groups — those who have been conned and those who have avoided it — have valuable lessons to offer each other. Those lessons will be shared during workshops planned in Sun City West, facilitated by a woman who was a victim — Suzanne Brown, who authored a 2-part series published in the Independent detailing her experience; and Charlotte Webb.

The “Scammed? Yes!” discussion will be 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the Property Owners and Residents Association office, 13815 Camino del Sol. It is designed specifically for those who already have been conned. Participants will share topics such as, “How were you hooked?,” “What type of scam caught you?,”  “When did you realize you had been swindled?” and “What emotions did you feel during and after?”

The “Scammed? No!” discussion will be 12:30-2:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at PORA. It is designed specifically for those who have avoided cons. Participants will share topics such as, “What types of scams have you avoided?,” “Have you noticed any patterns in the types?,” “What helps you recognize a con?” and “Have you had any close calls?” 

These workshops emphasize the human, experiential side of being conned — or not — and are provided in a safe place with others of similar experiences. The workshops are free and group sizes are intended to be small. Call 623-584-4200 to reserve space.