It is a great result and I count myself lucky. Many people do not discover they've been scammed until it is too late to recover and end up with nothing. I came close.
I have learned the hard way and got the scars to prove it but I also discovered the "ambulance chasers" that come along after you're down, and for a fee, offer false hope of recovering your money by litigation. But it is a fact that few people ever see a penny of their money again. As far as I am concerned I'm done. I won't get any more, even by litigation and to think I will, is just stupid and would be a total waste of time and money.
You feel alone, deserted, used and for a long time you face financial ruin and have no idea how you are going to retire on anything more than a state pension after decades of saving - and even the state pension goal post moved to 66 with rumours it will move again!
I also discovered the authorities abandon you too. To complain is just wasting my life. But there are people that led me to believe reprisal was possible.
Life is too short and the worst thing about "hope" is when you discover it to be false.
There's a shark in very pool and to the average punter this truly is a nightmare!