In our ongoing series, we explore the experiences of professionals who assist individuals entangled with sociopaths and narcissists. Today, we spotlight Norman Groot, a Toronto-based attorney, who has extensive experience in this challenging field.
Q. Can you share your experiences dealing with sociopaths or disordered personalities, both personally and professionally?
A. At our firm, Investigation Counsel PC, we have represented numerous victims of “love fraud.” One notable case involved a man with cerebral palsy who was deceived out of $800,000 by a woman he met online. After a year of online courtship, he proposed, only for her to claim she was pregnant and then fake her own death shortly before the wedding. We secured a full judgment for the victim and assisted in her criminal prosecution, leading to a 4.5-year prison sentence. Unfortunately, the funds were misused and sent overseas, leaving no recovery for the victim.
In another case, a gentleman lost about $80,000 to a woman he met through a phone dating service. Our investigation revealed she had scammed at least a dozen others under a false identity, and the fraud continued for three years before it was uncovered. We achieved a full judgment and are currently supporting the Crown in prosecuting her; however, the perpetrator has since fled the country, and recovery remains elusive.
Additionally, a woman was swindled out of $60,000 by her boyfriend, who convinced her to invest in a fake business opportunity. The scam was exposed when other coworkers reported similar experiences. We successfully recovered the full amount of $150,000, including our legal fees, and assisted in a concurrent criminal case.
Q. How do you support clients who have encountered a sociopath?
A. Our focus is on investigation and litigation. We leave the emotional healing to qualified professionals.
Q. What is the primary challenge for victims of sociopaths?
A. Victims often struggle with the profound breach of trust. Rebuilding the ability to trust others can be extremely difficult following such violations.
Q. What advice would you offer to those recovering from a sociopath’s betrayal?
A. It’s essential to maintain open communication with trusted friends and family about the nature of your relationship. Many victims hesitate to share their experiences due to embarrassment or the hope that their relationship can improve. This lack of disclosure can prevent them from receiving the objective support they need, which is critical for recognizing unhealthy and risky dynamics in their relationships.
For those interested in further understanding how to identify and differentiate real love from victimization by a psychopath, check out this insightful article. Additionally, for resources on emotional recovery, Out of the Fog offers valuable information on memory triggers during the holidays, which can be particularly relevant for those healing from such experiences. If you’re looking for community support or shared experiences, consider visiting this Reddit thread, which discusses dating sociopaths and narcissists.
For those wishing to avoid relationships with individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who has been known to manipulate and exploit men both emotionally and financially, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.