You Always Think It Won’t Happen to You. Until It Does.

Yesterday, February 18th, five minutes before I was about to go live on Zoom to teach one of my Tarot classes, I received what I believed was a call back from my bank. I run my entire livelihood online through Wargachuk Academy, so calls like this aren’t unusual.

But this call was not my bank.

Within minutes, I was manipulated into confirming information. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. My chequing account, savings, and line of credit were drained and locked. I was locked out of my own accounts. Shortly after, the scammers even called me back to taunt me and call me names. I cannot fully describe how violating and traumatizing that moment felt.

I spent hours on the phone with my bank. They told me the investigation could take up to 20 days, and there is no guarantee the funds will be recovered.

Right now, I am left with approximately $3,700 in immediate losses and no access to the money I rely on to survive.

My rent is due March 1st. I had been preparing to move into a new place in April. That plan now feels uncertain. My hosting, my software, and the tools that keep Wargachuk Academy alive — Canva, Zoom, my school platforms — are all at risk of shutting down.

This past year has already been one of the hardest of my life. I lost my mother, Peggy. We closed our family home. It took everything out of me emotionally and financially. I have been rebuilding slowly, month by month, working to stabilize my academy and continue serving my students.

Since 2020, through in person, Wargachuk Academy, and Udemy, I have mentored and taught over 45,000 students. I have helped people build their own practices, find purpose, and transform their lives. This work is not just my career. It is my life’s work.

I never imagined I would be in a position where I would need to ask for help like this.

I am usually the one donating. I always believed I would find a way through readings, teaching, or working harder. But this was sudden. This was targeted. And this has left me temporarily unable to stand on my own while the investigation unfolds.

I did not sleep last night. I am scared. I am doing everything I can to keep my head above water.

I am asking for $3,700 to help cover rent, keep Wargachuk Academy online, and maintain the essential tools I need to continue working while my bank investigates.

If you are able to help, I am deeply grateful. If you cannot donate, sharing this means everything.

This experience has humbled me in ways I cannot fully explain. But I still believe in the Six of Pentacles. I still believe in community. I still believe that what we give comes back to us in unexpected ways.

Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for being part of my journey.

And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for any support you can offer.

— Joey Wargachuk & Snaps

How the $3,700 Will Be Used

This amount reflects the exact minimum needed to stabilize my housing and keep Wargachuk Academy operational while my bank investigates the fraud and restores access to my accounts.

Housing Stability — $2,200

March 2026 Rent: $1,200

(Immediate housing payment due March 1st)

Housing Reserve to Restore Rental Security: $1,000

(Funds originally saved for first/last month rent that are currently frozen and inaccessible)

Wargachuk Academy Operational Costs — $1,200

These tools are essential to continue teaching students, hosting classes, and keeping the academy online:

Thinkific (school platform): $260/month × 2 = $520

Mailchimp (student email system): $200/month × 2 = $400

Zoom (live class hosting): $60/month × 2 = $120

Canva (course creation and student materials): $20/month × 2 = $40

Essential software tools : $60/month × 2 = $120

Account Recovery & Survival Buffer — $300

Covers bounced payments, service interruptions, and immediate survival expenses while accounts remain frozen and cards canceled.

Total Needed: $3,700

This amount allows me to:

Remain housed

Keep Wargachuk Academy online and operational

Continue teaching and supporting my students

Maintain stability while the bank completes its investigation