REPORT ALL SCAMS!

A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber – 2024 [VIDEOS]

A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber

Ann Mayers, a Scam Victim lost her life savings and borrowed over $80,000 which she still owed. Out of Desperation, she decided to become a Bank Robber

However, the story is not as simple as it seems due to the trauma and cognitive impairment victims suffer from

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions WLWT5 News and other sources

About This Article

Ann Mayers, a 74-year-old Ohio woman, turned to bank robbery in desperation after falling victim to an online scam.

Police responded to a robbery at AurGroup Credit Union, where Mayers demanded cash at gunpoint. She was later found at her home and confessed to the crime, admitting recent financial losses to an unidentified online scammer. Mayers faces charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence, highlighting the tragic consequences of online scams.

Such scams often Read More …

2024-04-29T06:10:23-04:00April 29th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, Tim McGuinness PhD, USA|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Residual Fear In Scam Victims – 2024

Residual Fear In Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand Residual or Chronic Fear that can remain with them

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

After falling victim to a scam, scam victims often grapple with a multitude of fears, both rational and irrational, which are fueled by trauma, grief, shame, and self-blame. These fears, whether imagined or grounded in reality, are profoundly impactful and valid for the victims experiencing them.

Residual fear manifests in various forms, such as the fear of recurrence, vulnerability, trusting others, loss of control, emotional consequences, social stigma, and retaliation. Such fears can persist long after the initial shock of the scam, affecting victims’ daily lives, relationships, and overall Read More …

2024-04-27T10:31:22-04:00April 27th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Anxiety And Mindfulness – A Tool For Scam Victims – 2024 – [VIDEOS]

Anxiety And Mindfulness – A Tool For Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims/Survivors to Understand Mindfulness Techniques to Aid in their Recovery

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Based on the work of Dr. Ron Siegel and others

About This Article

In the aftermath of falling victim to scams, fear and anxiety often haunt scam survivors, hindering their peace of mind and emotional well-being. However, Mindfulness serves as a potent tool for scam victims, offering solace and empowerment amidst adversity.

Trauma expert Dr. Ron Siegel emphasizes that mindfulness practices provide a simple yet profound antidote to anxiety, guiding individuals to embrace the present moment and cultivate resilience. By grounding themselves in present-moment awareness, scam victims can confront fear and anxiety with compassion and equanimity, reclaiming agency over their emotional landscape.

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2024-04-26T05:13:54-04:00April 26th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , , |
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Emmanuel Kant And The Morality Of Scams – An Essay – 2024

Emmanuel Kant And The Morality Of Scams

An Essay about Moral Duty and Scams

Philosophy of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In the work we do of scam victim advocacy and support, Emmanuel Kant’s philosophy can play an important role in guiding our approach to understanding and addressing the moral complexities inherent in scams and their aftermath. Kantian ethics, with its emphasis on universalizability, respect for autonomy, duty-based morality, and rationality, provides valuable insights into the ethical dimensions of relationship scams and the experiences of scam victims.

Of course, scammers violate Kant’s principles by treating victims as mere means to an end, exploiting their vulnerabilities, and undermining their autonomy. As victims navigate their recovery process, Kantian ethics underscores their moral duty to prioritize self-care, seek justice, respect their autonomy, engage in rational reflection, and educate others about the dangers Read More …

2024-04-23T03:07:35-04:00April 23rd, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , , |
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Multitasking Creates Scam Victim Vulnerabilities – 2024

Multitasking Creates Scam Victim Vulnerabilities

The Process of Multitasking Divides Our Attention and Dramatically Increases Vulnerability

Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In today’s modern era, multitasking has become ubiquitous, driven by technological advancements and societal shifts. While initially seen as a means to enhance productivity, research has revealed its detrimental effects on cognitive function and decision-making.

The concept of multitasking emerged in the latter 20th century, coinciding with the rise of personal computers and communication technology facilitating concurrent task performance. Its prevalence increased with the advent of smartphones and other mobile devices, embedding multitasking deeper into daily routines.

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2024-04-22T11:49:48-04:00April 22nd, 2024|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , |
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SCARS Is Changing The Way Ghana West Africa Thinks About Scams Fraud & Cybercrime – April 2024

SCARS is Changing the way Ghana West Africa thinks about Scams Fraud & Cybercrime

SCARS Director Dr. Tim McGuinness was presenting to the Ghana Police Service Academy on April 15th, 2024

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

About This Article

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, a collaborative initiative by the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, recently concluded with resounding success in Sunyani, Ghana.

The event, held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel, gathered cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber forensic investigations and enhance online safety. Key speakers like Dr. Edward Danso Ansong, Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah, and Dr. Tim McGuinness of SCARS provided invaluable insights into AI’s role in cybersecurity and the impact of cybercrime on victims.

Read More Read More …

2024-04-20T02:22:09-04:00April 19th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, GHANA, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: , , , , |
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Comparisons – The Dangers Of Scam Victims Comparing Their Suffering To Others – 2024

Comparisons – the Dangers of Scam Victims Comparing Their Suffering to Others

Comparing One Person’s Pain to another is a Form of Resentment, and it can be very Dangerous Psychologically for Scam Victims

Understanding Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scam victims can often compare their suffering or victimization to others for validation, understanding, coping, a sense of community, and advocacy. However, this comparison can lead to resentment and envy, fueled by cognitive biases such as relative deprivation, negative contrast effect, and social comparison bias.

Resentment arises from perceived injustices and activates brain regions associated with emotional processing and social cognition. Envy, on the other hand, stems from feelings of inadequacy and activates neural Read More …

2024-03-29T23:04:30-04:00March 29th, 2024|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Scam Victims And The 9 Circles Of Hell After The Scam Ends – 2024

Scam Victims And The 9 Circles Of Hell After The Scam Ends

The Challenges that Scam Victims Face after They End their Scam/Fraud

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Updated 2024 – Originally published 2023 on RomanceScamsNOW.com

About This Article

“Scam Victims Welcome To Hell: An Insight into Recovery” delves into the harrowing journey of scam victims, likening their post-scam experience to Dante’s Circles of Hell. Drawing parallels between Dante’s Inferno and the psychological turmoil of scam recovery, the narrative navigates through each circle, mirroring the victim’s emotional descent.

From the initial shock of Limbo to the burning anger of Violence, victims grapple with denial, greed, and treachery. Each circle reflects a facet of victim psychology, from the insatiable need for answers in Gluttony to the treacherous allure of returning to scam tactics in Fraud.

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2024-03-28T15:53:33-04:00March 28th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , |
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The Butterfly Effect And Scam Victims – 2024

The Butterfly Effect And Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Causes and Effects that Create Vulnerability and Impact Recovery

An Insight into the Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The Butterfly Effect theory underscores the profound and unpredictable consequences that small variations in initial conditions can have on individuals victimized by scams. Originating from chaos theory, it highlights the interconnectedness of complex systems and their sensitivity to minor changes.

In the context of scams, awareness of initial conditions like vulnerability, trust, and financial stability can inform prevention efforts and support for victims.

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2024-03-17T04:20:23-04:00March 17th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , , |
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Nightmares, Night Terrors, And Scam Victim Trauma – 2024

Nightmares, Night Terrors, And Scam Victim Trauma

Helping Scam Victims Better Understand Their Trauma

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scam victims often find themselves haunted by nightmares and night terrors, grappling with the aftermath of betrayal and deception in the safety of their sleep.

These nocturnal disturbances serve as vivid manifestations of the trauma inflicted upon them, plunging them into a state of primal dread as they confront the specter of past experiences. Night terrors, characterized by intense fear and confusion, add another layer of complexity to the already fraught landscape of scam-related trauma, leaving victims disoriented and distressed upon awakening.

Read More …

2024-03-16T07:06:15-04:00March 16th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , |
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Scam Victims Becoming Drug Mules In Japan And The Case Of Donna Nelson – 2024

Scam Victims Becoming Drug Mules in Japan

And the Case of Donna Nelson

Criminology – Understanding how Romance Scam Victims can be Converted into Criminals

Author:
• Rika Takebe, NPO Charms

About This Article

The arrest of Ebo Jeremiah in Japan sheds light on the sinister intersection of romance scams and drug trafficking. Exploiting a Japanese woman’s trust and affection, Jeremiah orchestrated the smuggling of methamphetamine from Israel to Japan, using her as a receiver under the guise of a fabricated romantic relationship.

This case underscores the vulnerability of fraud victims to manipulation and coercion, as well as the insidious tactics employed by criminal networks to exploit human emotions for illicit gains.

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2024-03-10T06:09:19-04:00March 10th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, JAPAN, NPO Charms Japan, Rika Takebe|Tags: , , , , , |
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The Unique Injury Of Betrayal Trauma On Scam Victims – 2024

The Unique Injury Of Betrayal Trauma On Scam Victims

A Cornerstone of Relationship Scams & Essential to Scam Victim Recovery

Understanding Scam Victim Trauma – Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Betrayal trauma, often experienced in relationship scams like romance fraud, inflicts deep emotional wounds on victims. It involves a profound breach of trust by someone close, triggering intense emotional responses and brain alterations. Victims experience a rollercoaster of emotions—disbelief, anger, sadness, and shame.

The relational aspect sets it apart from other traumas, impacting trust and self-worth.

Betrayal trauma impairs various brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, mirror neuron system, insula, temporoparietal junction, and striatum.

Victims struggle with empathy, emotional regulation, and social perception. This trauma disrupts Read More …

2024-03-09T15:35:43-05:00March 9th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , |
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Gang Stalking Or Transnational Repression – 2024

Gang Stalking Or Transnational Repression

The Very Odd Crime of Gang Stalking or Transnational Repression – A Real Crime or Conspiracy Theory – the Evidence Will Tell the Story!

But Do Not Blame The Victim!

Author:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The article delves into the complexities surrounding gang stalking, a phenomenon characterized by systematic harassment and surveillance of individuals by a network of perpetrators. While gang stalking is often dismissed as a conspiracy theory, it has a basis in fact, referred to as Transnation Repression.

Toxic victim blaming exacerbates the distress experienced by targeted individuals, undermining their credibility and perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

Additionally, the article explores the concept of transnational repression, where foreign governments target individuals abroad, and discusses how criminal gangs engage in similar tactics.

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2024-03-09T17:22:41-05:00March 9th, 2024|Categories: SCARS Editorial Team, • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE|Tags: , , , , |
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Trauma And Grief In Scam Victims – What Is The Difference Between Them – 2024

What Is The Difference Between Trauma And Grief?

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Importance of Trauma and How to Prioritize It

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

This article’s discussion sheds light on the intricate nature of trauma, emphasizing its dual impact as both a psychological and physical injury. Trauma disrupts normal brain functioning, leading to cognitive, emotional, and memory disturbances, while also causing changes in brain structure and chemistry.

This psychological toll manifests in symptoms like hypervigilance and mood disturbances. Moreover, trauma elicits physical responses such as headaches and muscle tension, stemming from the body’s stress response mechanisms. Recognizing trauma’s multifaceted nature underscores the importance of holistic approaches to healing and recovery, addressing both psychological and Read More …

2024-03-06T21:35:56-05:00March 6th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , |
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A Typical Scam Victim Journey Through Recovery Challenges – 2024

A Typical Scam Victim Journey Through Recovery Challenges

Helping Scam Victims Understand What their Priorities Should Be while going through Recovery

A SCARS Scam Victim Recovery Insight – Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The SCARS phased approach provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the challenges that afflict scam victims during their recovery process. This is not the only recovery model, but this best reflects the experience that SCARS has had with millions of scam victims over the last decade.

Prioritizing safety, trauma management, grief processing, and self-care are foundational steps in overcoming the aftermath of victimization. Recognizing and addressing feelings of shame, guilt, and grief allow victims to navigate the complex emotions associated Read More …

2024-03-04T21:50:12-05:00March 4th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , |
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Helping Scam Victims To See Through Authority Bias To Expose The Scammers And Fraudsters For What They Are – 2024

Helping Scam Victims To See Through Authority Bias To Expose The Scammers And Fraudsters For What They Are

A Method to Allow Scam Victim Interventions

A SCARS Insight for Banks, Financial Institutions, and Other Enterprises

Authors:
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson – Former Banker, Victims’ Advocate, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, Board  Chair of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In the fight against financial fraud and scams, the deceptive cloak of authority often blinds victims, leading them into traps laid by cunning fraudsters. However, there’s hope in empowering individuals to see through these veils of deception. By understanding and addressing authority bias, banks, and businesses can intervene effectively during scams.

Utilizing “in-the-moment prompting,” real-time cues provoke critical thinking and hesitation, disrupting fraudsters’ narratives. Through technology integration and education, institutions empower customers to discern reality from Read More …

2024-03-02T21:53:13-05:00March 2nd, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Faith And Why It Matters In Scam Victim Recovery – 2024

What Is Faith And Why It Matters In Scam Victim Recovery

Helping Scam Victims to Find the Path To Recovery

Scam Victim Recovery

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

This explores the role of faith in the recovery of scam victims, distinguishing between faith in oneself and religious faith. It discusses the profound impact of relationship scams on victims’ trust and self-worth, leading to feelings of betrayal and despair.

It highlights faith as a powerful antidote to this despair, emphasizing resilience and belief in positive outcomes. Faith in oneself reaffirms victims’ agency and empowers them to navigate the journey of recovery with determination. Ultimately, the article underscores the transformative potential of faith in guiding victims toward healing and renewal amidst the challenges of scam recovery.

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2024-03-01T21:35:41-05:00March 1st, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , , |
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Alfred Adler Approach To Psychology To Scam Victims And How They Were Affected – 2024

Alfred Adler Approach To Psychology To Scam Victims And How They Were Affected

A Psychology Approach that may be Beneficial for Scam Victim Recovery

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Alfred Adler’s approach to psychology is considered to be a holistic approach or a psychological theory. It encompasses a comprehensive framework for understanding human behavior, personality development, and mental health.

While it incorporates various techniques and methods for therapeutic intervention, such as individual psychology and Adlerian therapy, it is primarily regarded as a theoretical approach that emphasizes the individual’s subjective experiences, social context, and pursuit of personal significance and belonging.

Read Read More …

2024-02-28T15:56:16-05:00February 28th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , |
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Scam Victims In The RAIN – A Mindfulness Approach For Recovery – 2024

Scam Victims In The RAIN – A Mindfulness Approach For Recovery

Mindfulness and Scam Victim Recovery

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The RAIN method, popularized by Tara Brach, offers a structured approach to navigating difficult emotions with compassion and awareness. This mindfulness technique, which stands for Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture, provides scam victims with practical tools to process their experiences and promote emotional healing.

By recognizing and acknowledging their thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing themselves to fully experience their feelings, investigating the underlying causes and patterns, and nurturing themselves with compassion and kindness, victims can cultivate mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.

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2024-02-28T15:55:47-05:00February 28th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , |
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Scam Victims Guide To Do-It-Yourself EFT Tapping – 2024

Scam Victims’ Guide To Do-It-Yourself EFT Tapping

Helping Scam Victims Along the Path to Reducing Stress and Trauma

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping offers scam victims a self-help tool for managing stress and trauma. Combining elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and psychology, tapping involves stimulating specific acupressure points while focusing on emotional issues related to the scam experience.

By addressing disruptions in the body’s energy system, tapping aims to alleviate emotional distress and negative thought patterns. While SCARS shares this technique as a potential aid, it advises consulting with a therapist before starting.

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2024-02-27T07:02:04-05:00February 27th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , |
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Scam Victims Guide To Do-It-Yourself Exposure Therapy – 2024

Scam Victims Guide To Do-It-Yourself Exposure Therapy

Helping Scam Victims Along the Path to Forgiveness and Recovery

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

This article offers an approach to help scam victims navigate the complex emotions and challenges they face in the aftermath of a scam. By employing self-help acclimation or exposure therapy techniques, victims can begin on a path toward forgiveness and recovery.

Exposure therapy, a well-established psychological treatment, involves gradually confronting distressing stimuli or memories to reduce fear and anxiety responses. Adapted for scam victims, this approach aids in processing the trauma and rebuilding trust in oneself and others. Self-guided exposure techniques, such as learning, journaling, support, and visualization exercises, enable victims to confront their Read More …

2024-02-26T09:30:18-05:00February 26th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Scam Victims Compliance With Scammer Authority Figures – 2024

Scam Victims Compliance With Scammer Authority Figures

Helping Scam Victims to Understand the Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The article provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological mechanisms that drive scam victims to comply with scammer impersonation of authority figures.

It examines how scammers exploit individuals’ innate tendency to respect and obey authority, leveraging this predisposition to manipulate victims into compliance. Factors such as fear of consequences, social conditioning, and deception contribute to victims’ susceptibility to fraudulent schemes.

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2024-02-26T08:13:31-05:00February 26th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: , , , , , , |
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Helping Scam Victims Understand Cognitive Dissonance – 2024

Helping Scam Victims Understand Cognitive Dissonance

Understanding Why Scams Can Have Such a Profound Impact on Scam Victims

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Cognitive dissonance in scam victims emerges when they confront evidence contradicting their beliefs about the scam.

The realization of being deceived triggers emotional distress, further impairing cognitive function. Chronic stress from coping with the scam’s aftermath also contributes to physiological changes in the brain, affecting areas responsible for higher-order thinking. This psychological conflict exacerbates brain impairment or “brain fog,” leading to confusion and difficulty in processing information.

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2024-02-20T19:08:50-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , |
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Coping with Scam Victim Trauma: Exploring Positive and Negative Coping Mechanisms – 2024

Coping with Scam Victim Trauma: Exploring Positive and Negative Coping Mechanisms

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In the aftermath of becoming a victim to a scam, individuals often grapple with a myriad of emotions and challenges, leading to the adoption of coping mechanisms, both positive and negative.

Positive coping strategies such as seeking social support, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in constructive activities can facilitate recovery, healing and resilience.

Conversely, negative coping mechanisms like avoidance, substance abuse, and self-blame can exacerbate emotional distress and hinder recovery.

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2024-02-20T05:15:18-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , |
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Rebuilding Trust: The Scam Victim’s Journey from Victimhood to Empowerment – 2024

Rebuilding Trust: The Scam Victim’s Journey from Victimhood to Empowerment

Understanding How to Rebuild Trust After a Relationship Scam

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Rebuilding trust after becoming a scam victim is a difficult journey that involves restoring confidence in oneself and others. The process often begins with acknowledging the betrayal and its impact on one’s sense of security and self-worth.

Adopting frameworks like the SCARS ‘R-E-A-L’ (Reflect, Evaluate, Accept, Learn) can provide structure and guidance in navigating this complex emotional terrain.

Trusting others again requires discernment, boundary-setting, and gradual engagement in healthy relationships. At the same time, rebuilding self-trust involves introspection, self-compassion, and reframing negative beliefs.

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2024-02-19T09:41:24-05:00February 19th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: , , , , , |
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SCARS™ ScamsNOW™ is the Scam Education & Victims Support publication of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]

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