Romance Scam Victims & The Holidays – 2023

Romance Scam Victims & The Holidays

Navigating Your First Holiday Season Without a Loved One – Fake Loved One!

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

Navigating the Holidays For Scam Victims After a Romance Scam: Healing from Deception and Betrayal

The holidays period is intended to be a time filled with happiness, unity, and festivity. For most of us, the holiday season shimmers with joyous anticipation, a time for festive gatherings and cherished traditions.

However, amidst the twinkling lights and cheerful carols, a different reality exists for scam victims reeling from the wreckage of a shattered romance scam relationship. This pain takes on a unique and often misunderstood dimension when the relationship itself was a cruel illusion – a romance scam. For romance scam victims who have been ensnared in a romance scam, the festivities can become a poignant reminder of loss, heartache, Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-21T12:18:51-05:00December 21st, 2023|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE|Tags: Grief & Trauma, Holiday Season, Holidays, Romance Scam Victims, Scam Victims|

Motivational Denial – Recovery Psychology – 2023

Motivational Denial

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.

How Motivational Denial Can Hold People Back From Emotional Recovery – Especially Scam Victims

One of the things that can be hardest for new victims is total acceptance!

Motivational Denial can hold Victims Back

Relationship scam victims have been through the traumatic experience of believing in a totally false story spun by the criminals who stole from them.

But in the days that follow, that tendency to continue magical thinking remains. Victims are desperately looking for a savior, a path forward, and how to diminish the guilt and shame they feel.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-19T15:58:35-05:00December 19th, 2023|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: Motivational Denial, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims|

SCARS 5 Coping Techniques For Traumatized Scam Victims – 2023

SCARS 5 Coping Techniques For Traumatized Scam Victims

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.

SCARS 5 Coping Techniques for Traumatized Scam Victims – Navigating the Aftermath

Being scammed can be a deeply unsettling experience, leaving you feeling violated, confused, and unsure of where to turn. The emotional impact can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the path to healing isn’t always linear, there are effective coping techniques you can embrace to navigate the aftermath and rebuild your sense of well-being.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-14T15:53:28-05:00December 14th, 2023|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: Coping Techniques, Psychological Trauma, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims|

Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks And Scam Victim PTSD – Recovery Psychology – 2023

Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks

Understanding Scam Victim Trauma Recollection, Flashbacks, & Memories

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.

Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks Or Memories And The Effects That It Has On Scam Victims – PTSD And Recovery Psychology

Most Scam Victims Suffer from some form of Trauma, but for some, this can be the Retriggering of the Original Trauma Over and Over!

While flashbacks are a well-known symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it’s not the only way trauma can manifest itself – they can also be Trauma Recollection.

Scam victims can certainly re-experience their trauma simply by remembering the crime without meeting the full criteria for PTSD.

Anger & Self-Radicalization – Recovery Psychology 2023

Anger & Self-Radicalization

How Scam Victims Radicalize Themselves

Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez – 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.

Anger & Self-Radicalization – When A Relationship Scam Ends Victims Face Many Demons, From Shock To Fear & Horror To Desperation To Anger!

Anger can often be the default state when a scam is discovered, a victim’s world collapses and what they thought was real and certain is proved to be anything but. The desire for certainty in some victims can be overwhelming regardless of what the impact will be on them psychologically.

Many victims will give in to denial as a way of coping with the incredible trauma they experience. While others, more realistic know that something terrible happened to them and they need help Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-10T15:01:17-05:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych), WORLDWIDE|Tags: Anger, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Self-Radicalization|

Scam Victim Empathy – How It Is Lost And How It Comes Back In Time – Recovery Psychology 2023

Scam Victim Empathy

How It Is Lost And How It Comes Back In Time

Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez – 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 lose their empathy immediately following the end of a scam due to trauma, but it does return over time. Empathy, the ability to understand and share others’ emotions, is crucial for social interactions and relationships. It involves cognitive empathy (understanding others’ mental states) and affective empathy (sharing others’ emotions).

After a scam, the hyperactivation of the amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions, impairs empathy by disrupting emotional processing, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation. This hyperactivity can lead to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty in understanding others’ emotions.

Over Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-05-16T02:27:35-04:00November 27th, 2023|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Trauma, Victim Empathy, Victim Trauma|

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feeds Depression in Scam Victims 2023

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feed Depression in Scam Victims

Author:
• Vianey Gonzalez – 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

Toxic self-narratives wield profound influence over scam victims, exacerbating emotional distress and impeding recovery. These damaging beliefs, like “I was gullible” or “I can’t trust my judgment,” perpetuate feelings of worthlessness and vulnerability.

Recognizing these narratives is essential, as victims often exhibit negative self-talk and avoidance behaviors. The impact is extensive, deepening depression and hindering decision-making abilities. However, by challenging these narratives and seeking support through therapy or counseling, victims can weaken their hold.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-04-07T14:31:53-04:00November 19th, 2023|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: Default Mode, Inner Dialog, Recovery Psychology, Self Narrative|

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams – 2023

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams

Understanding how Scam Victim’s Core Beliefs are Manipulated

Psychology of Scams

By:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The right and left temporoparietal junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) of the human brain, crucial in social cognition, empathy, and narrative processing, may play a role in trusting narratives told by scammers in relationship scams. Scammers exploit this region by crafting stories that activate empathy and trust, manipulating victims into believing false narratives.

This activation may inhibit victims’ acceptance of the scam, creating inner conflict. Additionally, psychological trauma may alter RTPJ/LTPJ function, affecting emotion processing and self-awareness.

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams? [UPDATED 2024]

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams?

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 explores the diverse landscape of vulnerabilities, aiming to alleviate stigma and empower scam victims and their support systems. It underscores that vulnerabilities are inherent to humanity and should not elicit blame.

Vulnerabilities encompass psychological, emotional, and environmental factors influencing susceptibility to harm. Insights delve into emotional sensitivity, cognitive distortions, interpersonal challenges, trauma triggers, and self-esteem issues, shaped by developmental experiences and environmental stressors.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-02-05T23:19:00-05:00July 19th, 2023|Categories: Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE|Tags: Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Vulnerability, Victim Psychology, Vulnerabilities|

Scam Victim Resiliency – Why It Is So Much Worse After The Scam – Updated 2024

Scam Victim Resiliency – Why It Is So Much Worse After The Scam

Scam Victims’ 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.

Article Abstract

Recovery for scam victims is a complex process. Upon discovering the scam, acknowledging it’s not their fault is crucial.

Scam Victims must navigate a spectrum of emotions, seeking support from friends, family, or specialized groups.

Education about scam tactics empowers individuals, contributing to prevention. Reporting the scam is both responsible and aids collective anti-scam efforts. Prioritizing self-care and seeking professional counseling supports emotional healing. Realistic expectations, gradual trust rebuilding, and learning from the experience are integral.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-26T23:36:46-05:00July 7th, 2023|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2023, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|

Scam Victims – Black Swan Theory & Understanding Uncertainty – 2023

Black Swan Theory & Crime Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand Uncertainty

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

About This Article

The Black Swan theory, popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, describes unpredictable events with significant impacts, often rationalized after the fact.

It originated from the unexpected discovery of black swans challenging the belief that all swans were white. These events are rare, have profound effects, and are often rationalized with hindsight bias.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-02-25T13:22:32-05:00June 24th, 2023|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Victim Recovery|

Romance Scam Victims & The Holidays

Navigating Your First Holiday Season Without a Loved One – Fake Loved One!

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

Navigating the Holidays For Scam Victims After a Romance Scam: Healing from Deception and Betrayal

Motivational Denial

Recovery Psychology

How Motivational Denial Can Hold People Back From Emotional Recovery – Especially Scam Victims

Motivational Denial can hold Victims Back

SCARS 5 Coping Techniques For Traumatized Scam Victims

SCARS 5 Coping Techniques for Traumatized Scam Victims – Navigating the Aftermath

Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks

Understanding Scam Victim Trauma Recollection, Flashbacks, & Memories

Recovery Psychology

Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks Or Memories And The Effects That It Has On Scam Victims – PTSD And Recovery Psychology

Most Scam Victims Suffer from some form of Trauma, but for some, this can be the Retriggering of the Original Trauma Over and Over!

Anger & Self-Radicalization

How Scam Victims Radicalize Themselves

Recovery Psychology

Anger & Self-Radicalization – When A Relationship Scam Ends Victims Face Many Demons, From Shock To Fear & Horror To Desperation To Anger!

Scam Victim Empathy

How It Is Lost And How It Comes Back In Time

Recovery Psychology

About This Article

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feed Depression in Scam Victims

About This Article

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams

Understanding how Scam Victim’s Core Beliefs are Manipulated

Psychology of Scams

By: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams?

Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Scam Victim Resiliency – Why It Is So Much Worse After The Scam

Scam Victims’ Recovery Psychology

Article Abstract

Black Swan Theory & Crime Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand Uncertainty

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

About This Article

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

By:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

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

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