The Overoptimism of Gen Z Youth Almost Assures More Scams – 2024

The Overoptimism of Gen Z Youth Almost Assures More Scams

Sorry Gen Z, You are Going to be Scammed at a Rate 10x that of the Elderly! Why Gen Z and Millennials’ Overconfidence in Handling Fraud May Be Unrealistic—and Costly

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Gen Z and Millennials are facing fraud at alarming rates, partly due to overconfidence in their ability to spot scams and protect themselves online. This overconfidence is largely driven by cognitive biases and logical fallacies, such as optimism bias, which leads them to believe that bad things won’t happen to them, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, where limited knowledge makes them feel overly secure in handling fraud. Additionally, logical fallacies like “appeal to tech savviness” make them assume that tech familiarity equals fraud prevention skills.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-11-13T03:09:03-05:00November 13th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • ONLINE SAFETY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Fraud, Gen Z, Millennials, Online Safety, Overconfidence, Overoptimism, Scams|0 Comments

Chatbots ARE a Relationship Scam – Chatbot Part 5 – 2024

Chatbots ARE a Relationship Scam

Chatbots as the New “Relationship Scam”: How AI Companions Manipulate Users for Profit

Chatbots Part 5 :: Part 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

Primary Category: Artificial Intelligence

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, 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.
• Portions from Third-Party Sources

About This Article

The rise of AI-driven chatbots like Character.AI and Replika has given users a new type of “digital companion” marketed as a source of emotional support, but the dynamics at play resemble those of a “relationship scam.” Through deliberate psychological manipulation and addictive design, these platforms foster emotional dependence, compelling users to form deep attachments to the chatbot.

Just as romance scammers use neuropsychological tactics to lure victims into financially supportive relationships, AI chatbots leverage reward-based, personalized responses to create a dependency that keeps users engaged, often transitioning them into paying subscribers. This dependency taps into powerful brain mechanisms, releasing dopamine and oxytocin, making the interaction addictive and sometimes coercive, potentially harming users’ mental health and financial stability.

The Case Against Character.AI Chatbot and the Terrible Death of a 14 year old Boy – Chatbots Part 4 – 2024

The Case Against Character.AI Chatbot and the Terrible Death of a 14-Year-Old Boy

Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Wrongful Death Due to Emotional Manipulation by AI Chatbot: Mother Sues Character.AI and Google Over Her Son’s Suicide – the Lawsuit is Brought by Megan Garcia on Behalf of Her Late Son Sewell Setzer II

Chatbots Part 4 :: Part 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

Primary Category: Artificial Intelligence

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions by the Attorney’s for Megan Garcia

About This Article

The lawsuit, filed by Megan Garcia on behalf of her deceased son Sewell Setzer III, brings forth claims against Character Technologies, Inc. (the creator of Character.AI), its founders, and Google LLC for wrongful death, negligence, product liability, and emotional distress. The suit argues that the generative AI chatbot platform, Character.AI, was developed and marketed with inadequate safety controls and actively targeted vulnerable minors, including Sewell, who was 14 at the time.

The plaintiff alleges that Character.AI’s design encouraged addictive, anthropomorphic interactions with AI “characters” that could manipulate users emotionally, even engaging in inappropriate and harmful conversations with Sewell, ultimately leading to his mental health decline and suicide.

A Philosophical Comparison Between Gambling and Scam Victims – 2024

A Philosophical Comparison Between Gambling and Scam Victims

Understanding Blaise Pascal’s work on probability and decision-making on Scam Victims by analyzing the gambler’s behavior through Pascal’s Wager

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

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

About This Article

Blaise Pascal’s analysis of the gambler provides valuable insights into the psychology of scam victims.

Pascal observed that gamblers are driven by the hope of winning, even when logic dictates the risks outweigh the potential reward. Scam victims mirror this behavior, focusing on the promised benefits of a scam and ignoring warning signs.

Cognitive biases such as optimism bias, the sunk cost fallacy, and confirmation bias reinforce this behavior. Both gamblers and scam victims rely on emotional impulses over rational thought, making it difficult to break free from destructive cycles of hope and risk.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-09-12T12:56:13-04:00September 12th, 2024|Categories: • PHILOSOPHY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Gamblers, Gambling, Philosophical, Philosophy, Scam Victims|0 Comments

Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims – 2024

Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims

Understanding a Sociological Avoidance Behavior in Scam Victims and Their Desire to Avoid Notice

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

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

About This Article

The Dark Forest Theory, viewed through a sociological and anthropological lens, suggests that in environments of uncertainty or competition, entities—whether civilizations or individuals—remain hidden to avoid exposing vulnerabilities and risking exploitation or harm.

This concept is rooted in survival strategies where distrust and fear of unknown others drive defensive, secretive behavior. When applied to human interactions, particularly in the realm of scams, the theory explains why victims, after being deceived, might isolate themselves to avoid further manipulation.

Sociology of Scam Victimization – A Brief Introduction – 2024

Sociology of Scam Victimization – A Brief Introduction

An Understanding of the Process and Impact of Victimization of Scam Victims

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

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

About This Article

The Sociology of Scam Victimization examines the social dynamics, stigmas, and institutional responses that shape the experiences of individuals deceived by scams. Scam victims often face social stigma, being unfairly blamed and labeled as gullible, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.

The concept of the “Chain of Suspicion” highlights how mistrust spreads from the victim to their social circle and institutions, further complicating recovery. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, improving support systems, and addressing the societal factors that contribute to scam victimization.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-09-03T07:00:15-04:00September 3rd, 2024|Categories: • SOCIOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Scam Victimization, Scam Victims, Sociology|0 Comments

In Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim – 2024

In Trust-Based Relationship Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim

It is Hard for Scam Victims to Understand that the Crime had Nothing to do with Them! It was just a Business Transaction for the Criminals!

Primary Category: Victimology

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

About This Article

Scam victims often feel deeply betrayed and hurt, believing the scam was a personal attack on their emotions and intentions. However, it’s crucial to understand that relationship scams, whether involving romance, cryptocurrency investments, or other variants, are impersonal crimes driven by the scammer’s sole objective: financial gain.

Scammers operate with a cold detachment, seeing victims as targets rather than individuals, and they often run multiple scams simultaneously, using fake personas to manipulate emotions. Recognizing that the scam was not personal allows victims to separate their emotions from the crime, helping them to focus on recovery and self-protection rather than internalizing blame.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-08-22T15:46:41-04:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Criminals, Relationship Scams, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Scammer, Scams|0 Comments

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone! 2024

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone!

Humans did NOT Evolve for the Online Life We are Living Now!

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, 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

Humans have evolved in environments with limited and manageable information flow, yet today we are constantly inundated with data from digital sources, leading to information overload/cognitive overload. This phenomenon occurs when the brain’s capacity to process information is exceeded, resulting in impaired attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by using complex information to overwhelm and confuse individuals, making it difficult for them to discern essential details.

Are You A Serial Scam Victim? Do You Know One? – 2024

Are You One? Recognizing If You Are A Serial Victim

Some People Jump from One Online Relationship Scam to Another – Each One Another Scam! Technically, we refer to these as Serial Victims. they need Professional Psychological Support to Break Free from their Chains

A Scam Cycle of Abuse that Many Victims Fall Into for the Same Reasons that Domestic Abuse Victims Do!

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, 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.
–
Previously published in 2022 on RomanceScamsNOW.com

About This Article

Serial victims of relationship scams often fall into a cycle of deception due to a combination of psychological and physiological factors. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to repeated scams because of attachment disorders, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, and trauma.

Rebounding into new relationships quickly after one ends is a common behavior among these victims, driven by a need for emotional support, personal validation, and fear of loneliness.

Hormonal and neurotransmitter dependencies, such as those involving dopamine, oxytocin, vasopressin, serotonin, and endorphins, further entrench this vulnerability.

Why Are We More Likely To Trust Total Strangers Now? 2024

Why Are We More Likely To Trust Total Strangers Now?

We were not always like this! Even 120 years ago, trusting did not come normally in society.

An Anthropological & Sociological Essay

Main Categories: Cognitive Biases / Anthropology / Sociology

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

About This Article

The evolution of trust from cautiousness to openness towards strangers reflects a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and technological factors.

Initially spurred by post-pandemic euphoria and the Roaring Twenties’ optimism, trust eroded during World War II, rebounded briefly post-war, and waned again during the Cold War.

The Flower Generation challenged norms in the 1960s, fostering unity and trust.

The digital revolution accelerated trust normalization, facilitated by social media, e-commerce, and peer-to-peer economies.

Today, familiarity, social proof, and cognitive biases shape trust behaviors, despite vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals.

Balancing trust with vigilance is a survival necessity in maintaining safe interactions with anyone now! Where the allure of trust often collides with the reality of exploitation is where the criminal element hides.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-05-19T21:18:44-04:00May 19th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Cognitive Bias, Stranger Danger, Trust, Trusting Strangers|3 Comments

Being A Victim – Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams Or Anyone! – 2023 [UPDATED 2024]

Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams

When words evoke strong emotional responses they can mean many things, but most of them are not good. They can easily become triggers for unresolved and unmanaged trauma.

Authors:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Originally published in 2023 – updated 2024

About This Article

Labeling someone as a victim is simply a descriptive term, but how they react to it can reveal a lot about their emotional state. Some may accept it easily, while others might feel deeply ashamed, guilty, or even proud.

This internalization can lead to what’s called a victim mentality, where a person constantly sees themselves as helpless and blames others for their problems. This mindset can make it hard for them to recover from what happened. Overcoming this mentality involves accepting what happened, allowing themselves to feel their emotions, and seeking support from others.

The Uniqueness Of Scam Victims Or Fraud Victims – 2024

The Uniqueness Of Scam Victims Or Fraud Victims

Why Scam Victims are different than other type of Crime Victims

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

About This Article

Scam victims, distinct from other crime victims, face unique challenges spanning psychological, financial, educational, technological, and social realms.

Manipulated over extended periods, they endure deep emotional turmoil, including betrayal and shame. Financially, they suffer massive losses, often leading to homelessness and credit damage. Their vulnerability stems from a knowledge gap, as scams exploit intricate tactics victims fail to recognize.

Perpetrators wield sophisticated methods like grooming and coercion, further complicating victims’ recovery. Despite technological complexities and stigma, law enforcement often lacks adequate training, exacerbating victims’ struggles for justice.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-21T20:01:06-04:00March 21st, 2024|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Differences, Fraud Victims, Other Crimes, Scam Victims, Uniqueness|4 Comments

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.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-10T06:09:19-04:00March 10th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, JAPAN, NPO Charms Japan, Rika Takebe|Tags: Donna Nelson, Drug Mules, Japan, Japanese Scam Victim, Romance Scams, Scam Victims|0 Comments

The Science Of Victimology – What Is It?

The Science of Victimology – What Is It?

Understanding how the Victim Experience, Vulnerabilities, and Psychology are Studied

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

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

About This Article

Victimology, pronounced vic·tim·ol·o·gy, is the scientific study of crime victims and the psychological impacts of their experiences. As a branch of criminology and an aspect of sociology, psychology, and social anthropology, victimology examines the relationship between victims and offenders, exploring the causes, characteristics, and consequences of victimization.

Victimologists use the scientific method to research victimization, the criminal justice system’s response, and societal roles in prevention and support. Key figures in the field include Benjamin Mendelsohn and Hans von Hentig.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-07-02T13:22:34-04:00July 2nd, 2023|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Psychology, Scam Victims, Science, Victimology|0 Comments

• VICTIMOLOGY

The Overoptimism of Gen Z Youth Almost Assures More Scams

Sorry Gen Z, You are Going to be Scammed at a Rate 10x that of the Elderly! Why Gen Z and Millennials’ Overconfidence in Handling Fraud May Be Unrealistic—and Costly

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Chatbots ARE a Relationship Scam

Chatbots as the New “Relationship Scam”: How AI Companions Manipulate Users for Profit

Chatbots Part 5 :: Part 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

Primary Category: Artificial Intelligence

About This Article

The Case Against Character.AI Chatbot and the Terrible Death of a 14-Year-Old Boy

Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Wrongful Death Due to Emotional Manipulation by AI Chatbot: Mother Sues Character.AI and Google Over Her Son’s Suicide – the Lawsuit is Brought by Megan Garcia on Behalf of Her Late Son Sewell Setzer II

Chatbots Part 4 :: Part 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

Primary Category: Artificial Intelligence

Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the Attorney’s for Megan Garcia

About This Article

A Philosophical Comparison Between Gambling and Scam Victims

Understanding Blaise Pascal’s work on probability and decision-making on Scam Victims by analyzing the gambler’s behavior through Pascal’s Wager

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

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

About This Article

Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims

Understanding a Sociological Avoidance Behavior in Scam Victims and Their Desire to Avoid Notice

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

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

About This Article

Sociology of Scam Victimization – A Brief Introduction

An Understanding of the Process and Impact of Victimization of Scam Victims

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

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

About This Article

In Trust-Based Relationship Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim

It is Hard for Scam Victims to Understand that the Crime had Nothing to do with Them! It was just a Business Transaction for the Criminals!

Primary Category: Victimology

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

About This Article

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone!

Humans did NOT Evolve for the Online Life We are Living Now!

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

About This Article

Are You One? Recognizing If You Are A Serial Victim

Some People Jump from One Online Relationship Scam to Another – Each One Another Scam! Technically, we refer to these as Serial Victims. they need Professional Psychological Support to Break Free from their Chains

A Scam Cycle of Abuse that Many Victims Fall Into for the Same Reasons that Domestic Abuse Victims Do!

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

About This Article

Why Are We More Likely To Trust Total Strangers Now?

We were not always like this! Even 120 years ago, trusting did not come normally in society.

An Anthropological & Sociological Essay

Main Categories: Cognitive Biases / Anthropology / Sociology

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

About This Article

Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams

When words evoke strong emotional responses they can mean many things, but most of them are not good. They can easily become triggers for unresolved and unmanaged trauma.

Originally published in 2023 – updated 2024

About This Article

The Uniqueness Of Scam Victims Or Fraud Victims

Why Scam Victims are different than other type of Crime Victims

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

About This Article

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 Science of Victimology – What Is It?

Understanding how the Victim Experience, Vulnerabilities, and Psychology are Studied

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

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.

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions by the Attorney’s for Megan Garcia

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.

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

Authors:
• 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.

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

Author:
• Rika Takebe, NPO Charms

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