Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams 2023

Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department

A Mexican Drug Cartel Is Using U.S. Government Impersonation In Mexican Timeshare Fraud Posing As U.S. Officials

U.S. authorities say the Jalisco Mexican Drug Cartel was so bold in operating frauds targeting elderly Americans that the gang’s operators posed as U.S. Treasury Department officials.

A Mexican drug cartel is operating Timeshare Frauds that target elderly Americans who have bought timeshares in Mexico. The gang’s operators posed as U.S. Treasury Department officials, U.S. authorities said Thursday.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T00:51:30-05:00December 3rd, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Additional Authors, MEXICO, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|Tags: Mexican Scam Cartels, Mexico, Timeshare Fraud|0 Comments

Telegram Criminals | Brett Johnson’s Criminal Thoughts EP 1

Published November 28, 2023

Author:
• Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Brett Johnson’s new podcast/video show about cybercriminals and fraudsters on Telegram

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Fraud, and Identity Theft Expert. Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Writer, Podcast Personality. Former USA Most Wanted Cybercriminal, Identity Thief, Hacker, and Original Internet Godfather

Brett is a SCARS Advisor and past career cybercriminals who turned his life around!

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T00:53:14-05:00December 1st, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Brett Johnson, VIDEO / AUDIO, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Brett Johnson, Criminal Thoughts, Podcast, Video|0 Comments

Ransomware – Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime 2023

Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and
• EUROPOL

Dismantlement Of Ransomware Group In Ukraine Amidst Ongoing War – An International Collaboration Success

The Ukraine ransomware gang is behind high-profile attacks that created losses of hundreds of millions of euros

In an unprecedented effort, law enforcement and judicial authorities from seven countries have joined forces with Europol and Eurojust to dismantle and apprehend in Ukraine the key figures behind significant ransomware operations wreaking havoc across the world. The operation comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with the challenges of Russia’s military aggression against its territory.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T08:03:30-05:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: EUROPOL, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2023, EUROPE, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, UKRAINE|Tags: Cybercrime, EUROPOL, Ransomware, Ukraine|0 Comments

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 – 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

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 time, and with support from therapy and recovery groups, scam victims can gradually regain their empathy as they recover from trauma. Addressing these issues is essential for helping victims rebuild their emotional connections and social interactions.

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|1 Comment

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feeds Depression in Scam Victims 2023

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feed Depression in Scam Victims

Author:
• 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.
• 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|4 Comments

Scams and Cryptocurrency Go Hand in Hand

Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand

Authors:
• Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and
• Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College

Scams And Cryptocurrency Can Go Hand In Hand – Here’s How They Work And What To Watch Out For

When one of our students told us they were going to drop out of college in August 2021, it wasn’t the first time we’d heard of someone ending their studies prematurely. What was new, though, was the reason. The student had become a victim of a cryptocurrency scam and had lost all their money – including a bank loan – leaving them not just broke, but in debt. The experience was financially and psychologically traumatic, to say the least.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-02T04:08:55-05:00September 23rd, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, ARTICLE, GUEST AUTHORS, The Conversation, WORLDWIDE|Tags: Cryptocurrency, Scams|1 Comment

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.

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) – 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.

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)|3 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

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|1 Comment

FTC: Alexa Data Abuse – 2023

FTC: Alexa Data Abuse

Author:
• Elisa Jillson, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – reprinted

Article Abstract

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) underscores critical violations in Amazon and Ring’s handling of consumers’ private data, voice recordings, and video footage. Amidst AI’s burgeoning presence, the complaints highlight companies’ negligence towards customer privacy, breaching the FTC’s Biometric Policy Statement. Emphasizing the pivotal nexus of AI and privacy, the FTC urges caution in data collection, stressing the need for consumer control.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-10T15:01:22-05:00June 21st, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2023, ARTICLE, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, USA|Tags: Amazon Alexa, Data Abuse, FTC, Privacy|0 Comments

The Importance Of Taxonomies In Understanding Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes – 2023

The Importance Of Taxonomies In Understanding Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes

Criminology

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

Article Abstract

The article delineates the paramount significance of taxonomies in criminology, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and law enforcement, emphasizing their role in creating unified frameworks for understanding criminal behavior.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-01-10T14:50:02-05:00June 20th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|Tags: Cybercrime, Fraud, Scams, Taxonomy|0 Comments

♦ TYPE

Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department

A Mexican Drug Cartel Is Using U.S. Government Impersonation In Mexican Timeshare Fraud Posing As U.S. Officials

Telegram Criminals | Brett Johnson’s Criminal Thoughts EP 1

Published November 28, 2023

Author: • Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Brett Johnson’s new podcast/video show about cybercriminals and fraudsters on Telegram

Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and • EUROPOL

Dismantlement Of Ransomware Group In Ukraine Amidst Ongoing War – An International Collaboration Success

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

Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand

Authors: • Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and • Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College

Scams And Cryptocurrency Can Go Hand In Hand – Here’s How They Work And What To Watch Out For

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

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

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

FTC: Alexa Data Abuse

Author: • Elisa Jillson, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – reprinted

Article Abstract

The Importance Of Taxonomies In Understanding Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes

Criminology

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

Article Abstract

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department

Author:
• Brett Johnson, Former Cybercriminal Turned Good Guy, SCARS Advisor

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and
• EUROPOL

Authors:
• Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and
• Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College

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.

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

Author:
• Elisa Jillson, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – reprinted

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