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Affirmations Matter in Scam Victim Recovery – 2026

Affirmations Matter in Scam Victim Recovery

Affirmations in Recovery: Why Simple Statements Can Matter After a Scam

Primary Category: Scam Victim 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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Janina Morcinek – Certified and Licensed Educator, European Regional Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Affirmations play a practical role in scam recovery by helping stabilize identity, reduce shame, and interrupt negative thought patterns following betrayal. Used realistically, they function as psychological counterweights to self-blame, isolation, and loss of self-trust. Research on self-affirmation theory and neuroplasticity explains how repeated, credible statements can support emotional regulation and learning over time. The SCARS Institute applies affirmations as axioms, including “It was not your fault,” “You are a survivor,” “You are not alone,” and “You are worthy,” often pairing them with Greek or Latin terms to reduce internal resistance. When practiced consistently and paired with protective action, affirmations support recovery by reinforcing responsibility, Read More …

2026-01-28T18:42:14-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • DO IT YOURSELF RECOVERY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Janina Morcinek, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Abstinence for Scam Victims – A Requirement For Healing – 2023 UPDATED 2026

Abstinence for Scam Victims – A Requirement For Healing – Updated 2026

The Crucial Role of Abstinence for Scam Victims: Navigating the Path to Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victims Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Originally Published 2023 Updated 2026
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Abstinence is a protective recovery strategy for scam victims that involves temporarily avoiding dating and other high-risk interpersonal engagements while healing from betrayal trauma. Relationship scams dysregulate attachment, reward, and threat systems, leaving victims cognitively impaired and emotionally vulnerable for months after discovery. Premature dating often functions as emotional bypassing, reinforces trauma bonding, and increases susceptibility to manipulation by scammers or abusive partners. Abstinence supports nervous system regulation, grief processing, identity reconstruction, and restoration of judgment. It is not isolation or punishment but a time-limited act of self-protection that prioritizes long-term safety over short-term emotional relief. When paired with structured support and education, abstinence reduces repeat victimization and prepares survivors for healthier relationships built on stability rather than need.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing distress, please consult a qualified mental health professional.

The Crucial Role of Abstinence for Scam Victims: Navigating the Path to Recovery

About Abstinence

The prevalence of scams has risen to alarming levels – of course, scam victims all know that already. Scammers Read More …

2026-01-15T13:28:30-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, ♦ UPDATED, 2023, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD, VIDEO / AUDIO|
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2026 New Year’s Goals

2026 New Year’s Goals for Scam Survivors

Happy New Year, and it is Time for New Goals

The new year offers a powerful symbolic reset, a moment to draw a line in the sand and declare an intention for the future. For those navigating the long and winding Yellow Brick Road of emotional recovery from your scam, this is not about a radical transformation overnight, but about a conscious, gentle recommitment to the journey of healing.

These goals are not a list of chores or a measure of success, but rather six guiding principles designed to help you reclaim your strength, rebuild trust in yourself, and slowly, intentionally, stitch your sense of self back together. They are an affirmation that while the scam may be part of your story, it does not get to write the ending.

Here are our six New Year’s resolutions or goals specifically suggested that you adopt in continuing your emotional recovery journey:

1. I Will Practice the Discipline of Self-Compassion.

This year, I resolve to treat myself with the same kindness I would offer a friend who endured the same experience. When the inner voice of shame and blame begins to speak, I will consciously interrupt it. I will replace “How could I have been so stupid?” with “I was deceived by a professional predator, and I am allowed to heal.” I will understand that self-compassion is not self-pity; it is the essential act of tending to my deepest emotional wounds so they can finally begin to scar over.

2. I Will Read More …

2026-01-02T09:50:19-05:00, , |
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A Christmas Carol and Its Value for Scam Survivors – 2025

A Christmas Carol and Its Value for Scam Survivors

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” And The Scam Survivor’s Journey – from Christmas Past to the Present and the Future

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Philosophy

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Janina Morcinek – Certified and Licensed Educator, European Regional Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

A Christmas Carol functions as a psychologically accurate allegory for recovery after betrayal trauma from a scam, drawing parallels between Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation and the emotional process many scam survivors experience. It explains the historical and cultural context of Dickens’ story and reframes the three spirits as guides through memory, present stabilization, and future-oriented change rather than agents of punishment. The analysis highlights how shame, grief, emotional withdrawal, and rigid self-protection emerge after profound betrayal, and how recovery involves meaning-making, nervous system regulation, and deliberate behavioral change. It emphasizes that healing requires compassion, support, and small, consistent actions, showing that identity and purpose can be rebuilt without denying or minimizing what was lost.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Read More …

2026-01-03T13:01:34-05:00• PHILOSOPHY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • LIVING IN REALITY, 2025, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, STEP 3 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Why Helping Other Scam Victims Helps You Too – 2025

Why Helping Other Scam Victims Helps You Too

Why Should We – Scam Victims – Support Other Scam Victims: Does It Help Me to Recover?

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology  /  Scam Victim Recovery Philosophy

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Janina Morcinek – Certified and Licensed Educator, European Regional Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

Scam victims who choose to support others often experience meaningful benefits that aid their own recovery. Offering empathy and connection helps reduce the isolation that follows financial and emotional betrayal, while shifting a person’s focus from personal pain to shared understanding. Acting as a supportive peer can restore a sense of agency that feels lost during the manipulation, reinforcing self-worth and confidence. Mutual support also reframes victimhood into a narrative of resilience by transforming lived experience into a source of insight for someone else. When handled with clear boundaries and within safe, structured environments, helping others strengthens emotional stability, renews purpose, and creates a community in which victims see that they are not alone and can move forward.

Note: This article is intended for Read More …

2025-11-30T15:14:24-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Janina Morcinek, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Criminal Advantage – Always One Step Ahead – 2025

Criminal Advantage – Always One Step Ahead

Why Criminals Always Seem One Step Ahead of Society and Law Enforcement

Primary Category: Criminology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

The “Criminal Advantage” stems from and refers to a mindset untethered from conventional morality, enabling relentless pursuit of self-interest, rapid exploitation of loopholes, and adaptation faster than social defenses. Criminals cultivate a predator’s perspective, reading routines, spotting weak points, and using deception, patience, and organization to strike with precision. Motivations span financial gain, power, status, revenge, addiction, and entitlement, while successful enterprises mirror efficient firms with roles, hierarchy, and agile strategy. The text traces criminality’s documentation from ancient legal codes to modern patterns, and draws instructive parallels with predatory and deceptive behaviors in the animal kingdom. This advantage is amplified by invisibility in plain sight, social engineering, and the contagious spread of criminal thinking within environments that normalize exploitation. The societal toll includes eroded trust, economic harm, and pressure for intrusive controls. Mitigating the imbalance requires institutions that anticipate opportunism, citizens and systems that adapt quickly, and policies grounded in a realistic understanding of criminal drivers and methods.

Note: This article Read More …

2025-10-24T10:08:22-04:00• CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2025, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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SCARS Institute – 12 Years of Service to Scam Victims & Survivors – 2025/2026

SCARS Institute – 12 Years of Service to Scam Victims & Survivors – 2025/2026

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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Janina Morcinek – Certified and Licensed Educator, European Regional Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

The SCARS Institute, marking its 12th year of service, has established itself as a global leader in supporting scam victims, offering a comprehensive suite of resources and programs. Founded as a nonprofit, the SCARS Institute provides advocacy, education, and psychological insights to aid victims in their recovery and rebuilding process. Through initiatives such as the Scam Survivor’s School, the SCARS Institute empowers victims with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their healing journey. The organization’s dedication to understanding the psychological impact of scams is evident in its Manual of Scam Psychology, a resource that guides both victims and advocates. The SCARS Institute also partners with global entities to enhance Read More …

2025-10-22T05:06:58-04:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Janina Morcinek, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Transform Your Survivor’s Stories into an Epic Campfire Saga – 2025

Transform Your Survivor’s Stories into an Epic Campfire Saga

The Problem of Telling Your Stories for Scam Victims: Transform them into Epic Stories of Heroism and Defeated Monsters

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology /  Scam Victim Recovery Philosophy

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

For victims of sophisticated scams, the path to recovery can be powerfully aided by reframing their personal story from one of shame into a heroic saga. This approach encourages survivors to cast the perpetrators not as simple tricksters, but as formidable monsters or expert thieves who deploy calculated tactics of pressure and deceit. In this narrative, the victim becomes the resilient hero who endured a treacherous battle, ultimately discovering the plot and courageously standing their ground. Adopting this epic storytelling model serves as a vital tool for personal healing, transforming a tale of defeat into one of survival, wisdom, and pride. Beyond the individual, this method has a crucial social benefit; by crafting a compelling and detailed account of their struggle and triumph, survivors can effectively educate the public on criminal methods, turning a personal trauma into an empowering lesson in prevention for Read More …

2025-10-17T11:03:49-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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How to Make the Most of Your Anti-Scam Support Groups – 2025

How to Make the Most of Your Anti-Scam Support Groups

Turning a Chatty Anti-Scam Victims’/Survivors’ Support Groups into a Real Support Space

Primary Category: Advocacy

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.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

A practical path transforms chat-focused anti-scam support groups into trauma-aware support spaces by prioritizing consent, confidentiality, truthful communication, paced sharing, nonjudgmental curiosity, and compassionate action. Clear member roles such as welcomer, question-asker, timekeeper, reflector, and resource curator create reliable structure across social media threads, video meetings, and in-person circles. Techniques that draw survivors out include open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries, layered inquiry, feeling language, and brief skills practice. Storytelling serves first for validation and then gives way to present-focused healing through small, specific next steps. False encouragement and toxic positivity are reduced by testing messages for accuracy, compassion, and immediate usefulness. Broad participation grows through round-robins with passes, pair shares, chat prompts, spotlight rotations, and respectful timekeeping, while tough dynamics are contained with calm redirecting and grounding. Short recovery practices, privacy safeguards, and gentle indicators of group health sustain progress, and guest experts, including SCARS Institute directors, Read More …

2025-09-28T05:03:50-04:00Debby Montgomery Johnson, • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Imperfect Advocacy – Good Advocates are Not Perfect – 2025

Imperfect Advocacy – Good Advocates are Not Perfect

Imperfect Advocacy: We Are Good, But Not Perfect, And That’s Where Our Greatest Potential Lies (For Scam Victim Advocates)

Primary Category: Scam Victims’ Advocacy

Author:
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Scam/Fraud Survivors Advocate, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Podcast Host, USAF Veteran, Chair and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
See Author Biographies Below

 

About This Article

Scam victim advocacy is not about being perfect. It is about being present, honest, and willing to grow. Imperfect advocacy means recognizing that even with the best intentions, mistakes will happen, emotions will get strained, and answers will not always be clear. Yet within that imperfection lies the greatest potential for real connection and long-term support. Advocates who acknowledge their own limits model emotional honesty, integrity, and self-compassion for the victims they support. They create safety by being trustworthy, not flawless. They serve not through grand gestures, but through consistency, listening, and humility. Advocacy, like recovery, is a process of growth. When advocates choose presence over perfection, reflection over performance, and service over ego, they become allies victims can rely on during the most vulnerable stages of healing. The power of good advocacy comes from humanity, not mastery. Every moment of care, even when inconvenient or uncertain, matters. The work is not easy, but it is worth doing, especially when done with heart, integrity, and the willingness to learn.

Note: This article is intended Read More …

2025-08-31T14:07:49-04:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, 2025, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson|
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WARNING – Scam Victims Exploited By The News Media – 2024 [UPDATED 2025]

WARNING: Scam Victims Exploited By The News Media [UPDATED]

Scam Victims Must be Very Careful when asked by News Organizations to Tell Their Story

Primary Category: Advocacy / Policy

Authors:
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson, BA – Businesswoman, Scam Survivor, Banker, Public Speaker, Writer, USAF Veteran, Chair of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In today’s media landscape, the exploitation of scam victims remains a distressing reality, perpetuating harm rather than offering support or understanding. Sensationalized reporting often takes precedence over sensitivity and empathy, leaving victims feeling marginalized and invalidated.

Exploitation and Insensitivity: How the News Media Perpetuates Harm to Scam Victims

In today’s world news, one disturbing trend continues to be prevalent: the exploitation of scam victims by the news media.

Far from offering support or understanding, many news outlets sensationalize stories of scam victims, focusing more on juicy soundbites than on the devastating impact of these crimes. From subtle victim blaming to overt insensitivity, the media’s coverage often increases the trauma experienced by scam victims, leaving them feeling marginalized and invalidated.

Author’s Note

The article highlights some important information for victims who, after years of recovery/support, feel “ready” to talk to the media and others about the financial fraud they survived. It takes time to process what actually happened, and it takes a “No Read More …

2025-07-28T23:36:41-04:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, ♦ UPDATED, 2024, 2025, Debby Montgomery Johnson, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Thanksgiving and its Meaning for Scam Victims – 2024

Thanksgiving and its Meaning for Scam Victims

The Thanksgiving Holiday is Often Difficult for Scams Victims but this Day Has Special Meaning and Should be Embraced

Primary Category: Scam Victims Support & Recovery

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson – Businesswoman, President and CEO of BenfoComplete.com, Online Fraud Survivors Advocate, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Host Stand Up & Speak Up and Opening Dialogue for Civility, Military Veteran, and Chairwoman of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Thanksgiving, while traditionally a time for gratitude and togetherness, can have a profound and unique meaning for scam victims recovering from trauma. For these individuals, the holiday offers an opportunity to reflect on their resilience, acknowledge their journey of healing, and find moments of personal growth amid adversity. It’s a time to honor the progress made, reclaim gratitude for the support and lessons gained, and celebrate the strength it takes to rebuild after betrayal.

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2024-11-28T08:33:15-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The SCARS Insitute Tyrosine Diet: Nutrition and Stress Management for Scam Victims – 2024

The SCARS Insitute Tyrosine Diet: Nutrition and Stress Management for Scam Victims

Tyrosine and a Balanced Diet for Scam Victims to Help Reduce Stress and Improve Cognition

Primary Category: Scam Victim Health

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

About This Article

For scam victims, a balanced diet is more than just about physical health—it is a key part of emotional and cognitive recovery. Consuming tyrosine-rich foods, managing stress through essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s, and maintaining stable glucose levels are crucial steps toward regaining emotional balance, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

A strong focus on nutrition can help victims rebuild their lives, reconnect with loved ones, and strengthen their resilience in the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Proper nutrition is a powerful tool in the recovery journey, supporting both mental and physical healing.

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2024-10-01T17:13:04-04:00• SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Anniversary Effect and Scam Victims – 2024

The Anniversary Effect and Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims Understand and Be Prepared for a Major Trigger!

Primary Category: Scam Victim 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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The anniversary effect refers to the resurfacing of painful emotions around the anniversary of a traumatic event, which can be especially difficult for scam victims. Dates tied to the start or end of the scam, or the realization of being deceived, can trigger overwhelming feelings of fear, guilt, shame, or anger.

These emotions may catch victims off guard, making them feel like they are back at square one in their recovery. Scam victims may experience increased anxiety, stress, flashbacks, or even withdraw from others. However, there are ways to cope with the anniversary effect, including preparing in advance, practicing grounding techniques, seeking support, engaging in self-care, and even transforming the day into a healing ritual.

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2024-09-10T18:23:07-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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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 illusion.

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2024-03-02T21:53:13-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Scam Victims Editing Their Stories To Promote Recovery From Scams 2024

Scam Victims Editing Their Stories To Promote Recovery From Scams

Scam Victims Recovery

Helping Scam Victims through their Post-Scam Transformation

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.
•  Based on work by Lori Gottlieb

About This Article

Victims of scams often find themselves trapped in the narratives of their past experiences, bound by feelings of betrayal and vulnerability. However, through the process of editing their stories, they can embark on a journey of recovery and transformation.

By acknowledging external factors that contributed to their victimization and reframing their narratives to include themes of resilience and growth, scam victims reclaim agency over their lives. Radical honesty serves as a cornerstone of this process, enabling victims to confront their experiences without judgment and fostering genuine connections within support networks.

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2024-02-12T00:56:12-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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NASDAQ Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals Took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims and the Economy in 2023

Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims in 2023 Per NASDAQ

Tracking the Impact of Financial Crimes on Victims

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

About This Article

The 2024 Global Financial Crime Report by Nasdaq reveals that transnational illicit activities, like romance scams and human trafficking, amassed over US$3 trillion, devastating victims’ sense of security and, at times, their lives. Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman emphasizes, “The world’s multi-trillion-dollar financial crime epidemic is more than a money problem.”

Victims, like former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer & SCARS Chair Debby Montgomery Johnson, echo the sentiment, emphasizing the profound human costs. The report exposes the staggering impact on individuals, including romance scam losses totaling $3.8 billion in 2023 alone.

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2024-02-05T19:13:00-05:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|
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Trauma & Nutritional Health – Take Your Vitamins – 2023

Trauma & Nutritional Health – Take Your Vitamins

Understanding The Role That B Vitamins Can Play In Helping Scam Victims To Recover And Maintain Nutritional Health

Authors:
•  Debby Montgomery Johnson – CEO of BenfoComplete, Nonprofit Founder, 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

Trauma can have profound effects on a scam victim’s physical health, emphasizing the importance of holistic care beyond emotional and psychological support. Alongside counseling, attention to nutrition, including B vitamin supplements like thiamine, can aid in recovery.

While research on B vitamins’ role in trauma recovery is ongoing, they play vital roles in mental health and nervous system function. Thiamine, for example, impacts mood and cognitive function, while riboflavin contributes to energy metabolism and antioxidant activity. Folate and vitamin B12 influence neurotransmitter regulation and cognitive function, indirectly affecting emotional well-being. However, it’s essential to consult healthcare professionals before supplementing, to ensure safety and efficacy.

Comprehensive trauma recovery involves therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support, guided by professional advice and tailored to individual needs.

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2024-05-10T14:34:51-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2023, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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3 Smart Bank Strategies to Stop Scams

3 Smart Bank Strategies to Stop Scams

By Ken Palla, Retired Director, MUFG Union Bank – Courtesy of BioCatch

3 Smart Strategies to Stop Scams That Don’t Break the Bank

In the first part of this blog series on financial scams, Dr. Tim McGuinness and Debby Montgomery Johnson (also a scam victim herself), Board Directors at the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams (SCARS) talked about how to interact with potential scam victims once there was a potential scam transaction alert. In this article, we will look at some specific initiatives that FIs use once they get a scam alert and ways to improve customer education.

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2023-08-25T18:39:47-04:00Uncategorized|
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Bank Customer Interventions

Bank Customer Interventions

By Ken Palla, Retired Director, MUFG Union Bank – Courtesy of BioCatch

You Have a Customer Scam Alert, Now What?

Recently, many of the more technically advanced financial institutions have worked to develop anomaly detection capabilities to detect financial scams (authorized transactions initiated by the real customer). These scams are inherently difficult to detect as it is the real customer doing the transaction. Legacy controls, such as known IP address, device fingerprint, and mobile phone location, all indicate that the real customer is doing the transaction.

Some financial institutions, working with vendors, have developed effective solutions to detect these scam transactions. So, half the battle is won with scam transaction alerts that have a decent false positive ratio. Now the financial institution must decide what to do next to turn the alert into a confirmed scam case or get the customer on their own to stop the transaction. A payment not sent is a scam loss prevented.

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2023-08-14T13:51:26-04:00Uncategorized|
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  • Owner: Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., a Florida Nonprofit Corporation.
  • Publisher in Chief: Dr. Tim McGuinness, Managing Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer
  • Press Contact: Debby Montgomery Johnson, Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer
  • Editorial Advisory Board: Vianey Gonzalez, and others.

Corrections

We will revise our website and articles as needed to maintain the correctness, competency, and accuracy of our contact. We cannot promise to notify our readers when this happens, though you will find updated articles in our listing of updated posts.

Introduction

SCARS holds its journalists, reporters, writers, content curators, video producers, commentators, editors, and all other employees, volunteers, contributors or contractors (hereafter referred to as content creators) to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. These ethical and editorial standards have been created to guide content creators to create an extremely trustworthy publication for our audience. In addition, we are publishing these standards so that the public can know them in the spirit of transparency.

If our audience can’t trust the content we produce, they will not be able to use this information in their recovery and to avoid these crimes in the future. And if the content we produce is not truthful, useful, instructive, or wholesome, our existence as a nonprofit company cannot be justified. Therefore, SCARS expects its content creators to not only keep, but also build trust with our readers and viewers by producing content that conforms to the standards laid out in this document.

Telling the Truth

2023-07-07T18:12:31-04:00
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SCARS Institute™ ScamsNOW Magazine Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]

is a publication of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [registered dba SCARS]

  • Corporate Address: 9561 Fontainebleau Blvd., Suite 602, MIAMI, FL 33172
  • Email: contact@AgainstScams.org
  • Phone: (786) 835-7947
  • Please Note: On-site and Phone Support Not Available

To use this website, You Must Read and Agree to the SCARS Legal Policies and Terms and Conditions

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PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

Opinions

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The author is solely responsible for the content of their work. SCARS is protected under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) section 230 from liability.

Disclaimer:

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX-RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use.

Legal Notices:

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

SCARS, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL, SCARS, SCARS|SUPPORT, SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|INTERNATION, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA, SCARS|MEMBER, SCARS|VOLUNTEER, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, SCARS ANGELS, SCARS RANGERS, SCARS MARSHALLS, SCARS PARTNERS, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the legal department for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org

ScamsNOW.com Editorial Policy
SCARS Institute ScamsNOW Magazine

LEGAL STATEMENT The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Website and All Original Content, Concepts, and Intellectual Property Copyright © 1995 – 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Third-party Copyrights Acknowledged | Some Images Reproduced As Legal Record Of Criminal Use By Third-parties | Evidence Photos Used To Report Their Use In Criminal Fraud | In Some Cases The Persons Pictured In Photos Are Victims Of Identity Theft Unless Otherwise Indicated Scam Victim’s Stories are presented with the permission of the author. SCARS Institute™, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams™, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams™, SCARS|RSN™, Romance Scams Now™, SCARS|EDUCATION™, SCARS|SUPPORT™, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL™, SCARS|CHINA™, SCARS|UK™, SCARS|CANADA™, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA™, SCARS|MEMBERS™, SCARS|CDN™, Cybercrime Data Network™, AgainstScams™, Act AgainstScams™, Sludge Report™, Scam Victim Support Group™, RSN Steps™/SCARS Steps™, ScamCrime™, ScamsOnline™, Anyscam™, Cobalt Alert™, SCARS|GOFCH™, Global Online Fraud Clearinghouse™, SCARS|CERT™, RED BOOK™, BLUE BOOK™, GREEN BOOK™, Scam Organizer™ – in any form are trademarks of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated | Contact us at contact@AgainstScams.org for any issues about content displayed. visit To Learn More About SCARS Trademarks, Service Marks, and Indicia

ScamsNOW.com Editorial Policy