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Alfred Adler Approach To Psychology To Scam Victims And How They Were Affected – 2024

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

A Psychology Approach that may be Beneficial for Scam Victim Recovery

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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

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

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

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Motivational Denial – Recovery Psychology – 2023

Motivational Denial

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.

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.

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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) – 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.

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.

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Anger & Self-Radicalization – Recovery Psychology 2023

Anger & Self-Radicalization

How Scam Victims Radicalize Themselves

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.

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 to survive it. However, another group trying to cope with their fear transforms their fear into anger, using this as a way to stabilize their world and create certainty where none now exists.

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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.

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Striatum – Psychology of Scams 2023

Striatum – Inside the Brain of a Scam Victim

Psychology of Scams

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.

Striatum – Our Journey Into The Brain Of Scam Victims Continues

The striatum is a cluster of interconnected nuclei that form a part of the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain that are involved in motor control, habit formation, reward, and decision-making.

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2023-11-11T21:28:26-05:00Uncategorized|

Secrets Can Be Deadly For Scam Victims – Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Secrets Can Be Deadly For Scam Victims – Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

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.

Unmasking the Burden of Secrecy: How Keeping Secrets Deepens the Trauma for Scam Victims

The experience of falling victim to a scam can be profoundly traumatic. Scam victims often grapple with a wide range of emotions, from anger and humiliation to betrayal and loss. Amidst this turmoil, many victims also carry an additional, heavy burden—the burden of keeping their victimhood a secret. This article explores the damaging impact that keeping secrets can have on people, especially those struggling to recover from the trauma of a scam.

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2023-10-16T19:48:39-04:00Uncategorized|

Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – 2024

Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims

Understanding the Need for Specialized Professional Care for Scam Victims

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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

When forming opinions, especially on complex subjects like scam victimization and psychological trauma, it’s essential to rely on actual knowledge and experience. Understanding the neuropsychological impacts, such as how the brain’s response to scams mimics addiction, provides valuable insights into why victims struggle emotionally.

Generalized knowledge or misconceptions can mislead both victims and professionals, hindering recovery. By seeking specialized knowledge, particularly from trauma-informed professionals, victims can receive more effective support and achieve better outcomes in their healing process. Accurate, informed perspectives are key to proper recovery.

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Some Thoughts on the Nature of Evil and Scam Victims – Especially Betrayal as an Evil Act – 2024

Some Thoughts on the Nature of Evil and Scam Victims – Especially Betrayal as an Evil Act

A Taxonomy of Evil – Helping Scam Victims to Understand the Evil That Was Done to Them

Primary Category: Philosophy of Scams

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

About This Article

Evil is a very complex concept, with philosophical, psychological, and moral dimensions, and understanding it can help scam victims process the harm done to them.

This taxonomy of evil categorizes harmful actions based on intent and impact, such as intentional evil, where harm is deliberate, and instrumental evil, where harm is a byproduct of another goal, such as greed or desperation. It’s important to separate evil acts from inherently evil individuals—scammers often act out of financial need or pressure, not intrinsic malice. Understanding this distinction is important for justice, rehabilitation, and emotional recovery for victims.

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Fantasizing and the Dopamine Trap – 2024

Fantasizing and the Dopamine Trap

How Fantasizing and Daydreaming Fuel the Scam Victim’s Dopamine Trap in Romance and Investment Scams: A Neurological Perspective

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

Fantasizing plays a crucial role in keeping scam victims trapped in a cycle of manipulation, largely due to its impact on the brain’s dopamine system. When victims daydream about the promised romantic relationship or financial windfall, their brains release dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. This neurological response tricks the brain into feeling satisfied, even though nothing tangible has been achieved.

Scammers exploit this mechanism by feeding their victims just enough hope to keep them emotionally invested, allowing the brain to continually release dopamine and deepen the victim’s attachment to the fantasy. Over time, this creates a feedback loop where victims become reliant on these fantasies for emotional satisfaction, making it harder for them to recognize the scam and break free.

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Why Bad Feelings Feel So Overwhelming for Scam Victims: A Look at the Brain’s Role – 2024

Bad Feelings and Scam Victims

Why Bad Feelings Feel So Overwhelming for Scam Victims: A Look at the Brain’s Role

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

Scam victims often experience overwhelming and prolonged negative emotions due to how the brain processes perceived threats. The amygdala, which handles fear and anxiety, triggers a strong fight-or-flight response, leading to intense feelings of fear, shame, and guilt.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making, becomes overwhelmed, making it harder to think clearly. The brain’s negativity bias ensures these bad feelings linger, as it prioritizes threats for survival. This is compounded by the “smoke detector” theory, where even small emotional triggers can provoke large, lasting responses.

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Impulsivity and the Fallacy Of Waiting a Few Seconds to Avoid Scams – 2024

Impulsivity and the Fallacy Of Waiting a Few Seconds to Avoid Scams

Impulsivity and Scam Victim’s Vulnerability: Understanding the Connection

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  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

Impulsivity can deeply affect scam victims during and after a scam, making it difficult for them to recover emotionally and financially. The emotional manipulation that scammers use is designed to exploit impulsive behaviors, pushing victims into quick, unthinking decisions.

After a scam, victims often continue to experience impulsive reactions, such as rushing into new relationships or attempting to recover lost money through risky means, which only exacerbates their situation. Impulsivity also hinders recovery as victims may struggle with the patience needed for long-term healing programs.

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Heartbreak – What Is It? How Does It Affect Romance Scam Victims? – 2024

Heartbreak – What Is It? How Does It Affect Romance Scam Victims?

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Recovering from Heartbreak for Scam Victims

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

Romance scams are deeply damaging, not only financially but emotionally, often leaving victims feeling betrayed, humiliated, and angry. The psychological manipulation that scammers use is highly effective because it taps into victims’ emotions, making them vulnerable.

Scammers create fake identities, build trust over time, and manipulate victims into sending money or sensitive information.

Anger after a scam ends is a natural response for victims because of the profound betrayal and violation of trust. They often direct their frustration toward both the scammer and themselves for falling victim. This anger is part of the emotional and psychological trauma they must navigate during their recovery, requiring time, support, and self-compassion.

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Helping Scam Victims Get Unstuck: Small Steps to Start Recovery and Move Forward – 2024

Helping Scam Victims Get Unstuck: Small Steps to Start Recovery and Move Forward

For those Scam Victims Who Are Just Beginning Their Recovery Journey and those Who Get Stuck Down the Road

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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scam victims often find it extremely difficult to start recovering from their trauma due to feelings of helplessness, betrayal, and emotional paralysis. The trauma impacts brain function, with fear and emotional distress overriding logical thinking.

The SCARS Institute addresses these challenges by using education as a tool for recovery, offering victims small, manageable steps through their Survivor’s School (www.SCARSeducation.org.) By engaging with daily educational materials, victims can gradually calm their minds, regain cognitive control, and start rebuilding their lives. This approach helps victims move forward at their own pace, fostering both emotional healing and self-compassion.

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Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self Worth – 2024

Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self-Worth

Helping Scam Victims Understand One of the Trauma Responses that Can Contribute to Vulnerability to Scams

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

Trauma can significantly alter an individual’s behavior, leading to patterns of pleasing and appeasing others as a way to avoid conflict, feel safe, or prevent further harm. These behaviors often become deeply ingrained, making it difficult for trauma survivors to recognize their authentic identity. Scam victims are especially vulnerable to this cycle, as feelings of guilt and shame may drive them to seek external validation.

However, trauma can have the opposite effect as well, leading to overassertiveness, hyper-independence, or emotional withdrawal as self-protection mechanisms. Understanding these dynamics is critical for trauma recovery. By building self-awareness, victims can identify maladaptive behaviors, set boundaries, and ultimately rebuild their sense of self. Through support and conscious effort, they can break free from these patterns and foster emotional resilience.

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Trauma Responses or Just Personality Traits in Scam Victims? – 2024

Trauma Responses or Just Personality Traits in Scam Victims?

Many of the So-Called Personality Traits that Can Become Vulnerabilities in a Scam are Not Personality Traits, they are the Remnants of Past Traumas

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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Many people unknowingly mistake trauma responses for aspects of their personality, not realizing that behaviors like chronic over-apologizing, people-pleasing, or inability to accept compliments are coping mechanisms rooted in past emotional pain. These responses often develop in reaction to trauma, where the brain adapts to perceived danger or emotional harm.

For scam victims, recognizing these behaviors as trauma responses rather than personality traits is crucial for recovery. It allows them to confront core issues such as mistrust or a need for validation, empowering them to rebuild boundaries and self-confidence.

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Understanding Boundaries & Accountability to Improve Scam Victims’ Recovery When They Communicate – 2024

Understanding Boundaries & Accountability to Improve Scam Victims’ Recovery When They Communicate

Communication is the Core of Recovery, but Communication Can Be Challenging for Scam Victims – This will Help Explain

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

Triggers are especially challenging for scam victims because they often evoke intense emotional responses tied to their trauma. These triggers can be anything—words, situations, or even gestures—that remind victims of the scam or the betrayal they experienced. The brain’s trauma response system, particularly the amygdala, becomes activated when these triggers are encountered, which can overwhelm logical thinking and send victims into a state of emotional distress. This reaction happens because trauma alters how the brain processes stimuli, making victims hyper-sensitive to anything that resembles their painful experience. As a result, even benign situations can provoke fear, anxiety, or defensiveness, making it difficult for victims to engage in productive conversations or seek help effectively. Recognizing and learning to manage these triggers is essential for their emotional recovery and ability to move forward.

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Schemas Part 4: SCARS Institute Theory – Schema Conflict Resulting in Psychological Trauma – 2024

Schemas Part 4: SCARS Institute Schema Conflict Theory Resulting in Psychological Trauma

Exploring the Connection Between Schema Conflicts and the Experience of Psychological Trauma

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

When a person’s core beliefs, or schemas, are confronted with conflicting experiences, it can significantly disrupt their psychological equilibrium and result in trauma.

Schemas are deeply ingrained mental models that help individuals process the world based on past experiences. When a scam victim’s schema (such as trust in others or belief in financial security) is shattered, they experience cognitive dissonance and emotional distress.

The severity of the trauma depends on their ability to reconcile the conflicting experience with their mental framework. If they cannot resolve the disparity, it leads to heightened emotional turmoil, difficulty trusting others, and lasting psychological impacts.

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Schemas Part 3: Schemas/Mental Model & Cognition – 2024

Schemas Part 3: Schemas/Mental Model & Cognition

Expanding Our Understanding of the Mental Model Cognitive Shortcuts

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

Schemas, the mental frameworks that help us organize and interpret information, can profoundly influence how we store and retrieve memories. These frameworks help us process new experiences by fitting them into pre-existing categories. However, this can lead to memory distortion, as schemas can reshape how we recall past events.

For example, we may recall events in ways that align with our existing beliefs, even if those details never occurred. This process can result in selective memory, where information consistent with our schemas is remembered more vividly while conflicting details are forgotten or altered.

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Schemas Part 2: A Catalog of Schemas/Mental Model Types – 2024

Schemas Part 2: A Catalog of Schema/Mental Model Types

Better Understanding the Various Kinds Of Mental Model Cognitive Shortcuts

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

Schemas, also known as mental models, are cognitive frameworks that help individuals organize and interpret the vast array of information they encounter. They are built from life experiences, memories, and learned patterns and play a significant role in how we understand the world. Schemas help to simplify complex information and enable individuals to predict outcomes and respond to situations based on past experiences.

While these frameworks can help streamline decision-making and understanding, they are not always accurate reflections of reality. For scam victims, schemas often shape their perception of trust and relationships.

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Schemas Part 1: Mental Models and Cognitive Shortcuts and Scam Victims – 2024

Schemas Part 1: Mental Models and Cognitive Shortcuts and Scam Victims

Another Way in which our Mental or Cognitive Shortcuts can be Used Against Us!

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

Schemas are mental frameworks that help people organize and interpret the information they encounter based on prior experiences and observations. These mental models are not always accurate reflections of reality but are shaped by positive or negative experiences and can be influenced by both true and false information.

For scam victims, these schemas can hide the truth by leading them to believe that the scammer’s actions fit the pattern of a trustworthy person. During the scam, the mental models they’ve built prevent them from seeing red flags or inconsistencies, as they subconsciously try to fit new information into their existing beliefs.

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Coherence and its Effects on Scam Victims – 2024

Coherence and its Effects on Scam Victims

Coherence is a Necessary Component in a Healthy Life and Mind – for Scam Victims it is Ripped Away but it Can Be Recovered!

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

Coherence is a key element in a healthy, balanced life, but for scam victims, it is often shattered by the betrayal and deception they experience. Psychological coherence refers to the alignment of one’s thoughts, emotions, and life experiences, creating a unified sense of self and understanding of the world.

When scam victims lose coherence, they may feel emotionally fragmented, confused, and overwhelmed. This disconnection can impact their recovery, leaving them struggling to make sense of what happened. However, through recovery efforts such as therapy, emotional processing, and rebuilding trust, scam victims can gradually restore coherence.

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Scam Victims’ Do It Yourself Recovery: Dangers of Equivocation, Minimization, and Reductive Language – 2024

Dangers of Equivocation, Minimization, and Reductive Language

How Language Influences Thought and Impacts Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victims’ Do It Yourself Recovery

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

About This Article

Equivocation, minimization, and reductive language are harmful tools that scam victims often use to downplay or distort their trauma, making the recovery process more difficult. These language patterns may initially offer emotional relief by avoiding the painful reality of the scam, but they ultimately hinder healing.

By minimizing the severity of their experience, victims delay recognizing and processing the emotional and psychological damage they have endured, which can lead to long-term distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This type of language also reinforces self-blame, prevents emotional validation, and limits the support victims receive from others.

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Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control – 2024

Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Many Aspects of the Psychology of Scams that Made Them Vulnerable and Controllable

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

Co-dependency plays a major role in why scam victims may fall prey to scammers repeatedly.

It involves an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on others, making victims susceptible to manipulation. Scam victims often feel a strong urge to help or “save” others, and scammers exploit this by creating situations that trigger this impulse.

Breaking the cycle of co-dependency requires self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and learning defensive behaviors to protect against manipulation. Victims must focus on their own well-being and recognize when their empathy is being exploited.

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Empathy or Sensitivity: a Primary Vulnerability in Scam Victims – 2024

Empathy or Sensitivity: a Primary Vulnerability in Scam Victims

How A Personality Type Can Affect Scam Victim Vulnerability

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

Empaths and highly sensitive individuals are more vulnerable to romance scams due to their compassionate and emotionally open nature. Scammers exploit these traits by manipulating their empathy, creating false emotional bonds, and making them feel responsible for helping or saving the scammer.

This manipulation traps victims in fraudulent relationships, making it difficult for them to leave due to guilt and self-blame. Empaths must recognize these vulnerabilities, set boundaries, and trust their instincts to avoid falling victim to such scams. Recognizing emotional manipulation early can help protect them from further harm.

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Motivated Reasoning – A Cognitive Bias That Deeply Affects Scam Victims Especially During Recovery – 2024

Motivated Reasoning – A Cognitive Bias

A Cognitive Bias That Deeply Affects Scam Victims Especially During Recovery

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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Motivated reasoning is a cognitive bias where individuals interpret information to align with their desires or beliefs, often at the expense of objectivity.

Scam victims may rely on this bias to ignore red flags during the scam or rationalize decisions that go against their best interests. Even during recovery, motivated reasoning can lead them to overestimate their progress by focusing on minor successes and avoiding deeper emotional work.

Recognizing and addressing this bias is key to making informed decisions and achieving genuine recovery.
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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.

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Why Do Scam Victims So Often Allow Themselves To Accept Failure? – 2024

Why do Scam Victims so often Allow Themselves to Accept Failure?

The Challenge is to Understand Why This is So!

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

The human tendency to allow failure, particularly among scam victims, is influenced by both psychological and philosophical factors. Psychologically, fear of success, imposter syndrome, and self-sabotage cause victims to subconsciously undermine their recovery.

Philosophical perspectives, such as existentialism and stoicism, view failure as an inherent part of life that exposes vulnerabilities, encourages personal growth, and helps individuals confront their limitations.

Scam victims may crave failure as it provides comfort, control, or a familiar sense of inadequacy, allowing them to avoid responsibility, accountability, or emotional growth.

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Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and Scam Victims – 2024

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand the Benefits of Emotional Support Animals and the Process to Obtain Certification.

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

Emotional support animals (ESAs) offer therapeutic companionship to individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges, including scam victims recovering from trauma. To qualify for an ESA, individuals need an ESA certification letter from a licensed mental health professional, detailing how the animal helps with their condition.

ESAs have legal protections in housing under the Fair Housing Act, allowing them to live with their owners in no-pet properties. ESAs help scam victims by providing emotional stability, reducing anxiety, and fostering a sense of security and companionship during recovery.

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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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, 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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Constant Complaining in Scam Victims Stops Recovery and Distorts Their Real Thinking – 2024

Constant Complaining in Scam Victims Stops Recovery and Distorts Their Real Thinking

Resentment, Passive-Aggressive Behavior, Self-Pity, and Entitlement Mentality can substantially limit Recovery

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

Constant complaining, while a natural response for scam victims coping with trauma, can significantly hinder their recovery by reinforcing a victim mentality, blocking emotional healing, and straining relationships. It prevents victims from seeing solutions and fosters feelings of resentment when they perceive the help they receive as inadequate.

Listening to others’ feedback, even when critical, is essential for growth and recovery, as it can provide valuable insights into self-sabotaging behaviors and open the door to emotional healing. Rejecting support or being dismissive of advice from loved ones and professionals can further isolate victims, delaying their recovery.

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Awakening a Fearless Heart in Scam Victims – 2024

Awakening a Fearless Heart in Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Let Go of Worry and Awaken their Fearless Heart!

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

Scam victims often endure deep emotional trauma, including betrayal, guilt, shame, and self-blame. Healing from these wounds requires focusing on three key areas: awakening the fearless heart, releasing worry, and cultivating resilience.

Awakening a fearless heart starts with self-compassion, accepting vulnerability, and forgiving oneself for falling victim to a scam. Releasing worry involves acknowledging specific fears, challenging negative thoughts, and staying grounded in the present.

Once victims begin this process, they can cultivate a fearless heart by embracing self-empowerment, reframing the scam as a learning experience, and building a strong support system.

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The Four Basic Regrets and How They Apply to Scam Victims – 2024

The Four Basic Regrets and How They Apply to Scam Victims

Understanding the Basic Human Regrets that are Common to all Scam Victims

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Based on the work of Daniel H. Pink, is the author of several provocative, bestselling books about business, work, creativity and behavior.

About This Article

Regret is a natural human emotion, and understanding its four basic types—foundation, boldness, moral, and connection—can offer scam victims valuable insights for recovery.

Foundation regrets focus on failing to establish stability, such as not saving enough money or taking preventive steps to avoid scams.

Boldness regrets involve missed opportunities, like not asking questions or seeking help during the scam or recovery process.

Moral regrets stem from ethical missteps, such as not warning others or unintentionally enabling a scam.

Connection regrets arise when victims fail to reach out to loved ones for support or advice.

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Morality, Ethics, and the Victimhood Mentality – A Philosophical Review – 2024

Morality, Ethics, and the Victimhood Mentality – A Philosophical Review

Understanding the Difference Between Being a Victim and Victimhood

Primary Category: Philosophy of Scam Victim Recovery

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

About This Article

The moral difference between being a victim and embracing victimhood lies in how an individual responds to the harm they have experienced. Being a victim is a temporary condition caused by external factors beyond one’s control, such as falling for a scam. It does not imply moral blame, and it is possible to recover from this state with time and effort. Victimhood, however, involves adopting a mindset where a person continues to define themselves by the harm they’ve endured. This mindset can lead to feelings of powerlessness, entitlement, or resentment, which may hinder personal growth and responsibility.

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Psychological Resistance to Recovery in Scam Victims – 2024

Psychological Resistance to Recovery in Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand the Price They Pay for Trying to Over Control Their Recovery

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

The psychological resistance to recovery is often the greatest danger scam victims face, as it keeps them trapped in pain and prevents them from fully moving forward.

Resistance feels safe because it offers a sense of control over familiar emotions like guilt and shame, rather than risking the uncertainty of healing. Victims often cling to self-blame as a way of maintaining the illusion that they could have prevented the scam, which prevents them from accepting that they were not at fault. The fear of the unknown, particularly the unpredictable nature of recovery, can make victims hesitant to embrace the healing process.

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Understanding the Right Priorities – Another View of New Scam Victims’ Challenges – 2024

Understanding the Right Priorities – Another View of New Scam Victims’ Challenges

Many New/Recent Scam Victims do not yet Understand What Their Priorities should be After the End of Their Scam

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

New scam victims often struggle to prioritize the right steps for recovery, focusing on immediate financial fixes or managing surface emotions like anger or self-blame. However, this approach can overlook the deeper issue—profound trauma and cognitive impairment caused by the scam.

Emotional and psychological recovery should come first, as trauma affects the brain’s ability to think clearly, make decisions, and process information. Denial, resistance, and cognitive dissonance often prevent victims from acknowledging the full emotional impact of the scam.

Victims need to understand that recovery requires specialized help, such as support from counselors or trauma professionals, and that quick fixes won’t resolve the underlying issues.

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Pets as Therapy for Scam Victims – 2024

Pets as Therapy for Scam Victims

Having Support Animals is Very Important for Scam Victims During Their Recovery

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

Pets provide a unique form of therapy for scam victims by offering emotional and physical support during their recovery process. Scam victims often experience feelings of isolation, shame, and helplessness, but caring for a pet can help shift their focus away from their emotional distress and onto the needs of another living being.

The routine of feeding, walking, and nurturing a pet gives victims a sense of purpose and responsibility, while the act of petting a dog or cat releases stress-reducing hormones like oxytocin and lowers cortisol levels, helping alleviate anxiety and depression. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship, which helps rebuild trust and provide comfort without the fear of judgment.

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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.

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Scam Victim Identity Crisis – Very Common in Victims Several Months After the Scam Ends – 2024

Scam Victim Identity Crisis – Very Common in Victims Several Months After the Scam Ends

Helping Scam Victims Understand How to Navigate through Their Second Crisis During Recovery

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. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scam victims often experience multiple crises after the scam ends, but the identity crisis that occurs between six months to a year can be particularly devastating.

During the initial phase, victims focus on the immediate impact, like financial loss and cutting ties with the scammer. However, as time passes and they begin to reflect, they are hit by a deep psychological crisis where they question their identity, self-worth, and ability to trust themselves and others.

This delayed crisis is marked by feelings of continuing shame, residual guilt, and emotional disconnection, as victims struggle to reconcile their previous self-image with their perceived gullibility.

The social stigma surrounding scams further fuels this internal conflict, leading to isolation, hypervigilance, and even depression.

Without proper support, this identity crisis can severely hinder their recovery, and in some cases, lead to suicidal ideation due to overwhelming emotions and a loss of self-trust.

Scam Victims Experience Several Crises After the Scam Ends but the Identity Crisis Read More …

The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims – 2024

The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims

Because of the Way our Brains Work several things can Overload it!

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

Number overload plays a significant role in how scam victims experience escalating financial losses and their ability to recover. Humans are equipped with an innate “number sense” that allows for a quick, intuitive understanding of small quantities, but this ability diminishes with larger numbers. When scammers request increasingly higher amounts, the victim’s cognitive clarity weakens, leading to emotional overwhelm.

Victims often become fixated on the total amount lost, viewing it not just as a financial figure but as a symbol of their betrayal, pain, and regret. This fixation intensifies their trauma, causing ongoing feelings of guilt and shame. This emotional attachment to the lost amount can hinder the victim’s recovery, as they struggle to move past the deception and deal with the overwhelming psychological impact.

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