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SCARS Institute West Africa Project with GISF CyberLaw Academy Series for Criminal Justice Professionals at Ghana UENR – 2024

SCARS Institute West Africa Project in Ghana – August 2024

With the help of GISF CyberLaw Academy Series for Criminal Justice Professionals at Ghana UENR

Primary Category: Advocacy and Policy

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions from Modern Ghana

About This Article

The SCARS Institute’s West Africa Project, in collaboration with the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), hosted a two-day CyberLaw Academy event in Sunyani to strengthen cybersecurity and justice for victims of cybercrime, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

The event brought together law enforcement, state prosecutors, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for combating cybercrime and equipping professionals with the skills needed for effective prosecution.

The event highlighted the importance of digital evidence and collaborative efforts, empowering participants with knowledge on applying Ghana’s Cybersecurity and Electronic Transactions Acts in court. The event emphasized justice for victims and building a resilient digital future in Ghana.

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2024-09-18T15:37:47-04:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMINOLOGY, GHANA, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|
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Understanding Criminality – What Is Its Essence? 2023

Criminality – What Is Its Essence?

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

Understanding the Essence of Criminality is Very Difficult For Victims!

The essence of criminality involves engaging in actions or behaviors that are prohibited by law and deemed harmful to individuals, communities, or society as a whole.

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2023-10-29T13:09:52-04:00Uncategorized|
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Major Offensive Against African Black Axe Criminal Cartel By Irish Garda Police

Major Offensive Against African Black Axe Criminal Cartel By Irish Garda Police

By SCARS Editorial Team, portions by: Garda, Irish Times

Taking On The African/Nigerian Black Axe Gang!

Irish Garda Plays A Key Role In Taking Them On

A major Garda Síochána enforcement action was conducted in conjunction with INTERPOL and Law Enforcement Agencies across 21 countries around the world under Operation JACKAL. Closing ranks on West African organized crime: more than EUR 2 million seized in Operation Jackal

In the most recent series of actions Gardaí identify almost 1,000 people with Irish addresses linked to the sinister operation which also funds terror

Previous 2023 Garda Actions Against Black Axe:

  • 3 premises were searched in Dublin, Wicklow, and Longford
  • 9 persons were arrested and detained under Organised Crime legislation
  • 4 Persons were arrested and detained for money laundering offenses
  • 33 persons were arrested and charged with money laundering
  • 1 person was arrested and charged with gangland offenses and money laundering
  • 9 incidents of stolen money recovered from foreign bank accounts
  • Over €400,000 of stolen monies was recovered from Irish companies.

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2023-08-15T14:29:56-04:00Uncategorized|
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Denial Resisting or Avoiding Recovery After Scam Victimization Comes with a High Cost – 2026

Denial, Resisting, or Avoiding Recovery After Scam Victimization Comes with a High Cost for Scam Survivors

When Trauma Becomes Destiny: The Hidden Costs of Denial, Resisting, and Avoiding Recovery After Scam Victimization

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.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Denial, resistance, and avoidance following scam victimization function as short-term psychological defenses but produce significant long-term harm. Research shows that prolonged avoidance interferes with trauma processing, leading to chronic anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, shame, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. These psychological effects extend into daily functioning, impairing decision-making, work performance, financial management, physical health, and relationships. Unprocessed trauma erodes trust, increases social isolation, and elevates vulnerability to repeated scams, including recovery fraud. Avoidance-based coping predicts worsening life stressors over time rather than resolution. Acknowledgment of the scam enables emotional processing, learning, and protection, while denial compounds harm. Long-term outcomes are shaped less by the scam itself than by whether recovery is engaged or resisted.

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.

When Trauma Becomes Read More …

2026-02-05T09:09:24-05:00COMMUNITY POSTED, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • FOUNDATIONS OF SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, • PSYCHOLOGY, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2026, ARTICLE, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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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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INTERPOL-Coordinated Operation Leads to 1,209 Arrests in Africa – 2025

INTERPOL-Coordinated Operation Leads to 1,209 Arrests in Africa

INTERPOL Operation Serengeti 2.0 – African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions

Primary Category: Criminal Justice  //  Crimes and Criminals

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

About This Article

Operation Serengeti 2.0, an INTERPOL-led initiative conducted from June to August 2025, resulted in the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals across 18 African nations and the UK, dismantling 11,432 malicious infrastructures and recovering over USD 97.4 million. The crackdown targeted ransomware, online scams, business email compromise, cryptocurrency fraud, and inheritance scams, affecting nearly 88,000 victims worldwide. Major highlights include shutting down 25 illegal crypto-mining centers in Angola, disrupting a USD 300 million investment fraud scheme in Zambia, and dismantling a transnational inheritance scam in Côte d’Ivoire. The operation showcased the growing effectiveness of cross-border intelligence sharing, private-sector collaboration, and hands-on investigator training. Through its partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), authorities also focused on proactive strategies to identify and mitigate cyber threats before they occur.

 

African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions

In a sweeping INTERPOL-coordinated operation, authorities across Africa have arrested 1,209 cybercriminals targeting nearly 88,000 victims.

The crackdown recovered USD 97.4 million and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, underscoring the global reach of cybercrime and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation.

Operation Serengeti 2.0 (June to August 2025) brought Read More …

2025-08-24T19:08:08-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2025, AFRICA, INTERPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|
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$100 Million Dollar Romance Scammers from Ghana Extradited to the United States – 2025

$100 Million Dollar Romance Scammers from Ghana Extradited to the United States

Ghanaian Nationals Extradited For Roles In Criminal Organization That Stole More Than $100 Million Through Romance Scams And Other Fraud

Primary Category: News // Law Enforcement

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

About This Article

Four Ghanaian nationals have been charged in New York for their alleged roles in a criminal organization that stole more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes targeting U.S. victims. Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, and Derrick Van Yeboah were extradited from Ghana and presented before a U.S. magistrate judge on August 7, 2025. Patrick Kwame Asare remains at large. Prosecutors allege the group posed as romantic partners to deceive vulnerable older Americans into sending money or laundering funds, while also executing fraudulent business email transactions to steal from companies. Proceeds were funneled to West Africa, primarily to senior figures known as “chairmen,” including Boateng and Ahmed. The defendants face multiple charges, each carrying significant prison terms if convicted. U.S. and Ghanaian authorities collaborated extensively on the investigation and extraditions. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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.

 

Ghanaian Nationals Extradited For Roles In Criminal Organization That Stole More Read More …

2025-08-28T13:04:35-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2025, GHANA, NEWS, USA|
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Hate for Scammers and Criminals Feels So Good But is So Bad for Scam Victims – 2025

Hate for Scammers and Criminals Feels So Good, But is So Bad for Scam Victims

Why Scam Victims Hate Scammers and Criminals So Much!

Primary Category: Scam Victims Recovery Psychology

Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
–
•  Originally published on RomanceScamsNOW.com on Aug 28, 2022

About This Article

Hatred toward the criminal who scammed you may feel justified, even necessary, but holding onto it often causes more harm than healing. Resentment can keep you emotionally tethered to the crime, making it difficult to recover, rebuild trust, or reclaim peace of mind. While your anger is a natural response to betrayal, staying in that emotional space can prolong your suffering and deepen the trauma. Forgiveness does not mean excusing the scammer’s actions or pretending the harm did not happen.

It means choosing to stop carrying the emotional weight that keeps you bound to what was done to you. Letting go of hate is not something you do for the criminal—it is something you do for your own emotional well-being. By releasing anger, you free yourself to move forward with strength, clarity, and dignity. The power to recover lies in your hands, and forgiveness is one of the most important tools to begin that process.

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2025-05-06T03:42:58-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Overton’s Window – a Commentary on the Acceptance of Criminality and Scams in our Society and World – 2025

Overton’s Window – a Commentary on the Acceptance of Criminality and Scams in our Society and World

A Critical Analysis of the Current Trends in Society and Politics of Accepting Criminality as Acceptable and Normal

Primary Category: Sociology

Intended Audience: General Public

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

About This Article

The Overton Window, as applied to scams and public tolerance for criminality, reveals a disturbing shift in societal norms. What was once seen as unequivocal fraud is now increasingly viewed through softened lenses, described as misunderstandings, clever tactics, or inevitable risks of digital life. Cultural, institutional, and political forces are collectively reshaping how deception is perceived, diminishing the stigma once attached to scams and emboldening perpetrators. This shift not only harms individual victims but erodes the foundations of justice, accountability, and social trust.

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2025-05-05T22:43:17-04:00• SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / MYTHOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2025, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD, USA|
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Criminal Dominion: The Political Power of Crime and the State’s Role in Perpetual Victimhood – An Essay – 2025

Criminal Dominion: The Political Power of Crime and the State’s Role in Perpetual Victimhood – An Essay

Crime as an Act of Political Power: Criminals, Victims, and the Complicity of Politicians

Primary Category: Sociology & Political Science // Editorial

Intended Audience: General Public

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

About This Article

An Essay: Crime is an act of political power, where criminals assert dominance over victims, reshaping social hierarchies through coercion, as Mark Haugaard notes, defining power as “dominating.” From street gangs to cybercriminals, offenders govern—levying taxes, enforcing rules, or exploiting digital vulnerabilities—often more effectively than the state, per Ana Arjona’s findings. Victims, stripped of agency, retreat into “low-intensity citizenship,” as Sabrina Karim observes, their subjugation deepened by violence’s productive nature, per Stathis Kalyvas.

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2025-03-19T01:48:21-04:00• SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / MYTHOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2025, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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DARVO – Projection and the Criminal Mindset – Why the Corrupt Blame the Victims – 2025

Projection and the Criminal Mindset – Why the Corrupt Blame the Victims

It is Very Common for Criminals and the Corrupt to Blame the People that they Victimized, and Make Themselves Out to Be the Victims! This Technique is Known as DARVO!

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends / General Public / Others

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

About This Article

Criminals and corrupt individuals often engage in psychological manipulation tactics, most notably DARVO—Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender—to evade accountability and shift blame onto their victims. This behavior is rooted in psychological projection, a defense mechanism where wrongdoers attribute their own immoral actions to others to maintain a sense of innocence.

By accusing victims of being at fault, perpetrators create confusion, manipulate public perception, and avoid legal or social consequences. Jordan B. Peterson has explored these tendencies, emphasizing that many offenders lack self-awareness, rationalize their behavior, and genuinely believe in the guilt of their victims. This cognitive distortion allows them to escape internal moral conflict, reinforcing their criminal actions.

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2025-03-02T00:31:07-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2025, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Continuing Communicating with the Scammers Part 2 – Stop That! – 2024

Continuing Communicating with the Scammers Part 2 – Stop That

Making the Case Why Continuing to Talk to Scammers After Discovery is a Bad Idea – Morally, Ethically, and Psychologically for Scam Victims

Part 2 : Part 1

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Continuing to communicate with scammers after discovering their deception poses significant risks that extend far beyond the initial scam. This article delves into the psychological, ethical, and practical implications of such engagement, emphasizing the harm it causes to victims and the broader societal impact. Victims may believe they are regaining control or seeking closure, but prolonged interaction often deepens emotional entanglement, erodes critical thinking, and reinforces trauma. Furthermore, continuing to engage with scammers can inadvertently enable their operations by providing feedback that helps refine their tactics, posing risks to future victims.

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2024-11-16T06:32:08-05:00• DO IT YOURSELF RECOVERY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, • VICTIM'S STORY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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A Compassionate Perspective on Justice – a SCARS Institute Editorial – 2024

A Compassionate Perspective on Justice – a SCARS Institute Editorial

A Compassionate Perspective on Criminal Justice and Recovery for Scam Victims

Primary Category: Editorial and Commentary

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

About This Article

The SCARS Institute offers a compassionate perspective on justice for scam victims, emphasizing that while accountability is essential, true justice should focus on restoring balance, not celebrating punishment. Victims face immense emotional and financial harm from scams, and seeing perpetrators arrested can bring relief. However, SCARS encourages victims to view arrests not as joyous events but as complex situations with broader societal implications.

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2024-10-30T19:54:26-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINOLOGY, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, GHANA, NIGERIA, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Replacing the UK’s Action Fraud City of London Police for Inaction Against Scams – 2024

Replacing the UK’s Action Fraud for Inaction Against Scams

Reviewing the Progress Made in the UK to Replace the City of London Police’s Action Fraud

Primary Category with link to search

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Alexander Martin, The Record

Replacement for the City of London’s Action Fraud, UK’s Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Reporting Service, delayed again until 2025

According to the Record – being reprinted in the public interest – source link above

Action Fraud

The launch date for the repeatedly delayed replacement service for Action Fraud, the much-criticized reporting center for fraud and financially motivated cybercrime in Britain, has again been pushed back, a senior police officer has confirmed to Recorded Future News.

The likely date will be sometime in the spring of 2025, according to Nik Adams, the temporary assistant commissioner at the City of London Police.

In its current form Action Fraud, which is run by the City of London Police, has been described as “not fit for purpose” by the House of Commons Justice Committee amid a surge in the levels of that crime affecting people across the country.

The Public Accounts Committee stated it was “seriously concerned that the failures of Action Fraud in supporting victims of fraud has earned it the nickname ‘Inaction Fraud,’” and echoed the Justice Committee’s findings that the levels of fraud were being driven by shortcomings across the whole of the criminal justice system.

A replacement service aiming to provide more intelligence Read More …

2024-09-08T10:36:58-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, GUEST AUTHORS, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, UK|
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Defeatism and its Impact on Scam Victims and Law Enforcement – 2024

Defeatism and its Impact on Law Enforcement and Scam Victims

How Defeatism Undermines Individual and Collective Efforts in the Fight Against Scams and Impacts Global Law Enforcement and Justice Systems

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Defeatism is a mindset where individuals or groups believe that failure is inevitable, leading to a lack of effort and a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. This attitude can spread through society, hindering collective efforts to address significant challenges, such as combatting scams.

In global law enforcement and the justice system, defeatism can result in reduced motivation to pursue criminals, limited international cooperation, and insufficient resources dedicated to fighting scams.

For scam victims, defeatism manifests as a sense of hopelessness, inaction, and resignation, making it difficult for them to recover or seek justice.

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2024-08-27T01:48:51-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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In Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim – 2024

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

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

Primary Category: Victimology

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

About This Article

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

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

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2024-08-22T15:46:41-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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UNODC: Southeast Asian Cyberfraud Organizations Deploying New Technology – 2024

UNODC: Southeast Asian Cyberfraud Organizations Deploying New Technology

United Nations Issues Warning About Expanding Organized Crime

Primary Category: Organized Crime

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime

About This Article

Industrial-scale cyberfraud operations in Southeast Asia are evolving rapidly due to technological advancements and the increasing professionalization of transnational criminal networks. These operations, often linked to sophisticated underground banking and money laundering organizations, are outpacing governmental efforts to contain them.

A recent UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) meeting highlighted the urgency of addressing this threat, which includes hundreds of scam centers and thousands of trafficked individuals working in illicit industries. Countries like the Philippines have banned certain gambling sectors to curb these activities. Despite efforts to dismantle cyber-enabled fraud operations, organized crime groups are diversifying and moving into more remote areas, utilizing deepfakes and malware.

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2024-08-06T13:12:17-04:00• CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, SOUTHEAST ASIA, United Nations|
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What Is Justice For A Scam Victim? 2024

What does Justice Mean to Scam Victims?

Justice can sometimes be elusive but for Scam Victims it seems like it is Impossible! But it is Possible!

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery

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

About This Article

Justice for scam victims can feel elusive, as the chances of recovering lost money or seeing perpetrators arrested are slim. Instead, the best way for victims to achieve a sense of justice is by shifting their focus inward, prioritizing their own needs and recovery.

Personal healing becomes paramount in the face of financial and legal setbacks. Through professional counseling, joining support groups, and engaging in self-care, victims can regain control over their lives.

This approach empowers them to rebuild their sense of self-worth, move past the trauma, and find a renewed sense of stability and resilience, ultimately achieving a form of justice centered on their well-being.

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2024-07-18T21:03:51-04:00• FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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INTERPOL Operation Jackal III Arrests More Than 300 Scammers – 2024

INTERPOL Operation Jackal III Arrests More Than 300 Scammers

Major Interpol Led Operation Targets ‘Black Axe’ and Other Organized Crime Groups

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

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

About This Article

A global law enforcement operation, Operation Jackal III, targeted West African organized crime groups, including Black Axe, resulting in 300 arrests and the seizure of USD 3 million in assets.

Running from April 10 to July 3, 2024, across 21 countries, the operation focused on combating online financial fraud and dismantling criminal networks. Over 400 suspects were identified, and over 720 bank accounts were blocked.

The operation highlighted the critical need for international collaboration in addressing the alarming rise in financial fraud stemming from West Africa.

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2024-07-16T12:21:23-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, INTERPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|
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5 Bulgarian Fraudsters Convicted In The UK – 2024

5 Bulgarian Fraudsters Convicted In The UK

Fraud on a Massive Factory Scale

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions by Daily Mail

About This Article

Five Bulgarian fraudsters who defrauded the UK’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of £54 million have been jailed for over 25 years. The gang hijacked 6,000 identities to claim Universal Credit, using children’s names from Bulgaria.

They operated three ‘benefit factories’ in London, producing fake tenancy agreements, payslips, and letters to trick the DWP. The group flaunted their wealth on social media, with photos showing them at Antonia’s Foods supermarket in Wood Green. Ringleader Galina Nikolova, 38, was sentenced to eight years for her key role in the scam, which Judge David Aaronberg described as being conducted on an ‘industrial scale’. Stoyan Stoyanov, 27, received four years, while Gyunesh Ali, 33, was jailed for seven years and three months. Tsvetka Todorova, 52, and Patritsia Paneva, 26, received three years each.

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2024-06-03T10:26:37-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, UK|
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Major European Money Laundering/Money Mule Services Operation Shut Down By Europol – 2024

Major European Money Laundering/Money Mule Services Operation Shut Down By Europol

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

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

About This Article

Europol, alongside Italian and Portuguese authorities, spearheaded a major crackdown on money mule service providers laundering over EUR 10 million for a criminal organization behind cryptocurrency scams.

Supported by law enforcement from Austria, France, Germany, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland, the operation involved raids in France, Italy, and Romania, resulting in 11 detentions, including the scheme’s mastermind, and the seizure of electronic devices, jewelry, and cryptocurrencies.

The scam targeted millionaires through sophisticated rip-deal scams, utilizing cryptocurrencies. Europol and Eurojust provided critical support, facilitating information exchange and forensic assistance, while Europol’s #DontBeaMule campaign aims to prevent money mule activities across the EU.

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2024-06-02T22:07:53-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EUROPE, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|
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Pokémon Card Scammers Arrested By FBI – 2024

Pokémon Card Scammers Arrested By FBI

The FBI has arrested Anthony Curcio and Iosif Bondarchuk for operating a nationwide scam involving sports and Pokémon trading cards.

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Federal Bureau of Investigation

About This Article

The FBI has arrested Anthony Curcio and Iosif Bondarchuk for operating a nationwide scam involving sports and Pokémon trading cards. Charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, the duo allegedly manipulated the market by misrepresenting low-to-mid grade cards as high-grade, authenticated by a reputable grading company, causing victims to overpay and resulting in over $2 million in fraudulent sales.

The scheme, which spanned from 2022 to May 2024, involved selling cards with falsified grades through online marketplaces and in-person venues. Curcio and Bondarchuk used fake identities to conceal their involvement, even after victims confronted them.

The case highlights the FBI’s commitment to combating fraud and protecting consumers in the collectibles market.

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2024-06-01T06:52:08-04:00• CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2024, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice, USA|
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UK Government: Social and Psychological Implications of Fraud – 2024

UK Government: Social and Psychological Implications of Fraud

Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  UK Parliament – Government of the United Kingdom
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Fraud poses a significant threat to the UK, with 4 in 10 offences targeting individuals. The government’s 2023 Fraud Strategy aims to combat this, emphasizing victim support and prevention.

While stereotypes of elderly victims persist, fraud risks vary due to psychological and social factors. Beyond financial loss, fraud inflicts emotional and psychological harm.

Victims often report fraud to banks rather than authorities. Effective prevention strategies involve education and enhanced victim care. This POSTnote underscores the multifaceted nature of fraud and the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to mitigate its impact on individuals in England and Wales.

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2024-05-01T12:28:21-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, • SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, 2024, ARTICLE, DOCUMENT / PDF, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, UK, UK Government|
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The Uniqueness Of Scam Victims Or Fraud Victims – 2024

The Uniqueness Of Scam Victims Or Fraud Victims

Why Scam Victims are different than other type of Crime Victims

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

About This Article

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

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

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

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2024-03-21T20:01:06-04:00• VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Nigerian Scammer Justice: Why We MUST Extradite – Guest Editorial – 2023

Nigerian Scammer Justice: Why We MUST Extradite

A Nigerian Scammer Comparison of Criminal Justice

A Guest Editorial

Author:
• Gary Warner, UAB Computer Forensics / DarkTower Threat Intelligence

Why Extradition Of Nigerian Scammers Is So Important? Because Nigeria’s EFCC Lets Them Off With A Slap On The Hand!

Meet Osondu Victor IGWILO, a Nigerian Scammer

In 2018, the FBI Houston office charged IGWILO with being the “Chairman” of a scheme where IGWILO and his team would send emails claiming to be BB&T Bank Executives and executing various “advance-fee schemes” including investment scams and inheritance scams.

Read More …

2023-12-18T21:41:36-05:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2023, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Gary Warner, GUEST AUTHORS, NIGERIA|
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Irish Criminal Assets Bureau – Deny And Deprive Criminals Of Assets Acquired Through Criminal Conduct – 2023

Irish Criminal Assets Bureau – Deny And Deprive Criminals Of Assets Acquired Through Criminal Conduct

Author:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Irish Criminal Assets Bureau – Establishing A Perfect Model To Disrupt Transnational Scammers & Cybercriminals Worldwide

Irish Criminal Assets Bureau: Seize • Tax • Recover

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996 to 2016 the Criminal Assets Bureau can freeze and seize assets which it shows to the Irish High Court are the proceeds of criminal conduct. This is done on the civil standard of proof which is known internationally as non-Conviction Based Forfeiture. Because Ireland is a part of the European Union, this gives them certain authority across Europe as well.

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2023-12-11T02:46:48-05:00SCARS Institute Editorial Team, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2023, ARTICLE, IRELAND|
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Mule Addresses

Mule Addresses

By David Maimon, Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Georgia State University and Saba Aslanzadeh, PhD Student in in Computer Science, Georgia State University

What Are ‘Mule Addresses’? Criminologists Explain How Vacant Properties Serve As Depots For Illegal Online Purchases

Online shopping isn’t just a convenient way to buy batteries, diapers, computers, and other stuff without going to a brick-and-mortar store.

Many Americans also use the internet to quietly acquire illegal, fake, and stolen items. Guns, prescription drugs no doctor has ordered and checks are on this long list, as well as cloned credit cards, counterfeit passports, and phony driver’s licenses.

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2023-09-21T06:49:37-04:00Uncategorized|
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Cybercriminal Mole – UK Police Arrest One Of Their Own!

Cybercriminal Mole – UK Police Arrest One Of Their Own!

By U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) and SCARS Editorial Team

Operation Venetic: Corrupt Police Worker Admits Tipping-Off Criminal Over Secret Nationwide Investigation

A corrupt police employee illegally accessed sensitive information and tipped off a criminal friend about a massive, secret investigation into serious and organized crime.

SCARS Note: It is estimated that organized crime has infiltrated nearly every police jurisdiction in the UK and throughout Europe!

UK Police Officer Arrested

Natalie Mottram, 24, from Warrington, was employed by Cheshire Police but was on secondment and working as an intelligence analyst at the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) when she was arrested by National Crime Agency officers on 12 June 2020.

She was arrested as part of Operation Venetic – the NCA-led UK response to the takedown of the encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

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2023-08-25T18:11:13-04:00Uncategorized|
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Cybercriminals Operating Major Ransomware Hosting Service Arrested In Poland

Cybercriminals Operating Major Ransomware Hosting Service Arrested In Poland

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions Department of Justice and Europol

Cybercriminals Running ‘Bulletproof’ Webhosting Domain Charged in Connection with Facilitation of ‘NetWalker’ Ransomware

U.S. Authorities, along with Europol Announce Court-Authorized Seizure of LolekHosted.net

5 European cybercriminals were also arrested!

An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Tampa, Florida, USA charging a Polish national with computer fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and international money laundering in connection with the provision of “bulletproof” web hosting services that facilitated the operation of ransomware attacks and the subsequent laundering of the illicit proceeds.

Read More …

2023-08-13T06:12:09-04:00Uncategorized|
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Scam Victim Commits Crimes For Their Scammers

Scam Victim Commits Crimes For Their Scammers

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

A Japanese Scam Victim Embezzled Millions From Her Employer!

Why did this romance scam victim embezzle?! Simply, she was under the control of criminals; it’s nothing more complicated than that!

Nisshin’s a 66-year-old woman and scam victim was suspected of embezzling 10 million yen (USD$71,613 dollars) from her employer!

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2023-07-19T21:00:29-04:00Uncategorized|
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55 Scammers Arrested – Nigerians Execute A Major Raid

55 Scammers Arrested – Nigerians Execute A Major Raid

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions EFCC

55 Scammers Arrested In Massive Raids In Nigeria

The Scammers Arrested Include Ex-Convict Scammers Returning To Crime

According to the EFCC, they executed a major raid with 55 scammers arrested, Seized 7 Cars, 79 Phones:

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2023-07-19T21:01:22-04:00Uncategorized|
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Changes In A Scam Victim’s Life

Changes In A Scam Victim’s Life

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

After A Scam Or Crime Is Over, Its Victims Are Left To Figure Out How To Go Forward And What Changes Need To Be Made In Their Life!

Scam victim changes come at every stage of the post-crime recovery. They vary from stage to stage as the person goes from being a victim to a survivor to a thrive! At each stage, different changes are needed both for safety and to allow emotional and psychological recovery.

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2023-07-11T17:45:30-04:00Uncategorized|
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Social Media Prohibition!

Social Media Prohibition!

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

A Major Blow To The Biden Administration’s Attempts To Control Social Media

The Attorney Generals for Louisiana and Missouri have filed a lawsuit alleging that the federal government is unlawfully censoring conservative viewpoints in violation of the First Amendment.

A federal judge, Terry A. Doughty, has ruled that several Biden administration officials are prohibited from contacting social media companies regarding the moderation of posts protected by the First Amendment.

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2023-07-06T00:29:02-04:00Uncategorized|
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The Science Of Victimology – What Is It? – 2023

The Science of Victimology – What Is It?

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

Primary Category: Scam Psychology

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

About This Article

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

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

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2025-04-21T20:21:09-04:00• VICTIMOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Importance Of Taxonomies In Understanding Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes – 2023 UPDATED 2025

The Importance Of Taxonomies In Understanding Scams, Fraud & Cybercrimes

The Importance Of Taxonomies: In Every Aspect of Criminology, and Law Enforcement – Having a Unified Agreed-Upon Taxonomy is Vital

Primary Category: Criminology

UPDATED 2025

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

 

About This Article

The article delineates the paramount significance of taxonomies in criminology, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and law enforcement, emphasizing their role in creating unified frameworks for understanding criminal behavior.It elucidates how structured classifications facilitate comprehensive analysis, aiding researchers, law enforcement, policymakers, and businesses in discerning crime patterns and formulating effective prevention strategies. Emphasizing the necessity of standardized taxonomies, it delineates the perils of employing non-standard terms, delineating their adverse effects on victim support, investigation, and collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The discourse concludes by advocating for a unified taxonomy, fostering collaboration among diverse entities to combat fraud and scams effectively.

 

The Importance Of Taxonomies in Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime

The Importance Of Taxonomies: In Every Aspect of Criminology, and Law Enforcement – Having a Unified Agreed-Upon Taxonomy is Vital

Taxonomies establish agreement on terminology that defines the work of professionals across fields. In criminology, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and law enforcement, a unified taxonomy proves essential for clarity and effectiveness. Without standardized classifications, efforts to combat scams and fraud become fragmented, leading to miscommunication, inefficient resource allocation, and diminished public trust. Read More …

2025-10-12T04:38:43-04:00• CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR ADVOCATES, • FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / MYTHOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, 2023, 2025, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Returning to Recovery for Scam Victims – A SCARS Institute Guide – 2026

Returning to Recovery for Scam Victims

A SCARS Institute Guide – 2026

Coming Back to Recovery After Drifting Away – a Guide for Scam Victims/Survivors

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology / Recoverology

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 – Recoverologist, Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Recovery from scam-related betrayal trauma involves recognizing when progress has stalled and re-engaging with structured, accountable processes. Avoidance, partial acknowledgment, and reliance on coping behaviors can prolong distress and prevent resolution. Effective recovery requires an accurate understanding of the experience, consistent behavioral engagement, and emotional processing. Structured programs, external accountability, and participation in supportive environments provide necessary guidance and correction. Progress is non-linear and requires sustained effort rather than reliance on motivation. Re-entry into recovery is possible at any stage when individuals align their actions with established recovery principles and commit to consistent, directed engagement.

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.

Coming Back to Recovery After Drifting Away

A Guide for Scam Victims/Survivors

Preface: Author’s Note

This guide is intended for individuals who have already Read More …

2026-04-04T23:49:29-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • DO IT YOURSELF RECOVERY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, RECOVEROLOGY, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, STEP 3 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Extreme Ownership and Scam Victim Recovery – 2026

Extreme Ownership and Scam Victim Recovery

Extreme Ownership in Scam Recovery: Leading Your Own Comeback After Betrayal Without Blame

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.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Extreme Ownership is a leadership principle adapted for scam recovery that separates blame from responsibility while restoring personal agency after betrayal. Originating in high-stakes military contexts, it emphasizes honest accountability, clear decision-making, and proactive correction under stress. Applied to recovery, it helps individuals shift from helplessness to deliberate action by owning their healing process, emotional responses, and future choices. Neurologically and psychologically, this approach supports regulation, reduces trauma-driven reactivity, and strengthens executive functioning. By identifying avoidance patterns, committing to small daily actions, and maintaining compassionate self-discipline, individuals rebuild safety, confidence, and resilience. Over time, Extreme Ownership becomes a stabilizing framework that supports recovery, growth, and sustained self-protection.

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.

Extreme Ownership in Scam Recovery: Leading Your Own Comeback After Betrayal Without Blame

You stand at a turning point. The scam has ended. The money is gone. The trust you placed in someone who never deserved it has shattered.

Now you face waves of trauma, grief, anger, shame, and confusion that Read More …

2026-02-27T18:39:43-05:00• PHILOSOPHY, • DO IT YOURSELF RECOVERY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, STEP 3 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Letting Go of Victimhood – The Dream of Zhuangzi – 2026

Letting Go of Victimhood – The Dream of Zhuangzi

Victimhood – Identity, Suffering, and Recovery After Relationship Scams – A Daoist Approach to Letting Go, Restoring Safety, and Processing Grief

Primary Category: 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.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Relationship scams often reshape identity, causing victimhood to become a core self-definition rather than a description of harm. This fixed identity can keep the nervous system locked in threat mode, prolong grief, intensify shame, and interfere with recovery. Drawing on Daoist philosophy, the subject emphasizes that suffering increases when experience hardens into identity and decreases when identity becomes flexible. Letting go of victimhood is presented as a safety skill rather than a moral requirement, allowing the nervous system to recognize that the threat has ended. By reducing fixation on the crime and releasing unnecessary holding, survivors can restore stabilization, process grief, rebuild agency, and rediscover the capacity for meaning and happiness without denying the reality of what occurred.

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.

Victimhood – Identity, Suffering, and Recovery After Relationship Scams

A Daoist Approach to Letting Go, Restoring Safety, and Processing Grief

Many scam victims, as time passes, express a sincere desire to let go of what happened. Read More …

2026-02-25T00:48:35-05:00• PHILOSOPHY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / MYTHOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, STEP 1 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Reflections on Hate – 2026

Reflections on Hate

Hate After Betrayal: What Baldwin and Nussbaum Reveal About Anger, Moral Injury, and Scam Victim Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victim 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.
Author Biographies Below

About This Article

Hate following scams often emerges as a response to betrayal, dehumanization, and violated dignity rather than moral weakness. Philosophical perspectives from James Baldwin and Martha Nussbaum show that anger can initially restore moral clarity after deception but becomes harmful when fixed on retribution or identity. Scam victims may experience displaced anger toward helpers, institutions, or themselves when accountability is unavailable, and shame takes hold. Sustained hate can impair recovery by reinforcing hypervigilance, isolation, and permanent victimhood. Trauma-informed recovery recognizes hate as a signal of moral injury while maintaining boundaries and accountability. Healing involves helping anger evolve into forward-looking concern, restored agency, and meaning without erasing the reality of harm or demanding premature forgiveness.

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.

Hate After Betrayal

What Baldwin and Nussbaum Reveal About Anger, Moral Injury, and Scam Victim Recovery

Hate often appears suddenly after a scam ends. For many victims, it feels explosive, overwhelming, and uncontrollable. It may be directed at the scammer, at institutions that failed to protect them, Read More …

2026-02-24T13:19:30-05:00• PHILOSOPHY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2026, ARTICLE, COMMUNITY POSTED, STEP 1 RECOVERY, STEP 2 RECOVERY, STEP 3 RECOVERY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Rise of Scams and the Tyranny of Technique – 2026

The Rise of Scams and the Tyranny of Technique

Scams and Technique: How Modern Tools Became Engines of Mass Exploitation

Primary Category: Essay / Philosophy

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

About This Article

Modern scams operate as a technology-enabled system of exploitation shaped by the principle of technique, defined as the pursuit of efficiency above human outcomes. Advances in computers, email, the internet, smartphones, and artificial intelligence have steadily lowered costs for criminals while expanding reach, speed, and psychological precision. These tools enable large-scale theft through ransomware, phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, phone scams, and AI-driven impersonation. The harm is both financial and psychological, involving panic, shame, isolation, and long-term trauma. Gallup data indicating that approximately eight percent of U.S. adults experience scams annually suggests tens of thousands of new victims each day. Effective response requires slowing decision-making, restoring verification, adding friction to financial transfers, and strengthening human support systems rather than relying on individual vigilance alone.

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.

Scams and Technique: How Modern Tools Became Engines of Mass Exploitation

An Essay on the Present World by Tim McGuinness, Ph.D.

You live in a world full of scams built on technique and tools. Tools and technique can help you Read More …

2026-02-21T11:54:04-05:00• ONLINE SAFETY, • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - AI, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2026, COMMUNITY POSTED, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Rise of Scams and the Tyranny of Technique - 2026
SCARS Institute ScamsNOW Magazine

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The Rise of Scams and the Tyranny of Technique - 2026