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Scams and Cryptocurrency Go Hand in Hand
Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand
Authors:
• Yaniv Hanoch, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Southampton; and
• Stacey Wood, Professor of Psychology, Scripps College
Scams And Cryptocurrency Can Go Hand In Hand – Here’s How They Work And What To Watch Out For
When one of our students told us they were going to drop out of college in August 2021, it wasn’t the first time we’d heard of someone ending their studies prematurely. What was new, though, was the reason. The student had become a victim of a cryptocurrency scam and had lost all their money – including a bank loan – leaving them not just broke, but in debt. The experience was financially and psychologically traumatic, to say the least.
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Welcome to ScamsNOW.com
ScamsNOW.com! the SCARS news & features magazine about scams & fraud
Our ScamsNOW mission is to present important news & commentary about the global state of scams, fraud, & cybercrime, the criminals that engage in these crimes, law enforcement & governmental issues, and explore the challenging issues that victims face.
ScamsNOW.com Editorial Policy
About SCARS Publishing on ScamsNOW.com
Masthead
- Owner: Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., a Florida Nonprofit Corporation.
- Publisher in Chief: Dr. Tim McGuinness, Managing Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer
- Press Contact: Debby Montgomery Johnson, Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer
- Editorial Advisory Board: Vianey Gonzalez, and others.
Corrections
We will revise our website and articles as needed to maintain the correctness, competency, and accuracy of our contact. We cannot promise to notify our readers when this happens, though you will find updated articles in our listing of updated posts.
Introduction
SCARS holds its journalists, reporters, writers, content curators, video producers, commentators, editors, and all other employees, volunteers, contributors or contractors (hereafter referred to as content creators) to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. These ethical and editorial standards have been created to guide content creators to create an extremely trustworthy publication for our audience. In addition, we are publishing these standards so that the public can know them in the spirit of transparency.
If our audience can’t trust the content we produce, they will not be able to use this information in their recovery and to avoid these crimes in the future. And if the content we produce is not truthful, useful, instructive, or wholesome, our existence as a nonprofit company cannot be justified. Therefore, SCARS expects its content creators to not only keep, but also build trust with our readers and viewers by producing content that conforms to the standards laid out in this document.
Telling the Truth
Toxic Guilt and Scam Victims Accepting False Responsibility For Scams – 2025
Toxic Guilt and Scam Victims Accepting False Responsibility For Scams
How Toxic Guilt Helps to Keep Scam Victims Dysfunctional – Understanding Scam Aftermath Guilt
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Scam victims often carry the heavy burden of toxic guilt and false responsibility, emotional patterns rooted in early life experiences where they were unfairly blamed for the feelings and failures of others. These ingrained tendencies lead many victims to internalize blame, struggle with boundary-setting, and fall into codependent relationships, making them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Chronic guilt distorts their self-perception, fostering a cycle of self-blame and emotional enmeshment that persists into adulthood. Understanding these dynamics is essential for recovery.
Parasitic Mind Pathogens and Susceptibility to Social Engineering and Trust-Based Relationship Scams – 2025
Parasitic Mind Pathogens and Susceptibility to Social Engineering and Trust-Based Relationship Scams
Parasitic Mind Pathogens & Relationship Scams: Exploiting Scam Victim Vulnerabilities and Susceptibility
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.
• In part, based on the idea by Dr. Gad Saad’s concept of the Parasitic Mind
About This Article
Scammers succeed not by chance but by deliberately exploiting vulnerabilities through psychological tactics that align with natural human instincts. Drawing on Dr. Gad Saad’s concept of the Parasitic Mind, scammers introduce what can be called mind pathogens—ideas or emotional hooks that mirror evolutionary traits like emotional attunement, credibility, shared vulnerability, urgency, and persistence. These attributes, carefully constructed, bypass critical thinking and target deep-seated needs for connection, trust, and loyalty.
Victims are not deceived because they are careless; they are manipulated through mechanisms designed to develop survival and bonding. The emotional damage from these scams extends beyond financial loss, embedding shame, distrust, and isolation in the aftermath.
Reckless Behavior and Thrill-Seeking Tendencies – Personality Types and Susceptibility to Scams – 2025
Reckless Behavior and Thrill-Seeking Personality Types and Susceptibility to Scams
Reckless Behavior and Thrill-Seeking Tendencies: How They Are Affected by Trauma, and How They Lead to Increased Scam Victimization
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Reckless behavior and thrill-seeking tendencies often go unnoticed because they do not always look extreme. They can appear as impulsive decisions, risky relationships, emotional overreactions, or the urge to act quickly without thinking. These behaviors become especially significant when shaped by trauma, which alters how the brain perceives danger, reward, and emotional regulation. For trauma survivors, recklessness can serve as a way to escape emotional pain, override numbness, or feel temporarily alive. While these patterns may seem like personality flaws, they often reflect deeper coping mechanisms developed under stress. Unfortunately, these traits also increase vulnerability to scams.
Vulnerability to Scams Caused by Past Relationships is Like a River Running through Your Life Cutting Channels – 2025
Vulnerability to Scams Caused by Past Relationships is Like a River Running through Your Life, Cutting Channels
How Past Relationships Shape Your Vulnerability to Scams Like a River Cutting through the Land
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors
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 emotional imprints that shape your internal world are formed by experiences that move through your life like rivers through land. Some of these experiences create deep cuts in your emotional terrain, affecting your sense of trust, safety, and identity. These emotional grooves influence how you respond to new situations, including scams, and can create vulnerabilities when left unexamined. Philosophical and psychological insights help explain how emotional openness, past trauma, and unmet needs shape current reactions.
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.
Family and Friends of Scam Victims – False Sense of Awareness About Scams – 2025
Family and Friends of Scam Victims – False Sense of Awareness About Scams
Does Being Around Scam Victims Provide a False Sense of Awareness About Scams and Make You More Vulnerable? Yes, it Might!
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
As a spouse or family member of a scam victim in the U.S., you’re at higher risk of being scammed due to a false sense of awareness, a psychological trap where your confidence in spotting fraud makes you vulnerable. In places like Boise, Idaho, where scams are common, this overconfidence, sparked by learning about your loved one’s ordeal, can blind you to new tricks, like fake recovery services or phishing emails.
You might think you know how scammers operate after seeing your partner lose money to a romance scam, but this belief can lead you to dismiss new threats as too obvious. Stress from supporting a victim, shared exposure to fraudsters, and a belief that scams won’t happen to you amplify this risk. Scammers exploit these weaknesses, posing as trusted allies to deceive you, much like imposters hiding harmful intent. To stay safe, admit your awareness has limits, verify all requests, manage Read More …
Parkinson’s Law and Doomscrolling – Increasing Susceptibility to Scams – 2025
Parkinson’s Law and Doomscrolling – Increasing Susceptibility to Scams
Parkinson’s Law and the Doomscrolling Trap: How Excess Screen Time Erodes Judgment and Increases Vulnerability to Scams and Misinformation
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
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
Doomscrolling on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn may feel like harmless downtime, but Parkinson’s Law shows why it rarely stops at just a few minutes. When you allow unlimited screen time, your attention naturally expands to fill that space, leaving you mentally overstimulated and emotionally drained. This has real consequences.
From Pain to Empowerment: Using Compassion and Social Responsibility to Overcome Scams – 2025
From Pain to Empowerment: Using Compassion and Social Responsibility to Overcome Scams
Compassion and Social Responsibility: Helping Yourself and Others Recover from Scams
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Author:
• 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 face overwhelming emotions of shame, anger, and isolation, making recovery a difficult process. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy of compassion and social responsibility offers a path forward, emphasizing the need for self-kindness and collective support. Victims must first practice self-compassion by letting go of self-blame, prioritizing emotional healing, and taking constructive action to rebuild their lives. Beyond personal recovery, they also have a responsibility to help others by sharing knowledge, providing emotional support, and encouraging responsible decision-making.
Ethical advocacy is crucial—victims must avoid public shaming, revenge-driven actions, or further emotional harm to themselves and others. Instead, responsible efforts should focus on education, scam prevention, and structured support systems. By applying both compassion and social responsibility, scam victims can turn their experiences into empowerment, fostering healing for themselves and strengthening the broader fight against fraud.
Intelligence and Susceptibility to Scams – Smarter Does Not Equal Safer – 2025
Intelligence and Susceptibility to Scams – Smarter Does Not Equal Safer
How Intelligence (and IQ) Affects Susceptibility to Emotional Manipulation in Scams
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Based on the SCARS Institute’s own experience with almost 11 million scam victims
About This Article
Intelligence significantly influences a person’s susceptibility to emotional manipulation, affecting both their ability to detect deception and their vulnerability to persuasion. Individuals with lower intelligence often struggle with critical thinking, making them more prone to manipulation through emotional appeals, misinformation, and social validation. They may have difficulty recognizing logical inconsistencies, over-rely on authority figures, and make decisions based on instinct rather than analysis. People of average intelligence are somewhat aware of manipulation tactics but can still fall for sophisticated emotional persuasion, particularly under stress or pressure.
New Bankrate Survey Shows Scams Increasing – 2025
New Bankrate Survey Shows Scams Increasing
Scams Increasing and Exposure on the Rise: What the Bankrate Survey Reveals and How You Can Protect Yourself
Primary Category: Criminology
Intended Audience: General Public
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Source: https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/financial-fraud-survey/
About This Article
Financial fraud is becoming more widespread, with 34 percent of Americans experiencing a scam in the past year and 37 percent of those victims losing money, according to the Bankrate Financial Fraud Survey. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, from fake job offers to investment fraud, exploiting emotions like fear and urgency to manipulate victims.
The survey highlights that past fraud experiences shape future expectations, with 61 percent of recent victims believing they will be targeted again. While nearly 89 percent of Americans have taken steps to protect themselves, scams continue to evolve, emphasizing the need for vigilance, financial awareness, and proactive security measures to minimize risk and prevent losses.
Fake IDs are an Ever-Increasing Threat and Massively Contribute to All Forms of Scams and Fraud – 2025
Fake IDs are an Ever-Increasing Threat and Massively Contribute to All Forms of Scams and Fraud
The Underground Market for Counterfeit Identification (Fake IDs) is Surging in Sophistication, a Significant Challenge to Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Primary Category: Criminology
Intended Audience: General Public
Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The underground market for counterfeit identification has evolved into a sophisticated industry, posing a major challenge to law enforcement and public safety. High-quality fake IDs now incorporate advanced security features such as holograms, barcodes, and laser engravings, allowing criminals to bypass verification systems. The rise of state policies granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants has further complicated identity verification, while the REAL ID Act has driven demand for counterfeit documents.
Beyond traditional fraud, fake IDs are widely used in online scams, enabling cybercriminals to create fraudulent accounts, launder money, and deceive victims through fake personas on dating platforms, financial institutions, and e-commerce sites. With the dark web fueling access to these forgeries, AI-driven verification and biometric security measures are increasingly critical in combating identity fraud and protecting victims from deception.
Unseen but Devastating: The Global Urgency to Address Scams and Cybercrime – 2025
Unseen but Devastating: The Global Urgency to Address Scams and Cybercrime
The Hidden Crisis: Why Scams and Cybercrime Deserve Greater Global Attention
Primary Category: Editorial & Commentary
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
Scams, fraud, and cybercrime represent the largest and most economically damaging crime category in the world, with annual losses exceeding $3-6 trillion. These crimes affect millions globally, crossing all demographics and representing the largest transfer of wealth in history.
Despite their immense impact, scams remain overshadowed by more visible yet less consequential crimes, such as immigration offenses, which dominate political and media narratives. This “visibility bias” skews public attention and policy priorities, leaving cybercrime units underfunded and enforcement efforts limited.
Dark Tetrad Personality Types (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism) and Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime – 2024
Dark Tetrad Personalities And Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime
The Dark Tetrad Personality Types and their Impact in Scams Fraud and Cybercrime
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends / General Public / Others
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The Dark Tetrad—comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—provides a framework for understanding the malicious behaviors driving some individuals engaged in scams, fraud, and cybercrime. These personality traits often underlie manipulative tactics designed to exploit, deceive, and harm victims.
While most scammers and cybercriminals operate dispassionately, treating their crimes as business ventures, Dark Tetrad personalities bring a distinct cruelty to their schemes, seeking not just financial gain but also emotional control, ego gratification, and, in some cases, sadistic pleasure from their victims’ suffering.
Hell Yes! Cursing Like a Pirate Can Help Scam Victims Recovery from the Trauma of Scams – 2024
Hell Yes!
Cursing Like a Pirate Can Help Scam Victims Recovery from the Trauma of Scams
Did You Know that Cursing Like a Pirate Really Helps!? It’s an Unexpected Tool for Scam Victims’ Emotional Recovery
Primary Category: Scam Victims Recovery Psychology
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Cursing like a pirate might seem like an unconventional suggestion, but for scam victims grappling with the emotional aftermath of fraud, it can offer surprising therapeutic benefits. Victims often face overwhelming feelings of anger, shame, and guilt, compounded by emotional dysregulation caused by trauma. Embracing the playful rebellion of swearing provides a safe outlet for pent-up emotions. It helps release emotional pressure, boost mental resilience, regulate overwhelming feelings, and even stabilize mood through humor.
The Overoptimism of Gen Z Youth Almost Assures More Scams – 2024
The Overoptimism of Gen Z Youth Almost Assures More Scams
Sorry Gen Z, You are Going to be Scammed at a Rate 10x that of the Elderly! Why Gen Z and Millennials’ Overconfidence in Handling Fraud May Be Unrealistic—and Costly
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Gen Z and Millennials are facing fraud at alarming rates, partly due to overconfidence in their ability to spot scams and protect themselves online. This overconfidence is largely driven by cognitive biases and logical fallacies, such as optimism bias, which leads them to believe that bad things won’t happen to them, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, where limited knowledge makes them feel overly secure in handling fraud. Additionally, logical fallacies like “appeal to tech savviness” make them assume that tech familiarity equals fraud prevention skills.
Ask Yourself Why? Would the United States Allow Scams? 2024
Ask Yourself Why? Would the United States Allow Scams?
Because the Simple Truth is that Victims are Easier to Control – That is the lesson taught by every Real Tyrant – from Communism to Socialism
Primary Category: Editorials & Commentary
Authors:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The U.S. government’s response to escalating scams raises concerns about possible motives for allowing such widespread victimization. Despite the resources to curb fraud, Americans are losing trillions annually to scams, suggesting intentional negligence or strategic inaction.
Possible motives include using scam-related data for surveillance, securing funding for cybersecurity agencies, and avoiding regulation on Big Tech, which profits from scam-prone platforms.
Some speculate this leniency aligns with a socialist-driven agenda of informal wealth redistribution, where money flows from wealthy Americans to scammers in poorer countries.
Chatbots a New Evolution – Are They Romance Scams in Another Form? Part 2 – 2024
Chatbots a New Evolution – Are They Romance Scams in Another Form?
Chatbots: The Evolution, Capabilities, and Risks – But Are They Really Just a New Form of Romance Scam?
The Second Article in our Series About the Dangers of Chatbots
Chatbots Part 2 :: Part 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5
Primary Category: Artificial Intelligence
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 tragic case of a 14-year-old’s suicide after interacting with the Character.ai chatbot has raised serious concerns about the potential for AI chatbots to cause severe emotional distress.
These chatbots, while designed to simulate human empathy, lack the ethical and emotional understanding necessary to handle complex emotional states. This creates a dangerous feedback loop where vulnerable users, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, may receive responses that validate or amplify harmful thoughts, rather than offering real support.
The incident underscores the need for stronger ethical guidelines, proper oversight, and built-in safeguards to protect users from such potentially dangerous interactions.
Subliminal Messaging and Scams – A Deeper Look – 2024
Subliminal Messaging and Scams – A Deeper Look
How Scammer’s Subliminal Messaging Works on the Brain of Scam Victims: An In-Depth Exploration
Part 2 of a 2-Part Series – Part 1 is on RomanceScamsNOW.com
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Subliminal messaging works by presenting stimuli—whether visual or auditory—that are below the threshold of conscious awareness, meaning they are perceived subconsciously. The brain processes these inputs using sensory systems like the visual and auditory cortices, while regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus handle emotional responses and memory integration.
These subliminal messages can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by activating existing associations or “priming” the brain for specific actions. Scammers use these techniques to manipulate victims in relationship scams, embedding subtle emotional triggers in their communication to deepen control.
Game Theory and Online Scams – 2024
Game Theory and Online Scams
Understanding and Reducing the Risks of Online and Phones Scams
Subtitle
Primary Category: Mechanics 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
Game theory provides valuable insights into the strategies used by both scammers and potential victims in online scams.
Scammers manipulate their targets through urgency, deception, and emotional exploitation to maximize their gains. Victims, on the other hand, are in a position of uncertainty and must decide whether the situation is legitimate or fraudulent. By applying game theory principles, victims can develop strategies such as increasing skepticism, verifying information, delaying decisions, and focusing on long-term risks rather than short-term gains.
This approach helps individuals better navigate the strategic “game” of online scams, reducing their vulnerability to fraud.
Disinformation, Spam, and Scams are Making People More Susceptible to Scams – 2024
Disinformation, Spam, and Scams are Making People More Susceptible to Scams
The Impact of Disinformation, Spam, and Scam on Scam Victim Vulnerability to Scams: How Disinformation Overload Numbs the Mind to Real Dangers
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
The constant bombardment of disinformation and information overload can numb individuals’ awareness to real dangers, such as scams and fraud. With the overwhelming amount of content we face daily, our ability to critically evaluate and process important information diminishes. Disinformation, like spam, confuses and desensitizes us, often leading to cognitive fatigue, reduced attention, and emotional manipulation.
This leaves individuals more vulnerable to scams, as they struggle to discern truth from deception amidst the clutter. Critical thinking, careful evaluation, and mindful information consumption are key defenses against this disorienting environment, helping people regain focus and protect themselves from fraudulent schemes.
We are at Scams and Freedom Crossroads – an Editorial – 2024
We are at Scams and Freedom Crossroads
An Editorial About the Freedoms We May be Giving Up to Combat Scams!
Primary Category: Editorial & 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 global fight against scams and cybercrime is forcing governments to adopt increased surveillance and real-time monitoring measures that risk infringing on personal freedoms. Countries like the UK, Australia, and the U.S. are moving towards policies that allow governments and financial institutions to monitor financial transactions and personal data to prevent scams.
While these measures can enhance security, they also erode privacy and may lead to overreach. Individuals can protect themselves by advocating for privacy rights, using encrypted services, limiting data sharing, and staying informed about their digital rights. Balancing security and freedom is essential in shaping the future of online safety.
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, 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.
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 …
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, 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.
Massive Increase in Losses with Bitcoin ATM Scams – 2024
Massive Increase in Losses with Bitcoin ATM Scams
New FTC Analysis Shows Crypto ATM Scams Increased Nearly 1,000% to Over $110 Million in 2023
Primary Category: News & Analysis
Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
About This Article
New data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals a dramatic increase in losses due to Bitcoin ATM scams, with consumer reports showing nearly a tenfold rise since 2020, reaching over $110 million in 2023.
The first half of 2024 alone saw losses exceed $65 million, with older adults particularly vulnerable, being three times more likely to report losses than younger individuals.
Scammers commonly use Bitcoin ATMs in schemes involving government impersonation, business impersonation, and tech support scams, urging victims to deposit cash into these machines under false pretenses. This alarming trend underscores the need for increased awareness and caution when dealing with unexpected financial requests involving Bitcoin ATMs.
The Uncanny Valley and Scams – A View of Scam Victims’ Suspension of Disbelief – 2024
The Uncanny Valley and Scams – A View of Scam Victims’ Suspension of Disbelief
How these Concepts Play a Significant Role in Scams and their Impact on Scam Victims
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
With scams and deception, suspension of disbelief and the Uncanny Valley both play critical roles in how scam victims are manipulated.
Suspension of disbelief allows victims to overlook subtle inconsistencies or “off” elements in a scammer’s communication—whether it’s slightly unnatural language, odd phrasing, or even strange behavior in deepfake videos—because they are emotionally invested in the relationship or narrative presented by the scammer.
The Uncanny Valley, typically associated with unease triggered by near-human but slightly flawed entities, can also apply to written and visual communications that seem almost real but provoke a subtle discomfort.
Spider-Webbing in Relationship Scams and its Impact on Scam Victims – 2024
Spider-Webbing in Relationship Scams and its Impact on Scam Victims
Understanding How Scammer Manipulation, Lies, and Deceit are Woven Together into a Web that Holds Scam Victims
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
“Spider-webbing” in relationship scams refers to the manipulative techniques scammers use to entangle their victims in a complex web of deceit, making it difficult for them to break free. Much like a spider methodically constructs its web to trap prey, scammers build an intricate network of emotional manipulation, fabricated relationships, and psychological control.
These tactics create a sense of dependency in the victim, isolating them from outside support and reinforcing the scammer’s hold over them. As victims become more emotionally, financially, and psychologically invested, they find it increasingly challenging to escape the web of lies, often requiring external support and professional intervention to break free.
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.
Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims And Scams – Part 1 – 2024
Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims And Scams
Part 1
Understanding the Effects that Culture Can Have on Cognition Before and During Scam Victimization
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
Cultural cognition theory is a framework that explores how individuals’ cultural values and social backgrounds shape their perceptions of risk, facts, and policy preferences. This theory, developed by scholars such as Dan Kahan and Donald Braman, suggests that people process information in ways that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, which are deeply influenced by their cultural affiliations.
These cultural worldviews typically fall along dimensions such as hierarchy versus egalitarianism and individualism versus communitarianism. For example, people with hierarchical and individualistic worldviews might downplay environmental risks to avoid supporting regulations that could threaten social structures or individual freedoms, while those with egalitarian and communitarian values may emphasize such risks due to their belief in collective responsibility.
Have You Ever Considered That The Explosion Of Scams Was Purposeful Beyond Simple Crime? A Political Science Editorial – 2024
Have You Ever Considered that the Explosion of Scams Was Purposeful Beyond Simple Crime?
Sometimes Conspiracy Theories Are Real! A Political Science Editorial
Primary Category: Editorial & Commentary
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The increasing prevalence of scams, online fraud, and fear-inducing tactics pose significant risks to societal stability and economic security. These strategies can weaken social cohesion, undermine trust in institutions, and erode confidence in both economic and political systems, making the population more vulnerable to manipulation and control.
Those in power may exploit a traumatized populace by amplifying fears and offering solutions that appear to address these concerns, but which ultimately serve to consolidate authority and reduce public resistance. This dynamic can lead to a more passive and compliant society, where fear and anxiety are used to justify actions that might undermine democratic principles.
Meta Combating Financial Sextortion Scams From Nigeria – 2024
Meta is Combating Financial Sextortion Scams from Nigeria
A Statement from Meta (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp)
Primary Category: News
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions by Meta Corporation
About This Article
Financial sextortion is a borderless crime increasingly perpetrated by cybercriminals known as Yahoo Boys, primarily operating out of Nigeria. Meta recently removed around 63,000 Instagram accounts and 7,200 Facebook assets linked to these scammers. This included a coordinated network of 2,500 Instagram accounts and various Facebook Groups that provided guidance on conducting scams.
Meta’s efforts, supported by enhanced detection systems and cooperation with law enforcement, aim to prevent these crimes and protect potential victims, including teens and minors. The company also supports training programs for law enforcement to better handle such crimes.
Cultural Selection Theory or Cultural Evolution and the Dangers of Unending Financial Fraud and Scams! – 2024
Cultural Selection Theory or Cultural Evolution and the Dangers of Unending Financial Fraud and Scams!
Understanding How Our Civilization Evolved the Online Scammer
Primary Category: Criminology
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 theory of civilizations involving the Preservative Force and the Innovative Force highlights the importance of both stability and change in the development and sustainability of societies. The ongoing interaction between these forces drives cultural evolution, influencing how civilizations rise, adapt, and sometimes fall. Understanding this dynamic can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by contemporary and future societies.
Hypergamy Delusion and Romance Scams – A Fundamental Vulnerability – 2024
Hypergamy Delusion and Romance Scams
A Fundamental Vulnerability Shaping Relationship Choices and Leading to Relationship Scams
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Hypergamy, the tendency to seek a partner of higher socioeconomic status, influences relationship dynamics shaped by evolutionary instincts, cultural norms, and contemporary aspirations. It can play an important role in romance scams/relationship scams by leading individuals to make biased choices.
Traditionally observed more among women seeking stability and social mobility, hypergamy reflects desires for financial security and status enhancement. In contrast, men often prioritize youth and physical attractiveness, rooted in evolutionary cues of reproductive fitness.
Hypergamy manifests through curated social profiles that project wealth and success, influencing partner selection in online dating and online social interactions. However, this aspiration-driven paradigm also poses risks, as scammers exploit hypergamous triggers to manipulate emotions and perpetrate financial fraud.
Boredom: A Potential Principal Cause In Online Scams & Scam Victims Vulnerability – 2024
Boredom: A Potential Principal Cause In Online Scams & Scam Victims Vulnerability
Understanding a Principal Vulnerability to Online Relationship Scams
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., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Boredom plays a significant role in driving individuals towards risky online behaviors, often leading to scams and financial fraud. The study “Sounds boring: the causal effect of boredom on self-administration of aversive stimuli in the presence of a positive alternative” by Yusoufzai et al. (2024) highlights that boredom, more than loneliness, compels people to engage in adverse online interactions.
Despite being aware of potential risks, the overwhelming desire to escape boredom prompts individuals to seek stimulation in unsafe ways. Scammers exploit this vulnerability, making boredom a key factor in online fraud.
Are Corporate Employees That Fall For Scams – Victims Or Negligent? – 2024
Are Corporate Employees That Fall For Scams – Victims Or Negligent?
An Analysis of the Consequences of Being Scammed in the Corporate Context
Primary Category: Editorial/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
A conversation with a leading cybersecurity training company highlighted the prevalent belief that employees responsible for cybersecurity breaches are reckless and negligent. However, this perspective can harm organizational security by creating fear and inhibiting employees from actively participating in remediation efforts.
Recognizing employees as victims of sophisticated social engineering tactics rather than as culprits can foster a more supportive environment, leading to better prevention and recovery from cyberattacks.
