SCARS Editorial Team

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So far SCARS Editorial Team has created 163 blog entries.

Ransomware – Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime 2023

Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and • EUROPOL Dismantlement Of Ransomware Group In Ukraine Amidst Ongoing War – An International Collaboration Success The Ukraine ransomware gang is behind high-profile attacks that created losses of hundreds of millions of euros In an unprecedented effort, law enforcement and judicial authorities from seven countries have joined forces with Europol and Eurojust to dismantle and apprehend in Ukraine the key figures behind significant ransomware operations wreaking havoc across the world. The Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-28T03:49:28-05:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Europol, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Cybercriminals, Cybercriminals Arrested, Europol, Law Enforcement Action, Organized Criminal Gang, Ransomware, Ukraine|

Scam Victim Empathy – How It Is Lost And How It Comes Back In Time – Recovery Psychology 2023

Scam Victim Empathy How It Is Lost And How It Comes Back In Time Recovery Psychology Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Most Scam Victims Lose Their Empathy When Trauma Sets In – Usually Immediately Following The End Of The Scam/Fraud But it does come back in time! Empathy is an elusive thing for scam victims. Right Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-27T23:28:20-05:00November 27th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Empathy, Lost Empathy, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Empathy, Scam Victim Recovery|

Fear Of Contagion: Why Scam Victims Are Harshly Judged And Blamed 2023

Fear Of Contagion: Why Scam Victims Are Harshly Judged And Blamed Helping Both Victims and Families or Friends to Better Understand Author: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Fear Of Contagion – The Hidden Fear of Crime Victims: How Nonvictims Engage In Denial, Projection, And Extreme Judgmentalism Against Scam Victims After a scam, victims experience a unique reaction based Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-26T17:26:22-05:00November 26th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Fear Of Contagion, Judgment, Scam Victims, Victim Blame, Victim Judging|

Text Scams – New FCC Order Could Substantially Reduce Them 2023

Text Scams – New FCC Order Could Substantially Reduce Them Author: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Text Scams – The United States Federal Communications Commission Is Going After Them On November 22, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted its Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which outlines new measures to combat illegal text messages (text scams and illegal marketing texts.) Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-25T21:01:44-05:00November 25th, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: FCC, Federal Commnications Commission, Illegal Text Messages, Text Scams|

Synthetic Pornography – A Growing Danger To The World – A SCARS Editorial 2023

Synthetic Pornography – A Growing Danger To The World A SCARS Editorial Author: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Photo Credit: Mark Pohlmann Synthetic Pornography Is Revolutionizing What People Of Particular Tastes Can Have Now, All Through Generative AI Synthetic porn, also known as deepfake porn, is a type of manipulated media that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create non-consensual pornography. It typically involves superimposing the face of a non-consenting person onto the body of someone else in a pornographic video, but it can be Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-25T19:23:10-05:00November 25th, 2023|Categories: • EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY, • NEW TECHNOLOGY / AI, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Deepfake Porn, DeepFakes, SCARS Editorial, Synthetic porn|

Binance & CEO Pleads Guilty Will Pay $4B For Cryptocurrency Money Laundering 2023 [VIDEO]

Binance & CEO Pleads Guilty Will Pay $4B For Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice Binance and CEO Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in $4B Resolution In Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Case Binance Admits It Engaged in Anti-Money Laundering, Unlicensed Money Transmitting, and Sanctions Violations in Largest Corporate Resolution to Include Criminal Charges for an Executive SCARS Analysis Binance’s guilty plea in the $4B money laundering case is a significant Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-24T18:22:48-05:00November 24th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • NEWS, • VIDEOS, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice|Tags: Binance, Changpeng Zhao, Department of Justice, Money Laundering, U.S. Attorney|

Pride – A Dual Edged Sword For Scam Victims 2023

Pride – A Dual-Edged Sword For Scam Victims Author: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Pride And Shame Can Be Considered Two Sides Of The Same Coin For Scam Victims Individuals who had great pride in their achievements, success, stability, and even wealth before a scam may experience significant shame and self-doubt when they are no longer able Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-24T03:04:27-05:00November 24th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Adaptive Pride, Maladaptive Pride, Pride, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Shame, Victim Recovery|

Selective Amnesia and Scam Victim Psychological Trauma 2023

Selective Amnesia and Scam Victim Psychological Trauma 2023 Author: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Selective Amnesia Can Be Caused By Emotional or Psychological Trauma! Selective amnesia is a type of memory loss where specific events or experiences are forgotten while others are retained. This type of amnesia is often a coping mechanism to protect the individual from Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-23T19:25:51-05:00November 23rd, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Emotional Trauma, Memory, Psychological Trauma, Recovery Psychology, Selective Amnesia|

Crypto Seizure Breaking News: Major Romance & Pig Butchering Scam Organization Disrupted 2023

Crypto Seizure Breaking News: Major Romance & Pig Butchering Scam Organization Disrupted Author: • U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice Cyber Scam Organization Disrupted Through Seizure Of Nearly $9M In Crypto Government Seizes Crypto For The Victims The Justice Department announced today the seizure of nearly $9 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses [wallets] allegedly associated with an organization that exploited over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence scams, which are widely known as “pig Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-22T04:23:47-05:00November 22nd, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023|Tags: Crypto Seizure, Cryptocurrency, Department of Justice, Pig Butchering Scams, Romance Scams, U.S. Attorney's Office|

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feeds Depression in Scam Victims 2023

Toxic Self-Narratives That Feed Depression in Scam Victims Author: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Toxic Self-Narratives Can Profoundly Affect Scam Victims How It Manifests, The Damage It Can Do, How To Recognize It, And Ways To Reduce Or Control It Toxic self-narratives are prevalent in the aftermath of a scam, often amplifying the emotional distress and spiraling Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-19T14:34:43-05:00November 19th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Emotional Recovery, Negative Thoughts, Recovery Psychology, Rumination, Toxic Self-Narratives|

IoT Toys/Internet Connected Toys – An Ever Growing Danger For Children – Holidays 2023

IoT Toys/Internet Connected Toys – An Ever Growing Danger For Children Author: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Unseen Dangers of IoT Toys: Navigating the Digital Playground with Caution In today’s technology-driven world, the allure of Internet of Things (IoT) devices extends far beyond smartphones and smart homes. Even our children’s toys have become interconnected, often equipped with cameras, microphones, and location-tracking capabilities. While these features may seem appealing, they also introduce a realm of potential dangers that parents and guardians must carefully consider. Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-19T14:35:56-05:00November 19th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • ONLINE SAFETY, • PRIVACY, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Child Safety Danger, Internet Connected Toys, Internet of Things, IoT, IoT Toys, Spying on Children|

Euro Phishing Gang Shut Down Europol & Partners – 2023

Euro Phishing Gang Shut Down By Europol & Partners Author: • EUROPOL Europol And Eurojust Support Czech And Ukrainian Police In Taking Down Multi-Million Euro Voice Phishing Gang The Czech and Ukrainian police have disrupted, with the support of Europol and Eurojust, a prolific phishing gang believed to have defrauded victims across Europe of tens of millions of euros. In Czechia alone, the damage caused by this criminal group is estimated at over EUR 8 million (CZK 195 000 000). Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-16T22:58:02-05:00November 16th, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Europol|Tags: Czech, Eurojust, Europol, Phishing, Scamemrs, Ukraine, Vishing|

Striatum – Psychology of Scams 2023

Striatum – Inside the Brain of a Scam Victim Psychology of Scams Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Striatum – Our Journey Into The Brain Of Scam Victims Continues The striatum is a cluster of interconnected nuclei that form a part of the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain that are involved in motor control, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-11T21:28:26-05:00November 11th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Dopamine, Psychology of Scams, Striatum, The Human Brain|

Crypto Scams – Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Warning Over Rising Threat – 2023

Crypto Scams – Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Warning Over Rising Threat Author: • Lloyd’s Banking Group Crypto scams surge on social media: Lloyds Bank warns investors, FCA issues warning, experts advise on how to stay safe Provided by Lloyd’s Bank – unedited Crypto scams have surged by 23% this year as fraudsters target younger investors Victims losing £10,741 on average, more than any other type of scam Two-thirds of investment scams now estimated to start on social media Findings highlight importance of investing through trusted, genuine companies A growing number of Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-11T14:21:02-05:00November 11th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023, Lloyd's Bank|Tags: Crypto Investment Scams, Crypto scams, Lloyd's Bank, Pig Butchering Scams, Scam Warning|

Psychological Triggers/Emotional Triggers – What They Are And How They Work – 2023/2024

Psychological Triggers/Emotional Triggers – What They Are And How They Work SCARS Recovery Psychology Author: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. What Are Psychological Triggers or Emotional Triggers? Why Do They Have So Much Control Over Our Emotions And Mind? A psychological trigger is a stimulus that elicits or provokes a strong emotional or psychological response. Psychological triggers Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-08T15:47:16-05:00November 8th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, ♣ VICTIM TRAUMA GRIEF SUPPORT & RECOVERY, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Amygdala Hijack, Emotional Triggers, Manipulation, Psychological Triggers, Recovery Psychology, Trauma Responses|

PTSD And Complex PTSD – The Difference Between Them – 2023

PTSD And Complex PTSD – The Difference Between Them Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Understanding the Scam Victim’s Challenges Navigating the Differences Between PTSD and Complex PTSD Scam victims face intricate nuances in their trauma, by shedding light on the contrasting impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) we hope to Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-06T10:36:55-05:00November 6th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: C-PTSD, Complex Grief, Complex PTSD, PTSD, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Victim Recovery|

China Arrests 706 Chinese Scammers Involved In Phone & Internet Scams From Myanmar

China Arrests 706 Chinese Scammers Involved In Phone & Internet Scams From Myanmar Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Chinese Coordinated Efforts Across Various Fronts Have Resulted In A Significant Decrease In Reported Cases of Chinese Scammers In Northern Myanmar* *Reported cases is not necessarily a reduction in actual numbers of Chinese Scammers operating in Myanmar and elsewhere in Southeast Asia According to Vice-Minister of Public Security Wang Zhizhong, reported cases of telecom and online fraud have dropped by 24 percent since August, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-06T00:53:47-05:00November 6th, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: China, Chinese Scammers, Myanmar, Scammers Arrested|

Chinese Arrest 417 Phone Scammers In The Philippines

Chinese Arrest 417 Phone Scammers In The Philippines By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Chinese & Philippines Police Arrest 417 Phone Scammers In The Philippines – Shipping 36 Back To China Part of a Phone Scam Shut Down Campaign that Arrested more than 31,000 criminals The Chinese Public Security Ministry escorted of 36 suspects who committed cross-border telecommunication network fraud from the Philippines to China, 417 suspects of telecommunication network fraud arrested by the Chinese police and the Philippine police through police law enforcement cooperation Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-05T14:23:58-05:00November 5th, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: China, Chinese Scammers, Philippine Scammers, Philippines, Phone Scammers, Scammers Arrested|

PTSD and Complex Grief/Complicated Grief – What Are The Differences? 2023

PTSD and Complex Grief – What Are The Differences? Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. PTSD and Complex Grief/Complicated Grief: The Two Main Disorders That Often Confuse Scam Survivors And That Affect Scam Victims (Not Including Anxiety Or Depression) These two main disorders are PTSD and Complex Grief. Scam victims can easily develop one or the other. Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-04T11:03:32-04:00November 4th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, ♣ VICTIM TRAUMA GRIEF SUPPORT & RECOVERY, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Complex Grief, Complicated Grief, Grief, Ment Disorder, Mental Condition, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Trauma|

Online Dating Safety Act – New Law Going Through The U.S. Congress 2023

Online Dating Safety Act New Law Going Through The U.S. Congress Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions FOX News Bipartisan Online Dating Safety Act Will Help Reduce Dating App Scams That Cost Victims Over $1 Billion A Year The bill is being led by Republican Rep. Valadao and Democratic Rep. Pettersen House lawmakers are eyeing legislation to make dating app users more aware of potential scammers who tricked victims out of more than $1 billion in a single Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-11-02T07:40:55-04:00November 2nd, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Dating Scams, Dating Websites, Online Dating Safety Act, Relationship Scams, Romance Scams, United States Law|

Mental Compartmentalization And Recovery For Scam Victims 2023

Mental Compartmentalization And Recovery For Scam Victims Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Mental Compartmentalization Hinders Recovery For Emotional Or Psychological Trauma Mental compartmentalization is something we all do, however, when it is done by scam victims to avoid painful emotions or to acknowledge trauma, it prevents healing and it can have significant negative effects. It can Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-29T19:19:00-04:00October 29th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Avoidance Mechanism, Emotional Compartmentalization, Mental Compartmentalization, Negative Coping Mechanism, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Trauma, Victim Recovery|

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. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-29T13:09:52-04:00October 29th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CRIMINOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D.|Tags: Criminality, Criminals, Criminology, Understanding Crime|

Cryptocurrencies – Europol Takes A Major Step Forward

Europol Takes A Major Step Forward By Europol Criminal Misuse Of Cryptocurrencies – Shaping An International Response A Europol co-organized hybrid international conference on the Criminal Misuse Of Cryptocurrencies attended by 1,300 participants has concluded that tackling the criminal use of cryptocurrencies is a race against time. Law enforcement agencies that collaborate in joint task teams and proactively collaborate with the private sector are getting ahead of the criminals. In contrast, countries that do not take the risks seriously are in danger of becoming a haven for crypto-enabled scams, money laundering, and Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-28T01:25:09-04:00October 28th, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • NEWS, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023, Europol|Tags: Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, Europopl, International Response|

Repeat Nigerian Scammer Adedayo Ilori Gets 25 Years In U.S. Prison

Repeat Nigerian Scammer Adedayo Ilori Gets 25 Years In U.S. Prison By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., Portions U.S. Department of Justice Repeat Nigerian Scammer Goes To Prison Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ADEDAYO Adedayo Ilori was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil to 25 years in prison for his participation in a sophisticated identity theft and COVID-19 loan fraud scheme. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Even while on bail for federal Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-26T09:32:57-04:00October 26th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice|Tags: Adedayo Ilori, Fraud, Fraudster, Nigerian Scammer, Prison|

Scammers Are The New Boogeymen! 2023

Scammers Are The New Boogeymen! Author: Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Scammers, Fraudsters, And Con Artists Have Gained A Formidable Reputation As The New-Age Boogeymen, Lurking In The Digital Shadows, Waiting To Pounce On Unsuspecting Victims. While there’s no denying the existence of scams and their devastating consequences, it’s essential to differentiate between the real threat and irrational fear. Let’s explore the rise of scammers as the new boogeymen and the implications of this growing fear on society’s ability to Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-26T05:10:28-04:00October 26th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D.|Tags: Boogeyman, Boogeymen, Irrational Fear, Scammers|

Motivational Denial

TITLE By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Motivational Denial One of the things that can be hardest for new victims is total acceptance! Instead, they tend to want to believe in the motivational fairy tales that are everywhere in life. This is called 'Motivational Denial.' Yes, it is a real thing! Moivational sayings are great for encouragement, but remember what we say about encouragement - it pats you and the back and says "Everything is going to be fine." Except it is not. Recovery Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-20T22:59:38-04:00October 20th, 2023|Categories: ♠ ARCHIVES & LEGACY|

Ragnar Locker Ransomware Gang Taken Down 2023

Ragnar Locker Ransomware Gang Taken Down By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions by EUROPOL Ragnar Locker Ransomware Gang Taken Down By Major International Police Operation Against Cybercriminals Law enforcement and judicial authorities from eleven countries delivered a major blow to one of the most dangerous ransomware operations of recent years. What is Ragnar Locker Ransomware Ragnar Locker Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. The ransomware is Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-20T14:21:57-04:00October 20th, 2023|Categories: • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Europol, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Europol, Ragnar Locker, Ransomware, Ransomware Gang|

Filling The Victim Void After The Fake Relationship Is Gone 2023

Filling The Victim Void After The Fake Relationship Is Gone Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. How To Fill The Victim Void In Your Life After A Romance Scam Ends When a romance scam ends, it can leave a huge void in the victim’s life. The victim may have spent a lot of time and invested a Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-18T20:00:39-04:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Relationship Scams, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Victim Void|

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

Secrets Can Be Deadly For Scam Victims – Scam Victim Recovery Psychology Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Unmasking the Burden of Secrecy: How Keeping Secrets Deepens the Trauma for Scam Victims The experience of falling victim to a scam can be profoundly traumatic. Scam victims often grapple with a wide range of emotions, from anger and Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-16T19:48:39-04:00October 16th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim, Scams, Secrets|

Scam Slavery Comes To Peru – 43 Malaysians Freed From Scam Center

Scam Slavery Comes To Peru – 43 Malaysians Freed From Scam Center By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., Portions by Associated Press Peru Has Become A Hub For Scam Slavery In Recent Years, With Criminals Using Increasingly Sophisticated Methods To Lure Victims Into Their Traps 44 Asian migrants (43 Malaysians) were held captive as scam slaves by the Taiwanese criminal organization Red Dragon, who were used to extort money from victims abroad via telephone calls from Lima, This type of scammers in Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-12T00:14:28-04:00October 12th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Peru, Phone Scams, Red Dragon, Scam Call Centers, Scam Slavery|

Hamas & Cybercrime – An Overview

Hamas & Cybercrime – An Overview By SCARS Editorial Team/SCARS Analytics Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Terrorist Organization Hamas Is Massively Involved In Cybercrime & Scams – To Fund Their Activities And To Disrupt Their Enemies! Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist militant and political organization that has a social service wing, Dawah that is massively involved in cybercrime. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and Israel. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-11T17:09:30-04:00October 11th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Al Qaeda, Cybercrime, Hamas, ISIS, Israel, Israel Hamas War, Terrorist Organizations|

Cybersecurity and Cybersafety for Charitable Organizations 2023

Cybersecurity and Cybersafety for Charitable Organizations By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Importance of Cybersecurity and Cybersafety for Charitable Organizations Charitable organizations are increasingly at risk of cyberattacks. These attacks can have a devastating impact on charities, both financially and reputationally. In some cases, cyberattacks can even force charities to close their doors. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-10T07:32:28-04:00October 10th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CYBERSECURITY, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Charitable Organizations, Cyber Attacks, Cybersafety, Cybersecurity|

Social Media – Where Scams Are Born!

Social Media – Where Scams Are Born! By U.S. Federal Trade Commission Social Media: A Golden Goose For Scammers Scammers are hiding in plain sight on social media platforms and reports to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network point to huge profits. One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media.[1] Reported losses to scams on social media during the same period hit a staggering $2.7 billion, far higher than any other method of contact. And because the vast majority of frauds are Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-09T11:00:18-04:00October 9th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SOCIAL MEDIA & TECH PLATFORMS, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Federal Trade Commission|Tags: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Online Fraud, Scams, Social Media|

Do Scam Victims Become Cynics After Their Scam Experience? 2023

Do Scam Victims Become Cynics After Their Scam Experience? Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Experiencing A Major Scam Firsthand Changes Scam Victim’s World Views Profoundly! What is Cynicism? Cynicism is a general distrust of human sincerity and motives. It is the belief that people are generally motivated by self-interest and that there is no such thing Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-09T10:40:42-04:00October 8th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Cynic, Cynical, Cynicism, Realism, Realists, Scam Victims|

Conformity & Romance Scams And How It Affects Scam Victims 2023

Conformity & Romance Scams And How It Affects Scam Victims By: • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. One Of The Types Of Manipulation You Experienced Was Of Your Own Making! But Was Still Not Your Fault! Conformity is the act of changing your behaviors in order to fit in or go along with the people around you. Conformity Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-05T20:05:13-04:00October 5th, 2023|Categories: • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Affects Scam Victims, Conformity, Fraud Victims, Romance Scams, Scam Victims|

China Cracks Down On Scammers – Chinese & Myanmar Police Arrests 1207 Scammers In Myanmar

China Cracks Down On Scammers Part 3 – Chinese & Myanmar Police Arrests 1207 Scammers In Myanmar By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. China Public Security Strengthen Cooperation In Police Law Enforcement Along The Southwest Border With Myanmar (Burma) – This Time Capture 1207 Suspects Police in China and Myanmar detain an additional 1207 in a cyber scam crackdown in a joint operation that brings down 11 criminal call center bases in northern Myanmar in one of the biggest stings of cybercrime gangs in this Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-02T08:14:32-04:00October 2nd, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: China, Indonesia, Ministry of Public Security, Scammers Arrested, Sextortion|

China Cracks Down On Scammers – Chinese & Myanmar Police Arrests 269 Scammers In Myanmar

China Cracks Down On Scammers Part 2 – Chinese & Myanmar Police Arrests 269 Scammers In Myanmar By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. China Public Security Strengthen Cooperation In Police Law Enforcement Along The Southwest Border With Myanmar (Burma) Police in China and Myanmar detain 269 in cyber scam crackdown in a joint operation that brings down 11 criminal call center bases in northern Myanmar in one of the biggest stings of cybercrime gangs in this Southeast Asian country. It is the latest in Beijing’s Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-02T08:15:36-04:00October 2nd, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: China, Indonesia, Ministry of Public Security, Scammers Arrested, Sextortion|

A Beginner’s Guide to the Dark Web for Investigators

A Beginner’s Guide to the Dark Web for Investigators By Oxana Korzun, CFE, Fraud Expert / Investigations and Risk Management – San Francisco, California A Short Instruction On How To Find Information On The Dark Web For OSINT Purposes Many times, an investigation would lead me to the Dark Web. Sometimes it’s to dive into forums and gather intelligence, and other times it would be to check illegal goods markets selling counterfeit products of my clients. Every time I mention that I use the Dark Web, people imagine Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-04T15:05:30-04:00October 1st, 2023|Categories: • SOCIAL MEDIA & TECH PLATFORMS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, 2023, Oxana Korzun|Tags: Dark Web, OSINT, Tor Browser, Virtual Private Network (VPN)|

Federal Trade Commission Partners with Latin America To Combat Fraud

Federal Trade Commission Partners with Latin American Countries to Combat Fraud By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and the Federal Trade Commission The U.S. Federal Trade Commission Enters Into A Multilateral Agreement Enhances Consumer Protection Cooperation With Chile, Colombia, Mexico, And Peru The Federal Trade Commission signed a cooperation agreement with the consumer protection authorities of the four Latin American countries —Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru – to combat fraud both inside and outside the United States. The Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) promotes cooperation across Latin America, including Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-04T15:23:48-04:00September 30th, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • NEWS, 2023, Federal Trade Commission, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Chile, Colombia, Combatting Fraud, Federal Trade Commission, Latin America, Mexico, Peru|

Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS) And Scam Awareness

Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS) And Scam Awareness Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. A Question Often Asked Is Why Doesn't Scam Awareness Training And Information Reduce Victimization? The Answer May Just Be Shifting Baseline Syndrome! Humans tend to prioritize risks based on immediate threats, and one of the ways we identify immediate threats is by rapid changes in our environment, such Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-10T14:45:11-04:00September 30th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D.|Tags: Public Awareness, SBS, Scam Awareness, Scam Victims, Scams, Shifting Baseline Syndrome|

EUROPOL Report: Money-Laundering Criminals Are Adapting To New Technology Faster Than Authorities Can Keep Up

EUROPOL Report: Money-Laundering Criminals Are Adapting To New Technology Faster Than Authorities Can Keep Up By SCARS Editorial Team Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions Europol Money-Laundering Criminals Are Using New Technology Faster Than Authorities Can Keep Up Criminals Are Washing Their Money Faster Than Authorities Can Track Them Down, According To A New Europol Report The report found that 70% of criminal enterprises in Europe are using money laundering techniques to hide their wealth and assets. These criminals are mixing illicit finances with seemingly legal businesses and exploiting Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-29T09:38:41-04:00September 29th, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, 2023, Europol|Tags: Europe, Europol, Europol Reporting, Money Laundering, Organized Crime, Threat Assessment|

Romance Scam/Fraud Can Be Local Not Just Online

Romance Scam/Fraud Can Be Local Not Just Online By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Romance Scams Are Not Always About Money! The very first known West African romance scam involved government intelligence instead of money! In 1985, CIA stenographer Sharon Scranage was convicted of espionage and sentenced to five years in prison for providing sensitive CIA information to Michael Soussoudis, her Ghanaian lover and a member of the Ghanaian intelligence service. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-27T17:42:33-04:00September 27th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Ghana Scam, Michael Soussoudis, Romance Fraud, Romance Scam, Sharon Scranage|

Relationship Scams And Their Impact On Memory

Relationship Scams And Their Impact On Memory By: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Memory And Your Recollections Of A Relationship Scam Can Be Wrong! The very first thing to know about memory after you have been in a relationship scam is that trauma has a profound impact on your mind. You are not what you think you are. You are a Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-04T10:38:30-04:00September 25th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D., Vianey Gonzalez|Tags: Brain Functions, Distorted Memories, False Memories, Grief, Memory, Relationship Scams, The Brain, Trauma|

Scams and Cryptocurrency Go Hand in Hand

Scams and Cryptocurrency go Hand in Hand By: 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 Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-26T21:16:56-04:00September 23rd, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023, From The Conversation, Stacey Wood, Yaniv Hanoch|Tags: Cryptocurrency, Pig Butchering Scam, Scams|

FTC Takes Action Against Unsolicited Communications

FTC Takes Action Against Unsolicited Communications By: SCARS Editorial Team Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.; and the United States Federal Trade Commission FTC Joins FCC in Renewing Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Cross-Border Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Spam, Scams, and Illegal Telemarketing Agencies are partnering with the Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network The Federal Trade Commission has joined the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in signing a renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between public authorities who are members of the Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network (UCENet). The MOU aims to promote Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-26T21:18:57-04:00September 23rd, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023, Federal Trade Commission, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Regulatory Action, U.S. Government|

Contractualism and Supporting the Victims of Online Crime

Contractualism By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Civilization Only Exists Because Of The Commitments That Bind Us All Together – This Is The Foundation Of Contractualism! Who cares about Contractualism philosophy after you have been scammed? Does it help you recover or get your money back? Actually, it does, it is the foundation of how we live and work together! That is what Contractualism is all about and why understanding it is so very important! Most of you reading this Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-26T21:20:49-04:00September 23rd, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • SCAM / FRAUD VICTIM SUPPORT & RECOVERY, 2023, Tim McGuinness Ph.D.|Tags: Contractualism, Crime Victim Support, Moral Philosophy, Scam Victims, Support Groups, T. M. Scanlon|

University of Phoenix Scam

University of Phoenix Scam By United States Federal Trade Commission & SCARS Editorial Team University of Phoenix – FTC Action Leads U.S. Dept. of Education to Forgive Nearly $37 Million in Loans for Students Deceived by University of Phoenix FTC charged that the for-profit University of Phoenix falsely touted relationships and job opportunities with top companies Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-27T15:36:04-04:00September 22nd, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023, Federal Trade Commission, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Education Scam, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Regulatory Action, University of Phoenix|

China Cracks Down On Scammers – Chinese & Indonesia Police Arrests 88 Sextortion Scammers In Indonesia

China Cracks Down On Scammers – Chinese & Indonesia Police Arrests 88 Sextortion Scammers In Indonesia By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Chinese Police And The Indonesian Police Carry Out International Law Enforcement Cooperation Successfully Arresting 88 Fraud Suspects Engaged In Cross-Border Sextortion Scams To effectively enforce the directives laid out in the Chinese national conference addressing emerging illegal activities within telecommunications networks, specifically focusing on the severe crackdown of cross-border fraud crimes in accordance with both Chinese and international law, the Chinese and Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-21T23:49:46-04:00September 21st, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: China, Indonesia, Ministry of Public Security, Scammers Arrested, Sextortion|

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, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-21T06:49:37-04:00September 21st, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023, From The Conversation|Tags: Black Market, Ecommerce Fraud, Mule Addresses, Package Mules, Parcel Mules|

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams By: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Does The Right And Left Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Of The Human Brain Play A Role In Believing Narratives Or Stories Communicated To Scam Victims By Criminals In Trust-Based Relationship Scams Or Fraud? Please Note: This article about the right and left temporoparietal junction is for educational purposes Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-20T01:44:21-04:00September 20th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Amygdala Hijack, Grief Processing, RTPJ/LTPJ, Temporo-Parietal Junction, Temporoparietal Junction, Theory|

Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams

Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Double Victimization of Scam Victims: How Labeling Theory Can Explain the Stigma and Discrimination They Face Labeling Theory, specifically labels can have an impact on anyone, but especially for scam victims/survivors. How they see themselves directly affects their chances for Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-10-10T14:50:57-04:00September 17th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Criminals, Criminology, Labeling Theory, Scam Victims, Scammers, Victimology|

The Self-Pity Trap & How To Overcome It

The Self-Pity Trap & How To Overcome It By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Self-Pity And Being The Victim Of A Scam Or Fraud – It Can Be A Very Distressing Experience It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that someone has taken advantage of you, and it is normal to feel a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and embarrassment. However, if you find yourself dwelling on your negative emotions and feeling sorry for yourself, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-16T03:08:29-04:00September 16th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Negative Coping Mechanisms, Negative Thoughts, Pity, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Self-Pity, Victim Recovery|

Hope & The “Pig Pen” Syndrome

Hope & The “Pig Pen” Syndrome – on ScamsNOW.com A Different Take On The Happenstance Of Scams By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. – Originally published on RomanceScamsNOW.com September 2018 – moved and updated 2023 Was It All About Hope? For Many Scam Victims, Was Just Bad Luck That They Were Scammed? “Shit Happens” Is The Old Saying! Sometimes it happens a lot and doesn’t stop. Is it bad luck? Did you ever think you might be making impulsive decisions? Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-15T22:45:12-04:00September 15th, 2023|Categories: • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, ♦ SOURCE, 2018, 2023, From RomanceScamsNOW.com|

Teens And Young Adults: Now A Major Target Of Scammers

Teens And Young Adults: Now A Major Target Of Scammers By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Teens And Young Adults: A Major Target Of Scammers Teenagers and young adults are increasingly becoming a major target of scammers. In fact, a 2022 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that people aged 18 to 29 were more likely to report falling victim to a scam than any other age group. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-14T18:04:13-04:00September 14th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • ONLINE SAFETY, 2023|Tags: Fraud, Online Safety, Scams, Teens, Vulnerability, Young Adults|

Fraudsters Steal $135 Billion In Fake COVID19 Jobless & Unemployment Claims

Fraudsters Steal $135 Billion In Fake COVID19 Jobless & Unemployment Claims By SCARS Editorial Team, portions Washington Post Fraudsters Stole $135 Billion in Unemployment Benefits During the Pandemic A fraudster’s picnic! The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread economic disruption, leading to millions of Americans filing for unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, this also created an opportunity for fraudsters to steal billions of dollars in government aid. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), fraudsters may have stolen as much as $135 billion in federal unemployment aid during the pandemic. This represents Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-12T16:04:40-04:00September 12th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023|Tags: Covid, Fake Claims, Fraud, Fraudsters, Jobless Claims|

The Elina Juusola Story

The Elina Juusola Story By Jessica Morney & Elina Juusola – translated from Finnish Elina was the victim of love deception: “His cracked, raspy voice went directly into my nervous system” Love scams are becoming more and more common. Last year, Finns lost EUR 9 million in connection with love scams. The author and historian of ideas Elina Juusola has written about her own experiences of being deceived by a charming “military” on a mission abroad. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-09T23:10:16-04:00September 9th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIM STORY, 2023|Tags: Elina Juusola, Romance Scam, Survivor's Story, Victim's Story|

Criminal Cryptocurrency Boss Jailed For 11,196 Years In Turkey For Fraud

Criminal Cryptocurrency Boss Jailed For 11,196 Years In Turkey For Fraud By SCARS Editorial Team, portions BBC Criminal Boss of Failed Crypto Exchange Gets 11,000-Year Sentence The Outcome The Thodex cryptocurrency boss is Faruk Fatih Özer. He was sentenced to 11,196 years in prison by a Turkish court on charges of “establishing, managing and being a member of an organization,” “qualified fraud,” and “laundering of property values.” Özer founded Thodex cryptocurrency exchange in 2017 and it quickly became one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Turkey. In April 2021, Thodex abruptly Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-08T17:27:10-04:00September 8th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • NEWS, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023|Tags: Criminal, Crypto Exchange, Cryptocurrency, Faruk Fatih Özer, Fraud, Thodex|

Counseling And Your Native Language

Counseling And Your Native Language By SCARS Editorial Team Why Is It Important When Receiving Psychological Counseling Or Therapy In Your Native Language? It is important that when receiving psychological counseling or therapy that it is in your native language. This is because language is not just a way of communicating, it is also a way of thinking and feeling. When you speak your native language, you are able to express yourself more fully and accurately. You are also able to connect with the therapist on a deeper level. When you Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-07T23:47:12-04:00September 7th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Counseling, Native Language, Scam Victims, Therapy, Victim Trauma|

Scam Victims And The Reactivity Loop

Scam Victims And The Reactivity Loop By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Reactivity Loop – How Your Mind Helps To Destroy Itself A psychological ‘reactivity loop’ in traumatized scam victims is a pattern of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can develop after being scammed. It is a vicious internal cycle that can be difficult to let go of and break. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-07T23:51:47-04:00September 7th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Psychology of Scams, Reactivity Loop, Reactivity Loops, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victims, Victim Recovery|

96 Year Old Romance Scam Victim

96 Year Old Romance Scam Victim By SCARS Editorial Team, portions U.S. Department of Justice Indiana Woman Admits to Victimizing 96-Year-Old Rhode Island Widower Through an Online Romance Scam An Indiana woman today (September 6, 2023) admitted to a federal Judge in Rhode Island that she perpetrated an online romance scam that defrauded a 96-year-old Coventry widower of nearly $80,000, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-07T22:05:18-04:00September 7th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • NEWS, 2023|

Israel Police Bust Major Investment Fraud Organization

Israel Police Bust Major Investment Fraud Organization By SCARS Editorial Team, portions from Jerusalem Post and Finance Magnates Israeli Police Bust Massive Online FX Investment Fraud, Arrest Six Israeli police have arrested six people in connection with a massive online foreign exchange (FX) investment fraud that is estimated to have cost victims millions of dollars. The suspects, who are all Israeli citizens, are accused of running a scam that involved setting up fake websites and social media accounts that purported to offer high-yield FX trading opportunities. They allegedly lured victims into Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-07T22:44:25-04:00September 6th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, 2023|Tags: Investment Fraud, Israel Fraudsters, Organized Crime, Transnational Fraud|

Facebook Says It Is Trying To Do Better!

Facebook Says It Is Trying To Do Better! An Editorial By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions by Meta and Yahoo News Meta Raising Online Defenses Through Transparency and Collaboration – So They Say! Facebook and Meta’s Failure to Control Harmful Content Facebook and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, have been under fire for years for their failure to control harmful content on their platforms. This includes fake news, hate speech, disinformation, and online criminals. Read More Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-02T16:51:35-04:00September 2nd, 2023|Categories: • SOCIAL MEDIA & TECH PLATFORMS, • EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY, 2023|Tags: Digital Services Act, Facebook, Meta, Social Media|

88 Chinese Scammers Arrested In Indonesia

88 Chinese Scammers Arrested In Indonesia By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Indonesian Law Enforcement Arrests 88 Chinese Nationals Working In Call Center Over Online Romance Scams Indonesian police have arrested 88 Chinese nationals on suspicion of running online romance scams. The suspects, who were arrested in a raid on a rented house in Jakarta, are accused of using fake profiles to befriend people on social media and then conning them out of money. The suspects allegedly targeted victims in Indonesia, China, and other countries. Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-31T09:59:14-04:00August 31st, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Chinese Scammers, Indonesia, Romance Scammers, Romance Scams, Scammers Arrested|

The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) Becomes Enforceable

The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) Becomes Enforceable By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions: Reuters, Washington Post, Council of Europe The EU Has Done With The DSA What The United States Could Not Or Would Not Do! Bring Order And Control To Digital Platforms A New Era of European Digital Regulation The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are two new pieces of legislation that will regulate digital services in the European Union. The DSA will focus on creating a Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-09-07T22:57:16-04:00August 30th, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023|Tags: Digital Services Act, DSA, EU Online Platform Regulation, European Union, Government Regulation, Online Platforms|

Qakbot Botnet Infrastructure Shattered After An International Operation Led By FBI/Europol Takes It Down

Qakbot Botnet Infrastructure Shattered After An International Operation Led By FBI/Europol By Europol, U.S. Department of Justice and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Qakbot Malware Victimized 700 000+ Computers, With At Least EUR 54 Million Paid In Ransoms Since 2007 The Qakbot action represents the largest U.S./Europol-led financial and technical disruption of a botnet infrastructure What is Qakbot Malware? Qakbot is a ‘banking trojan’ type of virus or malware that has been around since 2007 Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-30T07:55:28-04:00August 30th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Botnet, Europol, Malware, Pinkslipbot, Qakbot, QBot, Take Down|

Human Trafficking & Scam Slavery – UN Issues New Report

Human Trafficking & Scam Slavery – UN Issues New Report By United Nations and SCARS Editorial Team UN Report: Scam Slavery Is A Form Of Human Trafficking In Which People Are Forced To Work In Scam Call Centers SCARS Overview The victims are often lured with promises of good jobs and high salaries, but once they arrive at the call center, they are forced to work long hours under abusive conditions. They are also often threatened with violence or deportation if they try to escape. Southeast Asia is a major hub Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-30T00:36:55-04:00August 30th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, 2023|Tags: Human Trafficking, Scam Slavery, Southeast Aisa, UN, United Nations|

Indian Scammer Call Center Shut Down 84 Arrested

Indian Scammer Call Center Shut Down 84 Arrested By SCARS Editorial Team, Portions by The420 A Major Bust For Indian Cybercrime Police In Shutting Down A Large Scammer Call Center In Noida India A total of 84 scammers/call center workers were arrested! About Indian Scammer Call Centers Scam call centers in India are a major problem, and they have been for many years. These call centers prey on people all over the world, using a variety of techniques to scam them out of their money. Some of the most common scams Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-27T13:30:16-04:00August 27th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Fraudster Call Center, India Call Center, Indian Scammers, Scammer Arrested, Scammer Call Center|

3 Smart Bank Strategies to Stop Scams

3 Smart Bank Strategies to Stop Scams By Ken Palla, Retired Director, MUFG Union Bank – Courtesy of BioCatch 3 Smart Strategies to Stop Scams That Don’t Break the Bank In the first part of this blog series on financial scams, Dr. Tim McGuinness and Debby Montgomery Johnson (also a scam victim herself), Board Directors at the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams (SCARS) talked about how to interact with potential scam victims once there was a potential scam transaction alert. In this article, we will look at some specific initiatives Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-25T18:39:47-04:00August 25th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Bank Customers, Bank Intervention, Customer Intervention, Financial Institutions, Fraud Victims, Ken Palla, Scam Victims, SCARS|

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 Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-25T18:11:13-04:00August 25th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Criminal Mole, Cybercrime Mole, NCA, Police Mole, Police Officer Arrested, UK|

INTERPOL Identified Networks Linked to Financial Losses of More Than USD $40 Million

INTERPOL Arrest Cyber Criminals In $40M Financial Losses By INTERPOL and SCARS Editorial Team 14 Arrests, Thousands of Illicit Cyber Networks Disrupted in Africa Operation Networks identified linked to financial losses of more than USD 40 million INTERPOL and AFRIPOL have coordinated an operation across 25 African countries that enabled investigators to arrest 14 suspected cybercriminals and identify 20,674 suspicious cyber networks, highlighting the surge in digital insecurity and cyber threats in the region. The networks identified were linked to financial losses of more than USD 40 million. Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-25T07:20:29-04:00August 25th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Africa Cyber Surge II, AFRIPOL, Arrests, Cybercrime, Interpol|

The Ghana Scammers Game Is Alive And Well

The Ghana Scammers Game Is Alive And Well By Thomson Reuters Foundation, with comments by the SCARS Editorial Team Ghanaian Scammers – Youth Fall Out Of Poverty As Romance Scammers – But That Is No Justification For Criminality SCARS Comment: While this may be true, people struggle everywhere to make a living and the vast majority of them do it honestly! There is never an excuse in being poor and turning to crime! This is true for Ghana scammers, and cybercriminals everywhere else. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-22T01:41:02-04:00August 22nd, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, 2023|Tags: Ghana Poverty, Ghana Scammers, Ghana Youth, Justifying Criminality, West African Cybercriminals|

Loren Esse of Des Moines – Police Arrest A Money Mule

Loren Esse of Des Moines – Police Arrest A Money Mule By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Loren Esse was Scammed into scamming? Police say a Des Moines, Iowa man was tricked into stealing around $200,000 Loren Esse of Des Moines Became A Money Mule But When Notified By The Police He Refused To Stop! Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-20T03:11:44-04:00August 20th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Des Moines, Iowa, Loren Esse, Money Mule, Mule Arrested|

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 Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-15T14:29:56-04:00August 15th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: Black Axe, Garda, Ireland, Irish Garda, Operation Jackal|

Scam Victim Suicides Are Up – New Data Hints

Scam Victim Suicides Are Up – New Data Hints By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Risk of Suicides in Scam and Financial Fraud Victims Is Sharply On The Rise Scams and financial fraud can have a devastating impact on victims, both financially and emotionally. In some cases, the emotional toll can be so great that victims may feel like they have no other way out but to commit suicide and take their own life. Suicides Risk The risk of suicide is especially high among elderly victims. Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-14T20:55:57-04:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, 2023|Tags: At Risk Victims, FTC Data, High Risk Victims, New Data, Scam Victims, Suicidal Ideation, Suicides|

Bank Customer Interventions

Bank Customer Interventions By Ken Palla, Retired Director, MUFG Union Bank – Courtesy of BioCatch You Have a Customer Scam Alert, Now What? Recently, many of the more technically advanced financial institutions have worked to develop anomaly detection capabilities to detect financial scams (authorized transactions initiated by the real customer). These scams are inherently difficult to detect as it is the real customer doing the transaction. Legacy controls, such as known IP address, device fingerprint, and mobile phone location, all indicate that the real customer is doing the transaction. Some financial institutions, working Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-14T13:51:26-04:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Bank Customers, Bank Intervention, Customer Intervention, Financial Institutions, Fraud Victims, Ken Palla, Scam Victims, SCARS|

16shop Phishing-As-A-Service Platform Taken Down

16shop Phishing-As-A-Service Platform Taken Down By Interpol & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizems Against Relationship Scams Inc. Interpol Coordinated Takes Down 16shop Phishing-As-A-Service Platform Used By 70,000 People 16shop Notorious phishing platform shut down, arrests in international police operation In a remarkable triumph over cybercriminal activity, the curtains have fallen on the nefarious phishing-as-a-service platform known as 16shop. This decisive outcome emerged from a comprehensive international effort led by Interpol. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-14T12:35:37-04:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: 16shop, PaaS, Phishing-As-A-Service, Platform, Takedown|

Cryptocurrency Recovery Alert from the FBI

Cryptocurrency Recovery Alert from the FBI By U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams The FBI warns of an increase in cryptocurrency recovery schemes, which exploit victims who lost cryptocurrency to fraud, scams, and theft Never hire or pay a private/for-profit company to trace and recover your cryptocurrency. Only law enforcement can effectively do it and they do it for free! Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-14T12:02:01-04:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023|Tags: Cryptocurrency Recovery, Cryptocurrency Tracing, FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Scam Alert|

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 Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-13T06:12:09-04:00August 12th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023|Tags: Artur Karol Grabowski, Cybercriminals, LolekHosted.net, NetWalker, Poland, Ransomware, Secure Hosting|

Projection And Scam Victims

Projection And Scam Victims By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Projection Is A Psychological Defense Mechanism It involves painting one’s own thoughts, views, feelings, and characteristics to someone else instead of seeing what is actually there! With romance or other forms of relationship scams (including pig butchering scams) and their aftermath, psychological projection can play a significant role both during and after the scam. Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-12T06:30:16-04:00August 12th, 2023|Categories: • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Projection, Recovery from Scams, Recovery Psychology, Relationship Scams, Scam Victims, Victim Psychology, Victim Recovery|

Abstinence for Scam Victims – A Requirement For Healing

Abstinence for Scam Victims – A Requirement For Healing By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Crucial Role of Abstinence for Scam Victims: Navigating the Path to Recovery Introduction to Abstinence The prevalence of scams has risen to alarming levels – of course, scam victims all know that already. Scammers are constantly devising new and sophisticated ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, leaving their victims emotionally and financially devastated. They are especially out looking for previous victims since they are even Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-11T21:19:15-04:00August 11th, 2023|Categories: • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Abstinence, Avoid Dating, Dating Again, Emotional Instability, Emotional Recovery, Online Dating, Recovery, Scam Victims|

Talking To Kids/Youth About Online Risk [VIDEO]

Talking To Kids/Youth About Online Risk [VIDEO] By National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (U.S. Government) and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. How can parents encourage their children/youth to use online technology safely and privately – a NIST Video – used with permission NIST Researchers Explore Best Practices for Talking to Kids About Online Privacy Today’s youth are digital natives. They’ve never known a world without the internet or online technology. It is crucial they develop the skills and Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-11T00:57:03-04:00August 11th, 2023|Categories: • ONLINE SAFETY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, • VIDEOS, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Kids, Online Risk, Parents, Youth|

Human Scam Trafficking – The Knoble Report

The Knoble Report On Human Scam Trafficking By The Knoble & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. From Fake Job Ads to Human Trafficking: The Horrifying Reality of the Human Trafficking Scam Trade Human Trafficking Scam Trade preys on vulnerable individuals trapping victims in a web of human trafficking, coercion, fraud, and cryptocurrencies. Our new publication, in collaboration with The Mekong Club, Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, and Humanity Research Consultancy, sheds light on the shocking tactics used by criminal networks and highlights the complexities surrounding detection Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-10T13:58:55-04:00August 10th, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CRIMINOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Homan Trafficking, Scam Slave Trade, Scam Slaves, Scam Trafficking|

Interpol Operation Jackal – Arrested Over 100

Interpol Operation Jackal – Arrested Over 100 By Interpol & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Interpol & Partners Target West African Cybercriminals In Major Raid Seizing Million Of Euros! Interpol closing ranks on West African organized crime: more than EUR 2 million seized in Operation Jackal – tackling the global footprint of Black Axe and similar West Africa-based organized crime groups Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-08T21:26:52-04:00August 8th, 2023|Categories: • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023|Tags: Africans, Black Axe, Crime Syndicates, Criminal Gangs, Interpol, Operation Jackal, Organized Crime|

Cryptocurrency Home Invasion Armed Robbery

Cryptocurrency Home Invasion Armed Robbery By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and third-party sources A Significant New Escalation In The Theft Of Cryptocurrency – Violent Home Invasions Durham, North Carolina Police & The FBI Are Investigating A Terrifying Home Invasion Involving Cryptocurrency Theft A Durham, North Carolina couple endured a harrowing ordeal during a recent home invasion, where they were targeted for their cryptocurrency holdings. According to authorities, two armed men, disguised as construction workers, approached the couple’s Wells Street residence. Once inside, the assailants, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-06T10:19:30-04:00August 6th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • NEWS, 2023|Tags: Armed Robbery, Cryptocurrency, Home Invasions|

Why Scammers Don’t Give Up

Why Scammers Don’t Give Up By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Almost Every Victim Continues To Receive Emails, Texts, Messages, Or Phone Calls From Their Scammers Even After The Scam Has Been Discovered And Ended! Why do scammers do this? Don’t they know they are not getting any more money? In today’s world, it takes no effort at all for scammers to send out mass emails, texts, messages, and even phone calls. There are thousands of online services that will Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-05T18:54:19-04:00August 5th, 2023|Categories: ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Cognitive Bias, Recidivism, Relationship Scams, Rescammed, Romance Scams, Vulnerabilities|

U.S. FCC Imposes Record Penalty Against Transnational Illegal Robocalling Operation

FCC Issues Historic $300 Million Fine Against The Largest Robocalling Scam It Has Ever Investigated By Federal Communications Commission & SCARS Editorial Team U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Imposes Record Penalty Against Transnational Illegal Robocalling Operation Robocalling Scammers Who Placed Five Billion Auto Warranty Robocalls Fined Nearly $300 Million for Robocall and Spoofing Violations The Federal Communications Commission today issued a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine for auto warranty scam robocalling made by the largest illegal robocall operation the agency has ever investigated. An international network of companies violated federal statutes and the Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-08-04T21:10:01-04:00August 4th, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • NEWS, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023|Tags: FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Fine, Robocalling, United States Government|

U.S. Cyber Force Moves Forward

U.S. Cyber Force Moves Forward By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions The Record U.S. Senate Opens Path For A Cyber-Focused Military Branch The possibility of a U.S. Cyber Force moved one step closer to reality this last week after the Senate approved its version of a massive defense policy bill. The $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act passed in an 86-11 vote. The Republican-led House narrowly passed its version of the legislation earlier this month, mostly along party lines. The two chambers will now Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-29T17:58:27-04:00July 29th, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • NEWS, 2023|Tags: Cyber Force, U.S. Military, United States|

FraudGPT – AI For The Bad Guys

FraudGPT – AI For The Bad Guys By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. FraudGPT: The New AI-Powered Cybercrime Tool The rise of generative AI models has changed the fraud & cybercrime threat landscape drastically and FraudGPT is a new plateau in this new arms race.. Threat actors can now use these models, such as FraudGPT to create realistic and convincing phishing emails, malware, and other malicious content that is flawless (or almost flawless.) In July 2023, a new AI tool Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-28T09:15:39-04:00July 28th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINALS - SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CYBERSECURITY, • NEW TECHNOLOGY / AI, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: AI, Artificial Intelligence, BARD, ChatGPT, Cybercrime, FraudGPT, Generative AI|

UK Threat From Organised Crime

UK Threat From Organised Crime By Graeme Biggar CBE, Director General, National Crime Agency, United Kingdom Providing A Picture Of The Threat To The UK From Serious And Organised Crime What is Serious and Organised Crime? Serious and organised crime (SOC) is defined in the 2018 Serious and Organised Crime Strategy as individuals planning, coordinating and committing serious offences, whether individually, in groups and/or as part of transnational networks. The main categories of serious offences covered by the term are: child sexual abuse; modern slavery and human trafficking; organised immigration crime; Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-28T08:08:40-04:00July 28th, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: National Crime Agency, NCA, Organised Crime, United Kingdom|

The Dark Side of Generative AI

The Dark Side of Generative AI By Frances Zelazny, Co-Founder & CEO, Anonybit | Strategic Advisor The Dark Side of Innovation: Identity Theft, Fraud and the Rise of Generative AI In recent years, technological advancements in artificial intelligence (Generative AI) have revolutionized various fields, making remarkable progress in creating incredibly realistic content. We’ve all been amazed by the possibilities and progress. It’s no wonder that within two months of its launch in late November, ChatGPT had 100 million monthly active users, a number that took Instagram two and a half years to Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-26T21:07:40-04:00July 26th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • CYBERSECURITY, 2023|Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Dark Side, Deep Learning, Frances Zelazny, Generative AI|

67 Year Old Money Mule Convicted

67 Year Old Money Mule Convicted By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. 67 Year Old Money Mule Faces 20 Years In Prison Clay County, Florida Woman – Money Mule – Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charge In Online Romance Scheme THIS COULD BE A LIFE SENTENCE FOR HER! Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-26T16:38:43-04:00July 26th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • NEWS, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Convicted, Criminal Charges, Money Mule, Prosecuted, Scam Victim|

U.S. FedNOW Is Launched

U.S. FedNOW Is Launched By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. U.S. Federal Reserve Launches Long-Awaited FedNOW Instant Payments Service, Modernizing System The United States Federal Reserve announces that its new system for instant payments, the FedNow® Service, is now live The Federal Reserve on Thursday announced that its new system for instant payments, the FedNow® Service, is now live. Banks and credit unions of all sizes can sign up and use this tool to instantly transfer money for their customers, any time of the day, Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-23T11:59:30-04:00July 23rd, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • NEWS, 2023|Tags: FedNOW, Instant Transfer System, Money Transfer, United States Federal Reserve System|

APP Scam/Fraud Repayment In The UK Moves A Step Further

APP Scam/Fraud Repayment In The UK Moves A Step Further By SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions PSR UK's PSR Takes First Step In Implementing New APP Scam Refund/Reimbursement Requirements Today, the United Kingdom's Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published its consultation on two of its draft directions which are the legal means to put its new Authorized Push Payments APP scam reimbursement requirements in place. This marks the start of the regulator’s plans to implement new requirements that will see mandatory reimbursement for victims of APP scams. In Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-23T12:07:05-04:00July 23rd, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023|Tags: APP Fraud, APP scam, Authorized Push Payments, Financial Fraud, Financial Scams|

Robocall Refunds From The FTC & State Of Florida $540,000

Robocall Refunds From The FTC & State Of Florida $540,000 By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions FTC FTC and State of Florida Send More Than $540,000 to Consumers Who Lost Money to Robocall Scammers Selling Bogus Interest Rate Reduction Services The Federal Trade Commission and the Florida Attorney General are sending refunds totaling more than $540,000 to consumers nationwide who were defrauded by Life Management Services of Orange County, LLC, and related companies who tricked them into paying for worthless credit card interest rate Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-23T06:56:44-04:00July 23rd, 2023|Categories: ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, 2023|Tags: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Money Recovery, Refunds, Robocall, robocallers, State of Florida|

Illegal Robocallers – People Hate Them

Illegal Robocallers – People Hate Them By Lesley Fair – Federal Trade Commission – reprinted Robocallers E-I-E-I-NO: Operation Stop Scam Calls targets operators that facilitate illegal robocalls, including “consent farms” People hate illegal robocallers. No one knows that more than the FTC, which is why we’ve brought 167 cases to date and we won’t stop until companies that violate the FTC Act and the Telemarking Sales Rule hang up once and for all. In the latest battle against these illegal and injurious intrusions, the FTC and over 100 federal and state Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-22T16:36:29-04:00July 22nd, 2023|Categories: • GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY, • REGULATORY / LEGAL REVIEW, • SCAMS & FRAUD - CRIMES, ♠ REGULATORY/LEGAL ACTIONS, 2023|Tags: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Illegal Robocallers, Regulatory Action, robocallers, robocalls|

Magical Thinking – How Biased & Delusional Thinking Enslaves Scam Victims

How Magical Biased & Delusional Thinking Enslaves Scam Victims By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Enchanting Deception: Unraveling How Delusional Thinking Entraps Scam Victims The Shackles of Fantasy (Magical Thinking): In a world filled with the allure of magic and fantasy, it is easy to be captivated by extraordinary promises and grand illusions – this is the root of Magical Thinking. Unfortunately, this same allure can become a dangerous trap, leading individuals into the realm of delusional thinking. In Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-22T09:43:13-04:00July 22nd, 2023|Categories: • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • SCAM / FRAUD VICTIM SUPPORT & RECOVERY, • SCAM/FRAUD VICTIMS, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Cognitive Bias, Delusional Thinking, Magical Thinking, Psychology of Scams, Victim Recovery|

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! Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-19T21:00:29-04:00July 19th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • VICTIM STORY, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, 2023|Tags: Embezzlement, Romance Scam, Scam Victim, Stealing Money|

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams?

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams? By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. What Are Victim Vulnerabilities And What Do We Mean By Them? We often talk about victim vulnerabilities as though they magically explain everything about why people are victimized by scams & financial fraud. But what are they really? The purpose of this article is to help all scam victims and their families and friends to understand that vulnerabilities can be varied, that many are just part Read More ...

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-19T13:24:29-04:00July 19th, 2023|Categories: • PYSCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, • ARTICLES & REPORTS, • RECOVERY PSYCHOLOGY, • SCAM / FRAUD VICTIM SUPPORT & RECOVERY, • VICTIMS & VICTIMOLOGY, ♣ FEATURED ARTICLES, 2023|Tags: Psychology of Scams, Victim Vulnerabilities, Victimology, Vulnerabilities, Vulnerable|

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: Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2023-07-19T21:01:22-04:00July 17th, 2023|Categories: ♠ CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • NEWS, • POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT, 2023|Tags: EFCC, Nigeria, Scammers Arrested|

FTC Victim Predators

Attn: Federal Trade Commission

There is a WAR going on against scam victims!

A war where for-profit companies are exploiting and deceiving the victims of scams and financial fraud!

WE ASK THE FTC TO STOP EXPLOITATION OF SCAM VICTIMS NOW!

This war is being led by predatory for-profit companies that want more of these desperate and panicked crime victims\' money or to lead them away from legitimate support!

These companies claim they can get the victim\'s money back or that they will investigate the crime and have the criminals arrested - neither they can do. The victim usually receives a document or two and nothing more for the thousands of dollars they pay in advance for these services. Services that within the United States these companies must be licensed as private investigators to even provide any crime investigations or money recovery services, yet almost all of these companies lack state licenses.

There are cryptocurrency tracing companies that use automated tools to generate a paper report and charging scam victims thousands of dollars in advance for this service! These victims are desperate for help and looking for answers, and instead of sending them to real victims\' assistance providers they are pulling them in and costing them more of the precious little money they have left! What the scammers do is bad enough, but these real companies are exploiting victims one more time!

We call on the Federal Trade Commission to begin exploring this exploitation of crime victims - specifically scam or financial fraud victims by private investigating, money recovery, and other for-profit companies service companies!

We believe that this falls under the Commission\'s authority to regulate deceptive trade practices.

This is despicable and deceptive trade practice that should be banned in the United States without proper state licensing and full and complete disclosure about what they can and cannot do. We also believe the companies and their principals operating without proper legal licenses now should be banned from these activities permanently.

Please do what YOU can to bring this to the attention of the FTC Chair and staff!

Thank you!

Vianey Goes and Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., Directors,
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A crime victims\' assistance & crime prevention nonprofit supporting scam victims worldwide for free!
contact@againstscams.org

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