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 – 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.
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 as altruism. Cynics may believe that people are only kind or helpful because they expect something in return.
Cynicism can affect the way we see the world in a number of ways. It can make us more suspicious of others and less likely to trust them. It can also make us more pessimistic about the world and its future. Cynical people may believe that the world is a cruel and unjust place, and that there is no point in trying to make a difference.
Here are some examples of how cynicism can affect the way we see the world:
- A cynical person may be less likely to donate to charity or volunteer their time to help others because they believe that people are only interested in helping themselves.
- A cynical person may be less likely to vote in elections because they believe that politicians are all corrupt and that their vote won’t make a difference.
- A cynical person may be less likely to start their own business or pursue their dreams because they believe that the world is stacked against them and that they have no chance of success.
It is important to note that cynicism is not always a bad thing. It can be a healthy way to protect ourselves from being exploited by others. However, it is also important to avoid becoming too cynical. Excessive cynicism can make us bitter and resentful, and it can prevent us from enjoying the good things in life.
The Difference Between a Cynic and a Realist
The fundamental difference between a cynic and a realist is their outlook on the world.
A cynic is someone who has a generally negative view of the world and human nature. They believe that people are motivated by self-interest and that there is no such thing as altruism. Cynics may also believe that the world is a cruel and unjust place and that there is no point in trying to make a difference.
A realist, on the other hand, has a more balanced view of the world. They understand that there is both good and bad in the world and that people are capable of both good and bad deeds. Realists also believe that it is possible to make the world a better place, even if it takes hard work and dedication.
Here are some examples of how cynicism and realism might manifest in different situations:
- Cynic: “All politicians are corrupt. They only care about themselves and their own power.”
- Realist: “There are both good and bad politicians in the world. Some are motivated by self-interest, while others are genuinely interested in serving the public. It is important to evaluate each politician on their own merits.”
- Cynic: “No one is really going to help you. You are on your own.”
- Realist: “There are people who care about you and want to help. However, you also need to be willing to help yourself. It is important to find a balance between relying on others and being independent.”
- Cynic: “The world is a cruel and unjust place. There is no point in trying to make a difference.”
- Realist: “The world can be a cruel and unjust place, but it is also a beautiful and hopeful place. It is possible to make a difference, even if it is just in the lives of the people around you.”
It is important to note that cynicism and realism are not always black and white. There are many people who fall somewhere in between the two extremes. For example, someone may be a realist about the challenges facing the world, but they may also be optimistic about the possibility of overcoming those challenges.
Does the Scam Victim Experience Turn People Cynical?
There is no definitive answer to the question of what percentage of the U.S. population who are victimized by crime become cynics afterward. However, research suggests that the experience of victimization can have a significant impact on a person’s worldview and that cynicism is a common response among victims.
A 2017 study by the Pew Research Center found that 44% of Americans who had been the victim of a violent crime said that the experience had made them less trusting of others. Additionally, a 2019 study by the University of Pennsylvania found that victims of property crime were more likely to report feeling cynical about the world than those who had not been victimized.
It is important to note that not all victims of crime become cynics. However, the experience of victimization can be traumatizing and can lead to a number of negative consequences, including cynicism.
Cynicism and Scam Victim Recovery
Becoming the victim of a scam can be a devastating experience, both financially and emotionally. It can be difficult to trust people again after being betrayed in such a way. This can lead to cynicism, which can make it difficult to recover from the experience.
Cynicism can affect the way scam victims recover from their experience in a number of ways. For example, it can:
- Make it difficult to trust others. After being scammed, it can be difficult to trust that anyone is really who they say they are or that they have your best interests at heart. This can make it difficult to form new relationships and to trust people in existing relationships.
- Lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. If you are cynical, you may be less likely to reach out to others for help and support. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can make it more difficult to cope with the emotional impact of the scam.
- Make it difficult to move on from the experience. If you are cynical, you may be more likely to dwell on the scam and on the negative emotions associated with it. This can make it difficult to move on and to start enjoying your life again.
- Lead to negative health consequences. Cynicism has been linked to a number of negative health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and heart disease. These health problems can make it even more difficult to recover from the scam experience.
- Leads to distrust of authority. This can lead victims to district governmental authorities such as te police – leading them to believe that the police never do anything anyway, so why should they report these crimes?
- Lead to anger at those trying to help. Since it leads to a complete lack of trust in others, these victims also distrust those trying to help them. They believe that the help is always conditional on some repayment of some kind – that there must be an angle!
- Coupled with Savior Syndrome it can create hostility with others sincerely helping victims, especially professionals. Since these victims already distrust and believe everyone is out to get something they especially distrust professionals and believe there has to be a profit motive.
Here are some specific ways that cynicism might adversely affect a scam victim’s emotional recovery:
- Increased difficulty forming new relationships. If you are cynical, you may be less likely to open up to new people or to trust them with your personal information. This can make it difficult to form new relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Gravitating to other cynics. Since they have difficulty connecting with others, ironically it is easier for them to connect with others that see the world in the same way. This often leads to participation in groups that do not help their emotional well-being.
- Difficulty trusting others in existing relationships. If you have been scammed, you may have difficulty trusting even the people you have known for a long time. This can put a strain on existing relationships and make it difficult to maintain them.
- Increased anxiety and stress levels. Cynicism can lead to increased anxiety and stress levels. This is because cynical people are more likely to worry about being scammed again or about being taken advantage of.
- Reduced quality of life. Cynicism can reduce your overall quality of life. This is because cynical people are less likely to enjoy positive experiences and are more likely to focus on the negative aspects of life.
- Increased risk of mental health problems. Cynicism has been linked to a number of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health problems can make it even more difficult to cope with the emotional impact of the scam experience.
Summary
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they view the world and humanity. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as you are honest with yourself about your beliefs.
However, if the description of the cynic above fits your beliefs then you are encouraged to see a counselor or therapist to help yourself. You can find counselors and therapists at counseling.AgainstScams.org
More:
- A Field Guide to the Cynic (psychologytoday.com)
- Are You Too Cynical? (psychologytoday.com)
- Contractualism and Supporting the Victims of Online Crime (scamsnow.com)
- After The Scam Comes Disaster (romancescamsnow.com)
- Psychological Shock – After A Scam & In The Future (romancescamsnow.com)
- Emotional Danger After The Scam (romancescamsnow.com)
- How Fear Affects You After A Scam (romancescamsnow.com)
- Victim Response To Fear Is Anger! (romancescamsnow.com)
- Guilt vs. Shame – Understanding Them (romancescamsnow.com)
- How To Know If You Are In Scam or Recovery Denial? (romancescamsnow.com)
- Psychology Of Scams – Article Catalog (romancescamsnow.com)
SCARS Resources:
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org)
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Donate to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
More ScamsNOW.com Articles
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment above!
SCARS LINKS: AgainstScams.org RomanceScamsNOW.com ContraEstafas.org ScammerPhotos.com Anyscam.com ScamsNOW.com
reporting.AgainstScams.org support.AgainstScams.org membership.AgainstScams.org donate.AgainstScams.org shop.AgainstScams.org
youtube.AgainstScams.org linkedin.AgainstScams.org facebook.AgainstScams.org
ARTICLE RATING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Experiencing A Major Scam Firsthand Changes Scam Victim’s World Views Profoundly!
- What is Cynicism?
- The Difference Between a Cynic and a Realist
- Does the Scam Victim Experience Turn People Cynical?
- Cynicism and Scam Victim Recovery
- Summary
- More:
- SCARS Resources:
- Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Statement About Victim Blaming
- SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
- Psychology Disclaimer:
- More ScamsNOW.com Articles
- A Question of Trust
- SCARS Institute™ ScamsNOW Magazine
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]
META
CATEGORIES
MOST POPULAR COMMENTED ARTICLES
POPULAR ARTICLES
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
![NavyLogo@4x-81[1]](https://scamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NavyLogo@4x-811.png)
WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT
LATEST SITE COMMENTS
See Comments for this Article at the Bottom of the Page
on Vulnerability to Scams Caused by Past Relationships is Like a River Running through Your Life Cutting Channels – 2025: “My big take away from this article is that there are many layers to my vulnerability. Yes, losing my Mom…” May 8, 11:43
on Hate for Scammers and Criminals Feels So Good But is So Bad for Scam Victims – 2025: “As stated here it feels like it should be justified – to hate them. I never did feel that way,…” May 6, 17:32
on Scam Victims Suppressing Trauma Or Avoiding Recovery And Healing 2024: “This is a great article that will, hopefully, help when I am avoiding facing my emotions/triggers. Recognizing the signs and…” May 6, 16:47
on SCARS 5 Coping Techniques For Traumatized Scam Victims – 2023: “One of the best ways of coping for me has been to reconnect with my friends. I self-isolated for months…” May 6, 16:07
on Trauma Recollection/Traumatic Flashbacks And Scam Victim PTSD – Recovery Psychology – 2023: “I don’t feel like my trauma can be described as PTSD. The affects after the scam ended were severe anxiety,…” May 6, 15:55
on Selective Amnesia and Scam Victim Psychological Trauma 2023: “This was a very interesting article to me. I have not experienced selective amnesia in relation to the scam. However,…” May 6, 15:39
on Psychological Triggers/Emotional Triggers – What They Are And How They Work – 2023/2024: “Not long after my scam ended, I needed to go to the grocery store. It never crossed my mind that…” May 6, 14:48
on Learning And The Challenges That A Scam Victim Faces From Trauma And Related Cognitive Effects – 2024: “My cognitive impairment was bad right after my scam. However, I have now noticed that it was especially bad during…” May 6, 14:23
on Hate for Scammers and Criminals Feels So Good But is So Bad for Scam Victims – 2025: “This is all true and valid. I had to forgive myself first for trusting my abuser because he hurt my…” May 6, 10:08
on Nirvana and the Path to Letting Go of Suffering – 2025: “En mi experiencia podría describir el nirvana en mi recuperación como ese estado de paz profunda y liberación emocional que…” May 5, 18:58
on The Prodigal Son or Daughter – Returning ‘Home’ After the Scam – 2025: “It’s true that the judgment of others does not define my path but if after “coming home” those closest to…” May 5, 13:21
on Beginning Again and Scam Victim Recovery -2025: “Taking action is the first step to recovery and I am doing that and becoming a newer stronger version of…” May 5, 09:53
on Beginning Again and Scam Victim Recovery -2025: “In order not to let this deception define me, since its discovery I have been ACTING.” May 5, 07:22
on The Butterfly Effect And Scam Victims – 2024: “Very good and interesting analogy to the Butterfly Effect and how it pertains to scams. In my crime I can…” May 4, 14:51
on Faith And Why It Matters In Scam Victim Recovery – 2024: “This is a good article giving examples of the difference between faith in oneself and one’s core values – to…” May 4, 13:37
on Reclaiming Your Worth: A Scam Survivor’s Guide to Navigating Your Worthiness After a Scam – 2023: “As an individual I process my emotions slowly whether it is shock, trauma, anger, disbelief. In the cycle of recovery…” May 4, 12:54
on The Stain that Never Goes Away After a Romance Scam for Scam Victims – 2025: “Thank you for sharing this important step on recovery” May 4, 12:09
on Metanoia – The Transformation for Traumatized Scam Victims – 2025: “Excelente articulo!!!… Después de superar la estafa podría describir la metanoia en mi propia experiancia como un renacimiento interior, una…” May 4, 00:24
on Philosophy of Life Planning – From Chaos to Order and the Scam Victim Recovery Path Forward – 2025: “Seeking justice is, unfortunately, not justice. Anger and revenge is not justice either. Recovery is justice. The only justice for…” May 3, 21:16
Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
IF YOU HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED BY A SCAM OR CYBERCRIME
♦ If you are a victim of scams, go to www.ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help
♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
♦ To report criminals, visit https://reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!
♦ Sign up for our free support & recovery help by https://support.AgainstScams.org
♦ Join our WhatsApp Chat Group at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BPDSYlkdHBbDBg8gfTGb02
♦ Follow us on X: https://x.com/RomanceScamsNow
♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom
♦ SCARS Institute Songs for Victim-Survivors: https://www.youtube.com/playlist…
♦ See SCARS Institute Scam Victim Self-Help Books at https://shop.AgainstScams.org
♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com
♦ Scam Survivor’s Stories: www.ScamSurvivorStories.org
♦ For Scam Victim Advocates visit www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
♦ See more scammer photos on www.ScammerPhotos.com
You can also find the SCARS Institute on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TruthSocial
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
More ScamsNOW.com Articles
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
I think I am a mix of cynics and realists depending on the subject matter. Moreover, I am becoming more skeptical of things I see and experience.
Very interesting to read. I agree, with not all scam victims become cynics. I don’t think I am.
After being scammed I definitely am more skeptical and less trusting of others. Trust will have to be earned.