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 as altruism. Cynics may believe that people are only kind or helpful because they expect something in return.

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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

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PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

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SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

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