The Challenge of Power and Empowerment in Scam Victim Recovery

In the aftermath of a scam, victims often find themselves on a tumultuous journey towards healing and recovery. One of the most significant challenges they face is the concept of power and empowerment. While these terms are often used interchangeably and are generally seen as positive forces, they can actually present a formidable obstacle to genuine recovery and personal growth.

Power, at its core, is a force exerted upon someone or something. It is an external influence that seeks to control, dominate, or change the course of events. In the context of scam recovery, the pursuit of power might manifest as a desire to seek justice, reclaim losses, or hold perpetrators accountable. While these goals are understandable and even commendable, they often stem from a place of anger, frustration, and a need for external validation.

Empowerment, on the other hand, is the assumption of power. It is the belief that one can exert influence and control over their circumstances. In scam recovery, empowerment might be sought through legal action, media attention, or financial compensation. However, this pursuit of empowerment can sometimes lead victims down a path of obsession and dependency on external factors for their sense of worth and healing.

The challenge lies in the fact that power and empowerment, while they may provide a temporary sense of control and justice, do not address the deeper emotional and psychological wounds that scams can inflict. They offer a band-aid solution to a much more complex and profound issue. Scam victims often believe that by gaining power or becoming empowered, they can right the wrongs of their past and find closure. However, this external focus can delay the internal work of healing and personal growth, leaving victims feeling unfulfilled and stuck in a cycle of resentment and unmet expectations.

Strength, in contrast, is what scam victims truly need and desire, even if their own minds lead them to believe otherwise. Strength is an internal quality that encompasses resilience, courage, and the ability to endure and overcome challenges. It is about facing adversity with grace, learning from experiences, and growing as a person. Strength is not about exerting force on others or assuming control; it is about empowering oneself from within, recognizing one’s own worth and capabilities, and finding the courage to face one’s experiences with honesty and compassion.

The journey from power to strength is not an easy one. It requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to look inward, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. It involves acknowledging the pain and betrayal that come with being scammed, and using these experiences as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Strength is about finding the power within oneself to heal, to forgive, and to move forward with purpose and resilience.

In the following sections, we will explore the distinctions between power and strength, the challenges they present in the recovery process, and the practical steps scam victims can take to cultivate strength and achieve genuine healing and empowerment. By understanding these concepts and their implications, scam victims can navigate their recovery journey with greater clarity, purpose, and self-compassion, ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Prof. Tim McGuinness, Ph.D.
November 2025