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Scam Victim Psychological Alienation After A Scam 2024

Scam Victim Psychological Alienation After A Scam

Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

Article Abstract

Scam victims grappling with the aftermath of romance scams often experience profound and lasting psychological alienation, extending beyond financial loss. Psychological alienation involves feeling disconnected from oneself, others, and the world, leading to self-estrangement, social isolation, powerlessness, and normlessness.

Scammers employ sophisticated grooming, manipulation, and control tactics, causing victims to question their vulnerability and decision-making abilities, and rupturing trust in personal relationships. Coping with psychological alienation requires seeking professional support, engaging in therapy, and joining support groups.

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2024-01-22T18:05:07-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Scam Victims: Applying Boundaries When Compassion Is Required Instead – 2023

Applying Boundaries When Compassion Is Required Instead

Or Vice Versa!

Helping Scam Victims To Understand When One Is Called For And Not The Other

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Knowing When To Use Compassion Or Boundaries Or Both

How Can You Know When It Is Appropriate To Apply Boundaries Or Compassion In Scam-Victim Relationships After The Scam Ends?

Scam victims usually turn to boundaries, not compassion, when they find themselves entangled in a web of emotions and complexities after the scam ordeal.

In the aftermath, there’s a tendency to blur the lines between setting personal boundaries and extending compassion, especially towards others who have shared portions of the traumatic experience within the scam, such as spouses, children, friends, and families.

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2023-12-31T14:56:24-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Scam Victims And The Crossing Of The River Styx – An Interpretation Of The Recovery Process – 2023

Scam Victims And The Crossing Of The River Styx

An Interpretation of the Recovery Process

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Hear this article – Read by the Author – Click Here

The Recovery Process Has Greater Meaning Than Just Feeling Better For Scam Victims!

It Is A Mythological Journey From The Land Of What Was Once To The Land Of What Will Be

For most scam victims their recovery process is a journey of rebirth and renewal. It is a journey through the emotional underworld and that journey is a heroic beginning to their new and future life. And like most hero’s journeys, most of those who could make the journey will never take it, yet ironically, everyone could.

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2023-12-23T04:35:15-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2023, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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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 in the fear of contamination!

This article is intended to help scam victims to better understand this ‘Fear of Contagion’ and why they are treated negatively, and also perhaps to help their family and friends to understand why they are treated differently after the crime occurs.

In the aftermath of a crime, victims often face a barrage of questions and judgments. Their experiences are scrutinized, their choices dissected, and their actions evaluated. Amidst this whirlwind of scrutiny, a subtle yet pervasive sentiment emerges as the fear of contagion.

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2023-11-26T17:26:22-05:00Uncategorized|
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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 as altruism. Cynics may believe that people are only kind or helpful because they expect something in return.

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2023-10-09T10:40:42-04:00Uncategorized|
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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 more vulnerable than they were before their first scam. This is a major reason why abstinence is so important during recovery. Not just to avoid being scammed again, but to avoid the even worse trauma that comes with additional scams.

For those who have fallen victim to scams, the journey through recovery is a process of healing wounds and making informed choices to ensure future well-being.

One such vital choice is the practice of abstinence – a conscious decision to avoid any contact with potential scammers or platforms where they abound, such as dating websites.

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2023-08-11T21:19:15-04:00Uncategorized|
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Changes In A Scam Victim’s Life

Changes In A Scam Victim’s Life

By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

After A Scam Or Crime Is Over, Its Victims Are Left To Figure Out How To Go Forward And What Changes Need To Be Made In Their Life!

Scam victim changes come at every stage of the post-crime recovery. They vary from stage to stage as the person goes from being a victim to a survivor to a thrive! At each stage, different changes are needed both for safety and to allow emotional and psychological recovery.

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2023-07-11T17:45:30-04:00Uncategorized|
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Scam Victims & Mental Health Blaming

Scam Victims & Mental Health Blaming

By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Mental Health Blaming For Scam Victims Is An Insidious Undermining Of Those Struggling To Heal And Recover

Let’s be clear, we are not talking about mental health conditions such as psychopathy or narcissism. We are talking about the vastly common depression and anxiety disorders that may affect as many as half of our population and other debilitating disorders that prevent normal people from living their best lives.

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2023-07-09T17:07:52-04:00Uncategorized|
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The Scout Mindset And Scam Victims

The Scout Mindset And Scam Victims

By Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

A Curious Case Of Opposing Mindsets: Scout Mindset & Soldier Mindset

What Is The “Scout Mindset”

The scout mindset is a way of thinking that emphasizes curiosity, unbiased truth-seeking, and facing reality, even if that reality is unexpected. In the context of scam victims/survivors, we call these “realists.”

It is the opposite of the “soldier mindset”, which is a natural tendency to use motivated (biased) reasoning to defend one’s existing beliefs instead of being open to changing them. This is antithetical to scam victim recovery!

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2023-07-08T18:58:55-04:00Uncategorized|
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Scam Victim Resiliency – Why It Is So Much Worse After The Scam – Updated 2024

Scam Victim Resiliency – Why It Is So Much Worse After The Scam

Scam Victims’ Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

Article Abstract

Recovery for scam victims is a complex process. Upon discovering the scam, acknowledging it’s not their fault is crucial.

Scam Victims must navigate a spectrum of emotions, seeking support from friends, family, or specialized groups.

Education about scam tactics empowers individuals, contributing to prevention. Reporting the scam is both responsible and aids collective anti-scam efforts. Prioritizing self-care and seeking professional counseling supports emotional healing. Realistic expectations, gradual trust rebuilding, and learning from the experience are integral.

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2024-01-26T23:36:46-05:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2023, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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ScamsNOW! The News & Commentary Magazine about Scams Scammers & Scam Survivors from SCARS Institute

Our Latest SCARS Institute Articles

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Welcome to ScamsNOW.com

ScamsNOW.com! the SCARS news & features magazine about scams & fraud

Our ScamsNOW mission is to present important news & commentary about the global state of scams, fraud, & cybercrime, the criminals that engage in these crimes, law enforcement & governmental issues, and explore the challenging issues that victims face.

2024-09-04T03:56:39-04:00
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Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self Worth – 2024

Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self-Worth

Helping Scam Victims Understand One of the Trauma Responses that Can Contribute to Vulnerability to Scams

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Trauma can significantly alter an individual’s behavior, leading to patterns of pleasing and appeasing others as a way to avoid conflict, feel safe, or prevent further harm. These behaviors often become deeply ingrained, making it difficult for trauma survivors to recognize their authentic identity. Scam victims are especially vulnerable to this cycle, as feelings of guilt and shame may drive them to seek external validation.

However, trauma can have the opposite effect as well, leading to overassertiveness, hyper-independence, or emotional withdrawal as self-protection mechanisms. Understanding these dynamics is critical for trauma recovery. By building self-awareness, victims can identify maladaptive behaviors, set boundaries, and ultimately rebuild their sense of self. Through support and conscious effort, they can break free from these patterns and foster emotional resilience.

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2024-09-26T00:10:03-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Schemas Part 1: Mental Models and Cognitive Shortcuts and Scam Victims – 2024

Schemas Part 1: Mental Models and Cognitive Shortcuts and Scam Victims

Another Way in which our Mental or Cognitive Shortcuts can be Used Against Us!

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Schemas are mental frameworks that help people organize and interpret the information they encounter based on prior experiences and observations. These mental models are not always accurate reflections of reality but are shaped by positive or negative experiences and can be influenced by both true and false information.

For scam victims, these schemas can hide the truth by leading them to believe that the scammer’s actions fit the pattern of a trustworthy person. During the scam, the mental models they’ve built prevent them from seeing red flags or inconsistencies, as they subconsciously try to fit new information into their existing beliefs.

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2024-09-21T01:30:30-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Scam Victims’ Do It Yourself Recovery: Dangers of Equivocation, Minimization, and Reductive Language – 2024

Dangers of Equivocation, Minimization, and Reductive Language

How Language Influences Thought and Impacts Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victims’ Do It Yourself Recovery

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Equivocation, minimization, and reductive language are harmful tools that scam victims often use to downplay or distort their trauma, making the recovery process more difficult. These language patterns may initially offer emotional relief by avoiding the painful reality of the scam, but they ultimately hinder healing.

By minimizing the severity of their experience, victims delay recognizing and processing the emotional and psychological damage they have endured, which can lead to long-term distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This type of language also reinforces self-blame, prevents emotional validation, and limits the support victims receive from others.

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2024-09-16T15:56:36-04:00• DO IT YOURSELF RECOVERY, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control – 2024

Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Many Aspects of the Psychology of Scams that Made Them Vulnerable and Controllable

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Co-dependency plays a major role in why scam victims may fall prey to scammers repeatedly.

It involves an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on others, making victims susceptible to manipulation. Scam victims often feel a strong urge to help or “save” others, and scammers exploit this by creating situations that trigger this impulse.

Breaking the cycle of co-dependency requires self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and learning defensive behaviors to protect against manipulation. Victims must focus on their own well-being and recognize when their empathy is being exploited.

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2024-09-15T00:09:04-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Morality, Ethics, and the Victimhood Mentality – A Philosophical Review – 2024

Morality, Ethics, and the Victimhood Mentality – A Philosophical Review

Understanding the Difference Between Being a Victim and Victimhood

Primary Category: Philosophy of Scam Victim Recovery

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The moral difference between being a victim and embracing victimhood lies in how an individual responds to the harm they have experienced. Being a victim is a temporary condition caused by external factors beyond one’s control, such as falling for a scam. It does not imply moral blame, and it is possible to recover from this state with time and effort. Victimhood, however, involves adopting a mindset where a person continues to define themselves by the harm they’ve endured. This mindset can lead to feelings of powerlessness, entitlement, or resentment, which may hinder personal growth and responsibility.

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2024-09-08T18:34:07-04:00• PHILOSOPHY, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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INTERPOL: International Police Recover Over USD $40 million from International Email Scam Gang – 2024

INTERPOL: International Police Recover Over USD $40 million from International Email Scam Gang

Singapore & Timor Leste Police Make a Major Bust

Primary Category: Crimes & Criminals

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  INTERPOL

INTERPOL: International Police Recover Over USD $40 million from International Email Scam Gang

Singapore authorities make record recovery thanks to cooperation with Timor Leste through INTERPOL

A global stop-payment mechanism developed by INTERPOL has helped Singapore authorities make their largest-ever recovery of funds defrauded in a business email compromise scam.

On 23 July 2024, a commodity firm based in Singapore filed a police report stating that they had fallen victim to a business email compromise scam, in which a scammer obtains access to or impersonates a business email account to deceive employees into transferring money to their bank account.

On 15 July, the firm received an email from a supplier requesting that a pending payment be sent to a new bank account based in Timor Leste. The email, however, came from a fraudulent account spelled slightly differently from the supplier’s official email address.

Unaware, the firm transferred USD 42.3 million to the fake supplier on 19 July, only discovering the crime four days later when the genuine supplier said it had not been paid.

On receipt of the police report, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) swiftly requested assistance from authorities in Timor Leste through INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism.

I-GRIP uses the global police organization’s 196-country police network Read More …

2024-09-08T10:36:24-04:00• CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, INTERPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, SINGAPORE, TIMOR LESTE|
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Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims – 2024

Dark Forest Theory – Scams and Scam Victims

Understanding a Sociological Avoidance Behavior in Scam Victims and Their Desire to Avoid Notice

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The Dark Forest Theory, viewed through a sociological and anthropological lens, suggests that in environments of uncertainty or competition, entities—whether civilizations or individuals—remain hidden to avoid exposing vulnerabilities and risking exploitation or harm.

This concept is rooted in survival strategies where distrust and fear of unknown others drive defensive, secretive behavior. When applied to human interactions, particularly in the realm of scams, the theory explains why victims, after being deceived, might isolate themselves to avoid further manipulation.

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2024-09-05T11:19:05-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • SOCIOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims – 2024

The Peculiar Case of Number Overload in Scam Victims

Because of the Way our Brains Work several things can Overload it!

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Number overload plays a significant role in how scam victims experience escalating financial losses and their ability to recover. Humans are equipped with an innate “number sense” that allows for a quick, intuitive understanding of small quantities, but this ability diminishes with larger numbers. When scammers request increasingly higher amounts, the victim’s cognitive clarity weakens, leading to emotional overwhelm.

Victims often become fixated on the total amount lost, viewing it not just as a financial figure but as a symbol of their betrayal, pain, and regret. This fixation intensifies their trauma, causing ongoing feelings of guilt and shame. This emotional attachment to the lost amount can hinder the victim’s recovery, as they struggle to move past the deception and deal with the overwhelming psychological impact.

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2024-09-04T00:10:04-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Sociology of Scam Victimization – A Brief Introduction – 2024

Sociology of Scam Victimization – A Brief Introduction

An Understanding of the Process and Impact of Victimization of Scam Victims

Primary Category: Sociology of Scam Victimization

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The Sociology of Scam Victimization examines the social dynamics, stigmas, and institutional responses that shape the experiences of individuals deceived by scams. Scam victims often face social stigma, being unfairly blamed and labeled as gullible, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.

The concept of the “Chain of Suspicion” highlights how mistrust spreads from the victim to their social circle and institutions, further complicating recovery. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, improving support systems, and addressing the societal factors that contribute to scam victimization.

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2024-09-03T07:00:15-04:00• SOCIOLOGY / POLITICAL SCIENCE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Uncanny Valley and Scams – A View of Scam Victims’ Suspension of Disbelief – 2024

The Uncanny Valley and Scams – A View of Scam Victims’ Suspension of Disbelief

How these Concepts Play a Significant Role in Scams and their Impact on Scam Victims

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

With scams and deception, suspension of disbelief and the Uncanny Valley both play critical roles in how scam victims are manipulated.

Suspension of disbelief allows victims to overlook subtle inconsistencies or “off” elements in a scammer’s communication—whether it’s slightly unnatural language, odd phrasing, or even strange behavior in deepfake videos—because they are emotionally invested in the relationship or narrative presented by the scammer.

The Uncanny Valley, typically associated with unease triggered by near-human but slightly flawed entities, can also apply to written and visual communications that seem almost real but provoke a subtle discomfort.

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2024-09-01T22:13:08-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Spider-Webbing in Relationship Scams and its Impact on Scam Victims – 2024

Spider-Webbing in Relationship Scams and its Impact on Scam Victims

Understanding How Scammer Manipulation, Lies, and Deceit are Woven Together into a Web that Holds Scam Victims

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

“Spider-webbing” in relationship scams refers to the manipulative techniques scammers use to entangle their victims in a complex web of deceit, making it difficult for them to break free. Much like a spider methodically constructs its web to trap prey, scammers build an intricate network of emotional manipulation, fabricated relationships, and psychological control.

These tactics create a sense of dependency in the victim, isolating them from outside support and reinforcing the scammer’s hold over them. As victims become more emotionally, financially, and psychologically invested, they find it increasingly challenging to escape the web of lies, often requiring external support and professional intervention to break free.

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2024-08-27T22:10:16-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Defeatism and its Impact on Scam Victims and Law Enforcement – 2024

Defeatism and its Impact on Law Enforcement and Scam Victims

How Defeatism Undermines Individual and Collective Efforts in the Fight Against Scams and Impacts Global Law Enforcement and Justice Systems

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Defeatism is a mindset where individuals or groups believe that failure is inevitable, leading to a lack of effort and a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. This attitude can spread through society, hindering collective efforts to address significant challenges, such as combatting scams.

In global law enforcement and the justice system, defeatism can result in reduced motivation to pursue criminals, limited international cooperation, and insufficient resources dedicated to fighting scams.

For scam victims, defeatism manifests as a sense of hopelessness, inaction, and resignation, making it difficult for them to recover or seek justice.

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2024-08-27T01:48:51-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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In Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim – 2024

In Trust-Based Relationship Scams – It’s About the Criminal, Not About You the Scam Victim

It is Hard for Scam Victims to Understand that the Crime had Nothing to do with Them! It was just a Business Transaction for the Criminals!

Primary Category: Victimology

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Scam victims often feel deeply betrayed and hurt, believing the scam was a personal attack on their emotions and intentions. However, it’s crucial to understand that relationship scams, whether involving romance, cryptocurrency investments, or other variants, are impersonal crimes driven by the scammer’s sole objective: financial gain.

Scammers operate with a cold detachment, seeing victims as targets rather than individuals, and they often run multiple scams simultaneously, using fake personas to manipulate emotions. Recognizing that the scam was not personal allows victims to separate their emotions from the crime, helping them to focus on recovery and self-protection rather than internalizing blame.

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2024-08-22T15:46:41-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims After The Scam – Part 2 – 2024

Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims After the Scam

Part 2

Understanding the Effects that Culture Can Have on Cognition After Scam Victimization

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Cultural cognition theory offers crucial insights into how individuals’ cultural values and social identities shape their responses after falling victim to scams. These cultural factors influence how victims react to the discovery of the scam, their willingness to report it, and their ability to recover.

Victims from cultures that emphasize personal responsibility may internalize blame, leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek help, while those from collectivist cultures might be concerned about how their victimization reflects on their community, leading to underreporting. The stigma associated with being scammed can further deter victims from discussing their experiences or seeking assistance.

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2024-08-17T23:10:50-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, WORLDWIDE|
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Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims And Scams – Part 1 – 2024

Cultural Cognition And Its Impact On Scam Victims And Scams

Part 1

Understanding the Effects that Culture Can Have on Cognition Before and During Scam Victimization

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Cultural cognition theory is a framework that explores how individuals’ cultural values and social backgrounds shape their perceptions of risk, facts, and policy preferences. This theory, developed by scholars such as Dan Kahan and Donald Braman, suggests that people process information in ways that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, which are deeply influenced by their cultural affiliations.

These cultural worldviews typically fall along dimensions such as hierarchy versus egalitarianism and individualism versus communitarianism. For example, people with hierarchical and individualistic worldviews might downplay environmental risks to avoid supporting regulations that could threaten social structures or individual freedoms, while those with egalitarian and communitarian values may emphasize such risks due to their belief in collective responsibility.

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2024-08-17T22:34:59-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, WORLDWIDE|
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Lost Time – Losing Our Sense Of Time Passing When Trauma Is Involved – 2024

Lost Time – Losing Our Sense Of Time Passing When Trauma Is Involved

How Trauma Affects Our Sense of Time

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Disrupted time perception is a significant issue for individuals who have experienced profound psychological trauma, such as victims of relationship scams. This phenomenon occurs when the brain’s ability to perceive and process the passage of time is altered, often making past traumatic events feel as though they happened more recently than they actually did.

Several processes in the brain contribute to this distortion. The hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation and organizing events chronologically, can be affected by trauma, leading to disorganized or fragmented memories. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, can heighten the emotional intensity of these memories, making them more vivid and seemingly recent.

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2024-08-17T10:18:56-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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The Mind-Brain Bias And How This Deters People From Getting Help When They Need It – 2024

The Mind-Brain Bias And How This Deters People From Getting Help When They Need It

The Challenge of Helping Scam Victims When They Cannot Accept What Has Happened to Their Brain from Trauma

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

The mind-brain bias, a cognitive bias rooted in the belief that the mind and self are distinct from brain processes, significantly hinders individuals, including scam victims, from seeking essential psychological, psychiatric, or neurological help after experiencing trauma.

This bias, influenced by dualistic thinking and cultural beliefs, leads to a misunderstanding of mental health, where individuals may reject the idea that their symptoms are brain-based and instead attribute them to personal weakness or spiritual issues. As a result, victims might avoid evidence-based treatments, such as psychiatric medication or therapy, out of fear of judgment or being labeled “crazy.”

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2024-08-16T20:16:37-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Self-Blame Is Insidious – 2024

Self-Blame is Insidious and so Destructive!

Once Self-Blame Sets In it is Very Hard to Overcome!

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Self-blame is particularly damaging for scam victims as they attempt to overcome the trauma of a relationship scam. It significantly amplifies their trauma, hinders emotional recovery, and impedes their ability to seek help and support. Self-blame distorts the victim’s perception of the scam, preventing them from recognizing the external manipulation they were subjected to. Overcoming self-blame is crucial for healing, learning from experiences, and rebuilding lives with resilience and self-compassion.

This involves acknowledging that the scam was not their fault and seeking professional help as essential steps in the recovery journey. The insidious nature of self-blame can lead to a drop in self-esteem, feelings of shame and guilt, and isolation from potential support systems.

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2024-08-08T12:31:11-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Ignoring Past Trauma and Abandoning Authenticity: Lessons from Gabor Maté – 2024

Ignoring Past Trauma and Abandoning Authenticity: Lessons from Gabor Maté

Exploring the Great Danger of Abandoning Authenticity for Scam Victims in Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.
•  Based on the work of Gabor Maté

About This Article

Ignoring past trauma and abandoning authenticity, as explored by Gabor Maté, highlights how individuals often suppress their true feelings and instincts to cope with pain, leading to further emotional harm. This suppression can manifest as disconnection from one’s genuine self and perpetuate cycles of trauma.

Reclaiming authenticity, especially for scam victims, involves acknowledging and expressing true emotions, rebuilding self-trust, and aligning actions with core values. This process is crucial for healing, as it helps victims restore self-worth, improve mental health, and build resilience against future vulnerabilities. Embracing authenticity allows individuals to process trauma effectively and live a life true to themselves.

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2024-08-01T09:48:10-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|
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INTERPOL Operation Jackal III Arrests More Than 300 Scammers – 2024

INTERPOL Operation Jackal III Arrests More Than 300 Scammers

Major Interpol Led Operation Targets ‘Black Axe’ and Other Organized Crime Groups

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  INTERPOL

About This Article

A global law enforcement operation, Operation Jackal III, targeted West African organized crime groups, including Black Axe, resulting in 300 arrests and the seizure of USD 3 million in assets.

Running from April 10 to July 3, 2024, across 21 countries, the operation focused on combating online financial fraud and dismantling criminal networks. Over 400 suspects were identified, and over 720 bank accounts were blocked.

The operation highlighted the critical need for international collaboration in addressing the alarming rise in financial fraud stemming from West Africa.

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2024-07-16T12:21:23-04:00• CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, INTERPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|
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Self-Location Uncertainty And Scam Victims – 2024

Self-Location Uncertainty and Scam Victims

A Common Psychological Phenomenon that Many Experience Can Become Especially Pronounced After a Scam for Scam Victims

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Self-location uncertainty, a cognitive state marked by disorientation in time, space, and identity, can profoundly affect scam victims. This phenomenon, commonly experienced in everyday life through moments of confusion about one’s surroundings or a disjointed sense of time, becomes magnified in scam victims.

The aftermath of a scam can leave individuals feeling temporally and spatially disoriented, unsure of their environment, and distrustful of social relationships. Psychological impacts, such as heightened vigilance, paranoia, and an identity crisis, further exacerbate this uncertainty. Coping strategies, including professional therapy, grounding techniques, and support networks, are crucial for regaining stability and coherence.

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2024-07-07T00:39:13-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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For Scam Victims – The Idea Of Happiness – Finding It Again – 2024

For Scam Victims – The Idea Of Happiness – Finding It Again

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Foundations of Happiness and How to Find It

Primary Category: Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Rebuilding happiness for scam victims is a transformative journey of emotional healing and self-discovery. It begins with acknowledging and processing trauma, often with the support of counseling and a validating environment.

Reestablishing trust in oneself, others, and systems is pivotal, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of security. Through dedicated self-care, education about scams, setting achievable goals, and cultivating gratitude, victims can reclaim a sense of purpose and joy.

This journey empowers individuals to convert their trauma into strength, fostering enduring happiness grounded in self-compassion and meaningful connections.

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2024-07-06T08:20:26-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Are Corporate Employees That Fall For Scams – Victims Or Negligent? – 2024

Are Corporate Employees That Fall For Scams – Victims Or Negligent?

An Analysis of the Consequences of Being Scammed in the Corporate Context

Primary Category: Editorial/Commentary

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

A conversation with a leading cybersecurity training company highlighted the prevalent belief that employees responsible for cybersecurity breaches are reckless and negligent. However, this perspective can harm organizational security by creating fear and inhibiting employees from actively participating in remediation efforts.

Recognizing employees as victims of sophisticated social engineering tactics rather than as culprits can foster a more supportive environment, leading to better prevention and recovery from cyberattacks.

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2024-06-16T03:38:52-04:00• ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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Existential Specialness And Scam Victims – 2024

Existential Specialness And Scam Victims

Helping Us All Understand the Biases and Mentalities that Make Us Vulnerable and challenge our Recovery

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Existential specialness, the belief that one’s existence is uniquely significant, can profoundly complicate recovery for scam victims. When individuals with this mentality fall prey to scams, they often experience intense cognitive dissonance. This clash between their self-perception of being invulnerable and the reality of being deceived generates feelings of shame and embarrassment, making it difficult for them to openly acknowledge their victimization and seek support.

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2024-06-12T18:46:00-04:00Tim McGuinness PhD, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE|
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Thought Patterns That Sustain Depression – An Overview for Scam Victims – 2024

Thought Patterns That Sustain Depression – An Overview for Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims Understand Depression and the Need For Help!

Primary Category: Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Victims of relationship scams often experience profound emotional and psychological impacts, including depression, due to feelings of betrayal and diminished self-worth. Addressing the cognitive patterns that sustain depression is crucial for their recovery.

Almost all scam victims suffer from trauma, and while resilience varies, every victim should be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional to prevent worsening symptoms. There is no shame in seeking help; it is a courageous step towards healing. Mental health professionals provide a safe, non-judgmental space for victims to process their experiences, rebuild self-esteem, and develop coping strategies. Early intervention can mitigate long-term effects, helping victims regain control over their lives and well-being.

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2024-06-10T22:35:43-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Neurodivergent/Neuroatypical/Autistic Scam Victims And Manipulation In Relationship Scams – 2024

Neurodivergent/Neuroatypical/Autistic Scam Victims and Manipulation in Relationship Scams

Neurodivergent Individuals face special challenges in both Avoiding Scams and Recovering from the Trauma they produce

Protecting Neurodivergent Individuals with Strategies to Avoid Scams and Fraud and How to Recover from Them

Primary Category: Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – 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.

About This Article

Neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, are particularly vulnerable to scams due to unique cognitive and social challenges. Scammers exploit difficulties in social communication, trust, and decision-making, often targeting these individuals’ need for routine and connection.

Protecting neurodivergent adults requires tailored education about common scams, support networks to aid in decision-making, and practical safeguards like secure digital practices.

Recovery from scams should focus on specialized therapy to address trauma, rebuilding trust, enhancing executive functioning skills, and providing financial counseling.

By understanding these vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive support, we can help neurodivergent individuals avoid scams and recover effectively if targeted.

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2024-06-10T12:20:20-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|
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Philosophy of Scams: Harry Frankfurt’s Hierarchical Compatibilism – A Different Perspective on Scam Victimization – 2024

Harry Frankfurt’s Hierarchical Compatibilism

– A Different Perspective on Scam Victimization – Why People Become Scam Victims

Primary Category: Philosophy of Scams

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Understanding how victimization occurs and its impact on people is essential for several reasons. First, it allows for the development of effective prevention strategies, informing potential victims about warning signs and defensive measures. Second, it helps provide appropriate support to victims, addressing emotional wounds and aiding in the recovery process.

Furthermore, understanding victimization empowers empathy, reduces stigma, and informs policy-making and legal frameworks. Harry Frankfurt’s hierarchical compatibilism offers a nuanced perspective on free will and moral responsibility by emphasizing the alignment of actions with higher-order desires and volitions.

Applying this theory to scam victimization illustrates how victims lose their agency under manipulation, absolving them of moral responsibility for their actions in instances of fraudulent exploitation.

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2024-06-07T12:48:20-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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The Paradox Of Relationship Scams – Another Perspective – 2024

The Paradox Of Relationship Scams – Another Perspective

Another Way of Thinking About Relationship Scams from a Paradoxical Viewpoint!

Primary Category: Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Relationship scams are full of paradoxes that highlight the complex and contradictory nature of fraud. Victims are ensnared through a blend of trust and deception, where they build deep emotional connections with scammers who appear benevolent but are driven by financial greed.

This trust, intended to provide security, is paradoxically the tool of their exploitation. Similarly, scammers create a sense of empowerment and safety in their victims, encouraging bold decisions and enabling growth, only to disempower and manipulate them, leading to financial and emotional ruin.

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2024-06-04T16:14:49-04:00• PSYCHOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • FOR SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD|
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