Poiesis – The Philosophy of Building a New Life After the Scam for Scam Victims
The Poiesis of Scam Recovery: a Process of Transformation, Rebuilding the Sense of Self and Identity, Trust and Security, and Finding Purpose After Scams for Scam Victims
Primary Category: Philosophy of Scam Victim Recovery
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Authors:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Inspired by Philosopher Jonny Thomson
About This Article
Poiesis, the ancient Greek concept of creation and transformation, offers a profound framework for understanding the journey scam victims undertake as they rebuild their lives after fraud. In the aftermath of deception, victims often experience shattered trust, fractured identities, and emotional scars. Poiesis represents the transformative process of turning this trauma into personal growth, resilience, and empowerment. Through acts of creation—whether reframing their narratives, engaging in small steps of recovery, or helping others—victims shape new identities that reflect strength and hard-earned wisdom.
This process, however, is gradual and ongoing. Victims do not return to who they once were; instead, they craft a new, more resilient self, shaped by the lessons of their experience. By engaging in storytelling, advocacy, or creative expression, victims regain control over their narratives, transforming the scam from a point of shame into a source of empowerment. These small but meaningful actions accumulate, much like an artist refining their work, leading to lasting transformation.
Moreover, the recovery journey is often communal. Victims find healing through support networks, shared experiences, and collaboration with others who have faced similar betrayals. This collective aspect of poiesis highlights that healing is not a solitary endeavor but a shared process of mutual growth and understanding. Through these connections, victims contribute to a broader societal awareness that strengthens others against potential scams.
Ultimately, poiesis allows scam victims to turn wounds into wisdom and vulnerability into strength. The scam does not define their identity but becomes a catalyst for personal and collective renewal. This transformative process not only aids individual recovery but fosters resilience and protection within communities, ensuring that the lessons drawn from pain serve a greater purpose.
The Poiesis of Scam Recovery: a Process of Transformation, Rebuilding the Sense of Self and Identity, Trust and Security, and Finding Purpose After Scams for Scam Victims
What is Poiesis: an Introduction
Poiesis is an ancient Greek term (ποίησις) meaning “to make” or “to bring forth”. It refers to the act of creation or production, often with an emphasis on bringing something into being that did not exist before. The term is commonly associated with art, literature, and philosophy, reflecting the process by which an artist, writer, or thinker generates new ideas, works, or forms.
In philosophical terms, particularly in the works of Martin Heidegger, poiesis takes on a deeper meaning. Heidegger described poiesis as a process of “unconcealment”—the revealing of truth or the essence of things. It represents a moment when something emerges into the world from a state of non-being or hiddenness.
Key Aspects of Poiesis:
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- Creative Act: The active process of making or shaping.
- Emergence: The transition from potential to actual.
- Unconcealment: In Heidegger’s view, poiesis reveals truths or insights that were previously hidden.
- Art and Craft: Often linked to the creation of art, poetry, and craftsmanship.
In modern contexts, poiesis can be used to describe any creative or transformative process (such as ‘recovery’)—whether it’s artistic expression, technological innovation, or personal growth.
The Poiesis of Scam Recovery: Rebuilding Identity and Trust After Fraud
The aftermath of a scam leaves victims with more than just financial loss. It shatters trust, fractures self-perception, and often leaves emotional scars that linger long after the fraudulent transactions are complete. For many, the experience feels like an unraveling of their sense of self, a collapse of the identity they believed was secure. Yet, embedded within this struggle is the possibility of poiesis—the act of creation, of bringing forth something new from the wreckage. In the context of scam victim recovery, poiesis represents the profound process of reshaping identity, reclaiming agency, and rediscovering trust in both the external world and within themselves.
The Destruction Before Creation
Scams operate not just by exploiting financial resources but by manipulating emotions, relationships, and the need for connection or security. Victims are left questioning their judgment and often experience intense feelings of shame and guilt. This internalized blame compounds the trauma, creating a psychological landscape marked by doubt and fear. The very foundation upon which victims built their lives—trust in their decisions, confidence in their perceptions—becomes fragile.
In the wake of such deception, it is common for victims to feel like fractured versions of themselves. The comfortable narrative that once defined their life no longer holds. This dissolution mirrors the ancient understanding of poiesis: before something new can emerge, there must be a clearing away of the old. It is in this disorientation that the seeds of transformation begin to take root.
Poiesis as a Path to Rebuilding
Poiesis, in its essence, is about bringing into existence that which was not there before. For scam victims, the road to healing often requires a deliberate reconstruction of identity and emotional resilience. This isn’t about returning to who they were before the scam; it is about creating a new, stronger self that incorporates the lessons learned from the experience.
Reclaiming Narrative Control
A crucial element of poiesis is storytelling—reframing the experience. Scam victims often feel as though the scammer wrote their story, controlling the chapters of loss and deception. Poiesis invites victims to rewrite that narrative from the perspective of survival and growth. The scam becomes not just an endpoint but a catalyst for deeper understanding, reinforcing their ability to navigate future challenges. By owning their narrative, victims shift from passive recipients of fraud to active agents of their recovery.
For example, victims who once blamed themselves for being deceived can reframe their experience as one of learning and empowerment. They can highlight the red flags they missed and recognize how they will avoid similar pitfalls in the future. This act of reshaping the narrative is more than mental reframing; it is a form of psychological reconstruction, an act of poiesis that allows victims to craft new meaning from hardship.
The Art of Small Recoveries
In poiesis, small acts of creation accumulate into profound transformation. For victims, this can manifest in daily actions—rebuilding financial stability, engaging in support groups, or even practicing mindfulness to manage anxiety. Each effort, no matter how minor, contributes to the larger process of re-emergence. Just as an artist crafts a sculpture one chisel at a time, scam victims shape their recovery through incremental victories.
These small recoveries can range from reconnecting with supportive friends to attending workshops on scam awareness. Each action reinforces the idea that healing is not instantaneous but a continuous unfolding of self-renewal. Victims learn that recovery is not about forgetting the scam but about transforming the experience into a stepping stone toward growth.
Rediscovering Trust Through Relationships
Poiesis isn’t a solitary endeavor. The creation of new trust and resilience often occurs within communities of support. Scam victims find healing in the presence of others who understand their experiences. This collective poiesis reinforces the idea that from shared pain, a new sense of belonging can emerge.
Support groups and victim advocacy networks create spaces where survivors can share their stories, exchange advice, and encourage one another. In these environments, victims not only heal but also participate in the poiesis of others’ recovery journeys. They become co-creators in a shared process of renewal, demonstrating that healing often occurs in communal spaces.
From Wound to Wisdom
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of poiesis is its capacity to turn wounds into sources of wisdom. Victims of scams, once they move beyond the initial pain, often become advocates and educators, guiding others away from similar pitfalls. In this way, the scam that once diminished them becomes the raw material from which a more empowered version of themselves emerges.
Victims who engage in outreach programs or assist law enforcement in identifying scam tactics embody the transformative essence of poiesis. Their experiences serve as warnings and lessons for others, preventing future scams and creating ripple effects of positive change. Through these efforts, the trauma of the scam is no longer a stagnant wound but a catalyst for broader societal awareness and protection.
The Transformative Power of Poiesis for Scam Victims
Poiesis, the act of creation and transformation, holds a profound capacity to reshape the aftermath of trauma. For scam victims, the initial experience of deception, loss, and emotional devastation often feels like an irreparable wound. Yet, through poiesis, this wound can evolve into a source of wisdom, resilience, and empowerment. The transformative process does not erase the pain, but rather reconfigures it into something valuable—something that can guide not only the victim but others who may be vulnerable to similar experiences.
The journey from wound to wisdom begins when victims acknowledge and confront the depth of their experience. Scam victims often grapple with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and self-blame. This internalized suffering can keep them trapped in isolation, reinforcing the idea that they are alone in their ordeal. However, when victims allow themselves to process their emotions through storytelling, art, or even simple conversations, they initiate the alchemical process of poiesis. By externalizing the experience, they shift from being passive recipients of harm to active participants in their healing.
In time, many victims find meaning in their experiences by becoming advocates, educators, and support figures for others. They speak out in community events, participate in victim support groups, or engage with online forums where scam prevention is the focus. By sharing their stories, they demystify the tactics used by fraudsters and create awareness that may prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes. This role as a guide or mentor is a powerful embodiment of poiesis—the victim channels personal pain into collective benefit, reinforcing the idea that while the scam was a moment of loss, the aftermath can be one of gain.
Victims who engage in outreach programs, webinars, and law enforcement collaborations further extend the reach of their wisdom. By assisting in investigations or contributing insights into the psychological tactics scammers use, they become part of the solution to a larger societal issue. Their stories humanize crime prevention, grounding abstract warnings in real-life examples that resonate more deeply with the public. The knowledge gained through suffering thus becomes an essential part of strengthening communities against future fraud, creating a ripple effect that transforms personal adversity into societal resilience.
Moreover, the creative process of poiesis enables scam victims to reshape the narrative surrounding their experience. Instead of being defined by the scam, they redefine themselves as survivors, teachers, and advocates. Some choose artistic avenues to process their trauma—writing memoirs, creating visual art, or engaging in performance-based storytelling. These creative acts become testaments to their journey, physical representations of their growth and healing. The art not only provides personal catharsis but serves as a beacon of solidarity for others in similar circumstances.
In this process of transformation, the victim experiences a shift in identity—from someone who was deceived to someone who possesses rare and hard-earned insight. The scam, once a point of vulnerability, becomes a platform for empowerment. This metamorphosis reflects a broader human capacity to turn suffering into wisdom and injustice into advocacy.
Ultimately, poiesis reminds us that while the experience of being scammed can fracture one’s sense of trust and confidence, it can also be the foundation for renewed strength and purpose. Scam victims who engage in this transformative process are not merely recovering; they are evolving into agents of change. In doing so, they contribute to a cycle of protection and awareness that ripples through communities, reinforcing the idea that healing is not just personal—it can be profoundly collective.
From the ashes of deception, scam victims can rise with a deeper sense of self-awareness and a commitment to safeguarding others. This transformative cycle ensures that the harm they endured does not remain stagnant but becomes a catalyst for personal growth and communal safety. Poiesis, in its truest form, is not just about recovering from trauma—it is about redefining it into a legacy of strength, empowerment, and enduring wisdom.
Poiesis as an Ongoing Journey
Healing through poiesis is not instantaneous; it unfolds over time, shaped by effort, reflection, and the courage to confront discomfort. Scam victims often find that they are not simply returning to who they were—they are becoming someone more whole, resilient, and profoundly aware of their own strength.
This process reflects the deeper philosophical understanding of poiesis as a journey without a definitive endpoint. Just as artists continue refining their work, victims continue evolving, crafting new dimensions of their identity with each passing day. The scars remain, but they no longer signify loss. Instead, they become symbols of transformation and survival.
A Lifelong Path of Healing for Scam Victims
Healing through poiesis is not a single moment of revelation or a rapid return to normalcy. It is a gradual, evolving process shaped by reflection, effort, and the willingness to navigate the discomfort that accompanies recovery. For scam victims, the path forward often feels like uncharted territory—marked by emotional upheaval, the search for meaning, and the challenge of rebuilding trust in both others and themselves. However, the essence of poiesis lies in the belief that transformation is not about reclaiming a previous state of being, but about crafting a new, more resilient identity from the fragments left behind.
In the wake of a scam, victims often experience a sense of disintegration—a rupture in their sense of self. The betrayal, financial loss, and erosion of confidence create a void that feels insurmountable. Yet poiesis, as a creative and transformative process, offers a pathway through this void. Rather than attempting to erase the experience, victims gradually engage with it, shaping the raw material of their trauma into something meaningful. This could take the form of participating in support groups, journaling their experiences, or contributing to awareness campaigns. Each act of engagement serves as a brushstroke in the ongoing canvas of their healing journey, slowly reconstructing their identity in ways that reflect growth, strength, and wisdom.
A key aspect of poiesis is its recognition of healing as nonlinear. There will be setbacks—days when the weight of what was lost feels heavier than the strength gained. This cyclical nature of recovery mirrors the artistic process itself; just as an artist might step back from their work to reassess and refine, scam victims must allow themselves moments of reflection and rest. Each instance of self-doubt or vulnerability becomes an opportunity to re-engage with their evolving sense of self, reinforcing the idea that healing is not about erasing scars but embracing them as symbols of survival and transformation.
Over time, victims may find that the person they are becoming is not simply a restored version of their former self but someone more aware, empathetic, and grounded. This echoes the philosophical understanding of poiesis as an ongoing act of becoming—an unfolding process with no definitive endpoint. Just as sculptors continue chiseling at stone or writers perpetually revise their drafts, scam victims refine and reshape their inner world through each new experience. The act of healing becomes a lifelong pursuit of meaning, resilience, and self-discovery.
For many victims, this evolving identity manifests in a heightened sense of purpose. They may feel compelled to use their experiences to educate others, advocate for stronger protections against scams, or mentor fellow survivors. In doing so, the scam ceases to be a source of shame or weakness. Instead, it becomes a pivotal chapter in their personal narrative—one that speaks to their capacity for growth and their ability to transform suffering into a tool for empowerment. The scars left behind no longer signify loss; they stand as markers of endurance and evidence of the transformative journey that continues to shape them.
Moreover, poiesis as an ongoing journey invites victims to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion—not only for themselves but for others navigating similar paths. This shared understanding fosters community, reinforcing the idea that healing is not a solitary endeavor but a collective experience. In connecting with others, victims create spaces of mutual support where the wisdom drawn from one person’s healing journey can serve as a guiding light for someone else.
Ultimately, the transformative power of poiesis lies in its recognition that growth and healing are continuous. Scam victims, through their resilience and evolving sense of self, illustrate that even the deepest wounds can become wellsprings of wisdom. Their journey does not conclude with the simple act of recovery; it extends into every interaction, choice, and act of creation that follows. In this way, poiesis becomes not just a tool for healing but a philosophy for living—a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit to shape meaning from adversity and to carry forward with newfound purpose and clarity.
Ideas to Help Reshape a Victim into a Survivor
how scam victims can use psychoeducation to empower themselves during recovery:
Understanding Cognitive Biases
Victims can learn about common cognitive biases that scammers exploit, such as:
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- Optimism Bias – Believing “It won’t happen to me.”
- Authority Bias – Trusting individuals who claim to be in positions of power.
- Scarcity Effect – Feeling pressured to act quickly because the scammer claims an offer is limited.
By recognizing these mental patterns, victims can reflect on their experiences, reducing self-blame and increasing future awareness.
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Example: A victim who fell for a fake investment opportunity can study the psychology behind Ponzi schemes and learn how the promise of exclusivity manipulates decision-making. This knowledge helps them stay cautious when similar schemes arise.
Emotional Regulation Techniques
Learning about the brain-body connection and the impact of trauma can help victims regain control over their emotions.
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- Grounding Techniques – Practicing deep breathing, focusing on sensory input (e.g., feeling the floor beneath their feet), and progressive muscle relaxation.
- Mindfulness and Meditation – Helps reduce intrusive thoughts, regulate emotions, and reframe negative self-talk.
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Example: A romance scam victim experiencing anxiety and shame can use guided meditation apps to calm their nervous system. Over time, this can help reduce trauma responses when triggered by memories of the scam.
Building Critical Thinking Skills
Victims can participate in workshops or online courses that enhance critical thinking, skepticism, and digital literacy.
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- Fact-Checking Skills – Learning how to verify information, identify red flags, and question suspicious claims.
- Cybersecurity Education – Understanding phishing tactics, data protection measures, and safe online practices.
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Example: A victim of an online phishing scam can take cybersecurity courses, empowering them to recognize fraudulent emails and avoid further exploitation.
Role-Playing and Scenario Practice
NOTE: We have found that this is best done with a therapist as ut tends to invoke strong emotions, including anger. Thus it is not well suited to a support group.
Engaging in role-playing exercises with support groups or therapists allows victims to simulate real-world scenarios in a safe environment. This builds confidence and reinforces boundaries.
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- Practice Saying No – Victims rehearse rejecting suspicious requests and disengaging from manipulative conversations.
- Mock Scam Encounters – Participating in mock scams to identify warning signs and practice quick decision-making.
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Example: A victim who was scammed by an impersonator can participate in role-play exercises with a therapist, practicing how to handle unexpected phone calls from “authorities” or “bank representatives.”
Journaling and Reflective Exercises
Victims can track their emotional recovery by writing about their experiences. Reflective journaling allows them to recognize patterns, document progress, and reframe their narrative.
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- Gratitude Journals – Focusing on positive outcomes, even small victories, helps shift focus from trauma to growth.
- Narrative Rewriting – Victims rewrite the story of their scam experience from a position of strength and empowerment.
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Example: A victim journals about how they survived the scam and highlight the steps they have taken toward recovery, reinforcing a sense of resilience and progress.
Engaging with Support Groups and Forums
Participating in online forums or local support groups connects victims with others who have had similar experiences. Sharing knowledge and receiving guidance provides emotional relief and fosters learning.
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- Peer Learning – Victims share tips, coping mechanisms, and resources.
- Collective Education – Groups invite guest speakers or experts to educate members on scam tactics and recovery tools.
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Example: A scam victim joins an online support forum and discovers new financial resources to recover stolen assets and safeguard against future fraud.
Art and Creative Expression
Psychoeducation can include creative outlets like art, music, or writing, allowing victims to process emotions and trauma through non-verbal means.
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- Expressive Arts Therapy – Victims create art that represents their journey from victimhood to empowerment.
- Storytelling Workshops – Sharing their scam experience through writing or public speaking helps victims take control of their narrative.
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Example: A victim participates in a poetry class and writes about their experience, finding a sense of closure and new self-expression.
By integrating psychoeducation through these methods, scam victims can regain confidence, rebuild their lives, and reduce vulnerability to future scams.
Conclusion
In the end, poiesis offers a powerful reminder: even in the aftermath of deception, there exists the potential for creation, renewal, and redefinition. For scam victims, this is more than hope—it is the blueprint for reclaiming their lives. By embracing poiesis, they forge new identities not in spite of their experiences but because of them. It is through this creative process that they emerge not just as survivors, but as architects of their own healing and growth.
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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
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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
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.
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 to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to 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 Resources:
- Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
- 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
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
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.
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