How Avoidance of Consequences Deepens Anxiety for Scam Victims – 2024

How Avoidance of Consequences Deepens Anxiety for Scam Victims

Understanding How Impactful Avoidance is on the Psychology of Scam Victims in Promoting Anxiety

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

Scam victims often use avoidance to cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath of their experience, leading to increased anxiety and hindering recovery.

Avoidance behaviors can include steering clear of financial and legal responsibilities, withdrawing from social interactions, and neglecting emotional healing. Victims may also avoid educating themselves about scams and their psychological impacts, which prevents them from understanding their trauma and protecting themselves in the future.

This avoidance reinforces anxiety by increasing rumination, prolonging stress, and creating a cycle of avoidance reinforcement. Exposure therapy, gradual confrontation of fears, professional help, and support groups are essential for breaking this cycle and promoting recovery.

Residual Fear In Scam Victims – 2024

Residual Fear In Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand Residual or Chronic Fear that can remain with them

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

After falling victim to a scam, scam victims often grapple with a multitude of fears, both rational and irrational, which are fueled by trauma, grief, shame, and self-blame. These fears, whether imagined or grounded in reality, are profoundly impactful and valid for the victims experiencing them.

Residual fear manifests in various forms, such as the fear of recurrence, vulnerability, trusting others, loss of control, emotional consequences, social stigma, and retaliation. Such fears can persist long after the initial shock of the scam, affecting victims’ daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being.

Anxiety And Mindfulness – A Tool For Scam Victims – 2024 – [VIDEOS]

Anxiety And Mindfulness – A Tool For Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims/Survivors to Understand Mindfulness Techniques to Aid in their Recovery

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Based on the work of Dr. Ron Siegel and others

About This Article

In the aftermath of falling victim to scams, fear and anxiety often haunt scam survivors, hindering their peace of mind and emotional well-being. However, Mindfulness serves as a potent tool for scam victims, offering solace and empowerment amidst adversity.

Trauma expert Dr. Ron Siegel emphasizes that mindfulness practices provide a simple yet profound antidote to anxiety, guiding individuals to embrace the present moment and cultivate resilience. By grounding themselves in present-moment awareness, scam victims can confront fear and anxiety with compassion and equanimity, reclaiming agency over their emotional landscape.

Anxiety