Continuing Communicating with the Scammers Part 2 – Stop That

Making the Case Why Continuing to Talk to Scammers After Discovery is a Bad Idea – Morally, Ethically, and Psychologically for Scam Victims

Part 2 : Part 1

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

Continuing to communicate with scammers after discovering their deception poses significant risks that extend far beyond the initial scam. This article delves into the psychological, ethical, and practical implications of such engagement, emphasizing the harm it causes to victims and the broader societal impact. Victims may believe they are regaining control or seeking closure, but prolonged interaction often deepens emotional entanglement, erodes critical thinking, and reinforces trauma. Furthermore, continuing to engage with scammers can inadvertently enable their operations by providing feedback that helps refine their tactics, posing risks to future victims.

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Continuing Communicating with the Scammers Part 1 – Why Would Scam Victims Do That?

Making the Case Why Continuing to Talk to Scammers After Discovery is a Bad Idea – Morally, Ethically, and Psychologically for Scam Victims

Part 1 : Part 2

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

Continuing to communicate with scammers after discovering their deceit is fraught with psychological, ethical, and emotional risks, as this article meticulously outlines. While the initial reaction to engage further—whether driven by curiosity, anger, or a desire for closure—may seem rational, the consequences are often deeply damaging. Victims may unwittingly perpetuate their own emotional entanglement, enabling the scammer’s tactics and delaying their recovery.

Through a detailed exploration of psychological mechanisms such as trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, and the mere exposure effect, this analysis demonstrates how even savvy individuals can fall prey to deeper manipulation. Ethical questions also come to the forefront, challenging the justification of revenge-driven interactions or attempts to “outsmart” the scammer.

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