Heartbreak – What Is It? How Does It Affect Romance Scam Victims? – 2024
Heartbreak – What Is It? How Does It Affect Romance Scam Victims?
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Recovering from Heartbreak for Scam Victims
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
Romance scams are deeply damaging, not only financially but emotionally, often leaving victims feeling betrayed, humiliated, and angry. The psychological manipulation that scammers use is highly effective because it taps into victims’ emotions, making them vulnerable.
Scammers create fake identities, build trust over time, and manipulate victims into sending money or sensitive information.
Anger after a scam ends is a natural response for victims because of the profound betrayal and violation of trust. They often direct their frustration toward both the scammer and themselves for falling victim. This anger is part of the emotional and psychological trauma they must navigate during their recovery, requiring time, support, and self-compassion.
