Psychology of Scams

High Justice Sensitivity And Scam Victims – 2024

High Justice Sensitivity And Scam Victims

Understanding What Can Easily Become an Obsessive Behavior or Mentality in Scam Victims

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

High justice sensitivity refers to an individual’s heightened awareness and strong emotional reactions to perceived injustices, whether they occur personally or to others. This trait is characterized by an intense focus on fairness, a deep sense of empathy for victims, and a persistent desire to address wrongs.

People with high justice sensitivity often experience significant distress over unfair situations and may feel compelled to act against perceived injustices, sometimes leading to obsessive thoughts or actions. This sensitivity can manifest in behaviors like advocacy or vigilantism, driven by a need to see justice restored or wrongdoers punished.

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Cognitive Ease – Another Way All Of Us Are Manipulated – 2024

Cognitive Ease – Another Way All Of Us Are Manipulated

An Example of How the Human Mind Makes Manipulation Easy!

You May Not Have Known It, but this is Every Bit as Important as Amygdala Hijacks in Causing Scams

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

Scammers frequently exploit cognitive ease as a critical element in their deceptive practices, capitalizing on the human tendency to favor information that feels familiar, clear, and effortless to process.

This psychological principle reduces critical thinking, making it easier for individuals to accept and trust the information presented to them. Scammers achieve this by using tactics such as friendly and relatable language, appealing to emotions, or simplifying complex scenarios, all of which create a sense of comfort and reliability.

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Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone! 2024

Getting Information Overload Online? – You Are Not Alone!

Humans did NOT Evolve for the Online Life We are Living Now!

Primary Category: Scam 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

Humans have evolved in environments with limited and manageable information flow, yet today we are constantly inundated with data from digital sources, leading to information overload/cognitive overload. This phenomenon occurs when the brain’s capacity to process information is exceeded, resulting in impaired attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by using complex information to overwhelm and confuse individuals, making it difficult for them to discern essential details.

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Boredom: A Potential Principal Cause In Online Scams & Scam Victims Vulnerability – 2024

Boredom: A Potential Principal Cause In Online Scams & Scam Victims Vulnerability

Understanding a Principal Vulnerability to Online Relationship Scams

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

Boredom plays a significant role in driving individuals towards risky online behaviors, often leading to scams and financial fraud. The study “Sounds boring: the causal effect of boredom on self-administration of aversive stimuli in the presence of a positive alternative” by Yusoufzai et al. (2024) highlights that boredom, more than loneliness, compels people to engage in adverse online interactions.

Despite being aware of potential risks, the overwhelming desire to escape boredom prompts individuals to seek stimulation in unsafe ways. Scammers exploit this vulnerability, making boredom a key factor in online fraud.

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The Relationship Between Pain and Pleasure In Scam Victims – 2024

The Relationship Between Pain and Pleasure

How the Brain can Confuse them and what this means for Scam Victims

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

Humans have a complex relationship with pain and pleasure, with the brain often linking the two in unexpected ways. Activities like eating hot peppers or intense exercise can be pleasurable due to the release of endorphins and dopamine, which act as natural painkillers and “feel-good” neurotransmitters.

This extends beyond physical pain to psychological experiences, such as those endured by scam victims. During a scam, victims experience emotional highs and lows, manipulated by scammers to create a cycle of hope and despair, engaging the brain’s reward system. After the scam, the realization of being deceived leads to psychological trauma and chronic stress, mirroring the dynamics of physical pain.

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Do The Fake Names Scammers Use Play A Role In Luring In Victims? 2024

Do The Fake Names Scammers Use Play A Role In Luring In Victims?

Do Names Play a Significant Role in Aiding Luring and Grooming of 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

Common names make it easier for scammers to lure victims because they evoke familiarity and trust. Familiar names like “John,” “Michael,” “Sarah,” or “Emily” reduce initial skepticism and increase engagement since they are associated with real-life individuals the victim might know.

This sense of normalcy helps scammers blend in, making their fake personas appear legitimate and trustworthy. Additionally, common names are easier to remember and pronounce, which enhances communication and rapport building.

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Scam Victims: The Need To Tell Their Stories – The Need For Acceptance – 2024

Scam Victims: The Need To Tell Their Stories – The Need For Acceptance

Being Accepted is a Basic Primal Need we all have! When Scam Victims tell their Stories they Seek Acceptance, but there is a downside too!

Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

Victims of scams and other crimes often feel a primal need to tell their stories, seeking acceptance and validation from others. This act of sharing serves as a means of seeking connection, healing, and empowerment in the aftermath of trauma.

However, storytelling can also be manipulated by con artists to exploit vulnerabilities and perpetrate further deception.

Trauma survivors, in their search for understanding and meaning, may be susceptible to believing false stories and urban legends, further complicating their recovery journey.

Understanding the dual nature of storytelling is crucial in recognizing its role in both healing and victimization, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of truth and fiction in their quest for acceptance and justice.

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Being A Victim – Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams Or Anyone! – 2023 [UPDATED 2024]

Labeling Theory & What It Means For Victims Of Scams

When words evoke strong emotional responses they can mean many things, but most of them are not good. They can easily become triggers for unresolved and unmanaged trauma.

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.
Originally published in 2023 – updated 2024

About This Article

Labeling someone as a victim is simply a descriptive term, but how they react to it can reveal a lot about their emotional state. Some may accept it easily, while others might feel deeply ashamed, guilty, or even proud.

This internalization can lead to what’s called a victim mentality, where a person constantly sees themselves as helpless and blames others for their problems. This mindset can make it hard for them to recover from what happened. Overcoming this mentality involves accepting what happened, allowing themselves to feel their emotions, and seeking support from others.

It’s critical to understand that being labeled a victim doesn’t define a person; with the right help and support, they can move forward and rebuild their lives, reclaiming their sense of agency and resilience in the process.

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A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber – 2024 [VIDEOS]

A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber

Ann Mayers, a Scam Victim lost her life savings and borrowed over $80,000 which she still owed. Out of Desperation, she decided to become a Bank Robber

However, the story is not as simple as it seems due to the trauma and cognitive impairment victims suffer from

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions WLWT5 News and other sources

About This Article

Ann Mayers, a 74-year-old Ohio woman, turned to bank robbery in desperation after falling victim to an online scam.

Police responded to a robbery at AurGroup Credit Union, where Mayers demanded cash at gunpoint. She was later found at her home and confessed to the crime, admitting recent financial losses to an unidentified online scammer. Mayers faces charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence, highlighting the tragic consequences of online scams.

Such scams often leave victims traumatized, affecting their cognitive function and decision-making abilities. Victims may experience cognitive dissonance, struggling to reconcile reality with their desire to believe in the legitimacy of the scam.

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The Zeigarnik Effect On Mind And Perception – Have You Ever Noticed? A Cognitive Bias – 2024

The Zeigarnik Effect On Mind And Perception – Have You Ever Noticed? Strange Qualities Of Perception After A Scam!

A Cognitive Bias connected to many Detrimental Effects in Scam Victims

The Zeigarnik Effect is one of the Most Fundamental Cognitive Biases that most have never heard of!

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

About This Article

The Zeigarnik Effect, a cognitive bias identified by Bluma Zeigarnik, intensifies the distress of scam victims by perpetuating intrusive thoughts and emotional turmoil.

Following a scam, victims obsessively ruminate on unresolved questions and the perpetrator, fueled by a relentless pursuit of closure. Scammers exploit this bias, manipulating victims through emotional attachment and inducing impulsive actions.

In phishing scams, the Zeigarnik Effect triggers impulsive behavior as individuals seek resolution to unanswered questions. Recognizing this effect is crucial for understanding victim experiences and providing effective support.

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The Butterfly Effect And Scam Victims – 2024

The Butterfly Effect And Scam Victims

Helping Scam Victims Understand the Causes and Effects that Create Vulnerability and Impact Recovery

An Insight into the Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

The Butterfly Effect theory underscores the profound and unpredictable consequences that small variations in initial conditions can have on individuals victimized by scams. Originating from chaos theory, it highlights the interconnectedness of complex systems and their sensitivity to minor changes.

In the context of scams, awareness of initial conditions like vulnerability, trust, and financial stability can inform prevention efforts and support for victims.

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Scam Victims Compliance With Scammer Authority Figures – 2024

Scam Victims Compliance With Scammer Authority Figures

Helping Scam Victims to Understand the Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

The article provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological mechanisms that drive scam victims to comply with scammer impersonation of authority figures.

It examines how scammers exploit individuals’ innate tendency to respect and obey authority, leveraging this predisposition to manipulate victims into compliance. Factors such as fear of consequences, social conditioning, and deception contribute to victims’ susceptibility to fraudulent schemes.

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Why It Is Important To Understand The Default Mode (DMN) And The Subconscious In Scam Victims – 2024

Why It Is Important To Understand The Default Mode (DMN) And The Subconscious In Scam Victims

Understanding the Psychological Processes During Scams

Helping Scam Victims to Recover

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

Understanding the default mode network (DMN) and its role in psychological processes such as rumination is essential for scam victims navigating recovery.

By learning about the DMN and subconscious mental processes, victims can gain insight into their experiences, normalize their reactions, and identify triggers and patterns that contribute to distress. Armed with this knowledge, victims can develop coping strategies, cultivate self-awareness, and seek professional support to regulate their emotions and reduce rumination. Ultimately, understanding the DMN empowers victims to take an active role in their recovery journey, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and emotional well-being.

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Overconfidence And Scam Victims’ Susceptibility To Scams – 2024

Overconfidence And Scam Victims’ Susceptibility To Scams

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.

Article Abstract

Overconfidence poses a hidden threat, enticing individuals into the dangerous realms of scams in financial and interpersonal spheres.

Manifesting in decision-making and risk assessment, overconfidence leads people to overestimate their abilities, influenced by cognitive biases and reliance on mental shortcuts.

The brain’s reward system reinforces this bias through positive feedback, hindering objective self-evaluation. This overconfidence, pervasive in romance and cryptocurrency scams, blinds individuals to red flags and manipulations.

Understanding the neuroscience behind overconfidence involves recognizing cognitive biases, anchoring bias, illusion of control, and prefrontal cortex involvement. Mitigating overconfidence requires diverse perspectives, expert advice, critical thinking, and mindfulness, empowering individuals to make rational and informed decisions.

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Love Bombing & Amygdala Hijacked Scam Victims – Love Is Chemical After All 2024

Love Bombing & Amygdala Hijacked Scam Victims

Love Is Chemical After All

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

In the case of online deception, scam victims often find themselves deeply in love, only to realize it was a meticulously crafted illusion—a result of Amygdala Hijacks and Love Bombing caused by deceptive romance scams.

Love involves a complex interplay of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain, creating a potent cocktail that scammers exploit. Amygdala Hijacks create urgency and fear, triggering the brain’s fight-or-flight response, while love bombing floods victims with excessive affection to foster attachment. The brain’s striatum and TPJ play pivotal roles in processing love, and scammers manipulate positive amygdala hijacks to create false trust and affection.

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Scam Victims’ Vulnerability And Device Screen Time 2024

Scam Victims’ Vulnerability And Device Screen Time

The 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.

Article Abstract

Excessive screen time, particularly on social media, triggers a dopamine-driven addiction loop, impacting individuals psychologically and heightening vulnerability to becoming scam victims.

The constant pursuit of online rewards impairs judgment and decision-making, making users susceptible to scams promising immediate gratification.

Emotional dependencies created by dopamine release expose individuals to scams exploiting feelings of loneliness or fear. Scammers capitalize on the desire for quick rewards and blur the lines between genuine opportunities and deceptive schemes.

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Savior Syndrome And The Negative Consequences To Them And Other Scam Victims – 2023

Savior Syndrome (Savior Complex or Messiah Complex)

And the Negative Consequences to Them and Other Scam Victims

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Originally Published on RomanceScamsNOW.com 2018

Savior Syndrome/Savior Complex – How Victims Often Use Negative Coping Mechanisms To Avoid The Pain Of Their Own Trauma

After Someone Is Victimized They Are Often Desperate To Take Control Back

The development of savior syndrome in scam victims who have experienced prior trauma is a complex and often counterintuitive phenomenon. It is a very powerful negative coping mechanism that leads them to believe they must help others instead of helping themselves first. However, understanding the underlying factors can help us offer better support and guidance to these individuals.

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A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams – 2023

A Temporoparietal Junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) Theory Of Relationship Scams

Understanding how Scam Victim’s Core Beliefs are Manipulated

Psychology of Scams

By:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Vianey Gonzalez – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The right and left temporoparietal junction (RTPJ/LTPJ) of the human brain, crucial in social cognition, empathy, and narrative processing, may play a role in trusting narratives told by scammers in relationship scams. Scammers exploit this region by crafting stories that activate empathy and trust, manipulating victims into believing false narratives.

This activation may inhibit victims’ acceptance of the scam, creating inner conflict. Additionally, psychological trauma may alter RTPJ/LTPJ function, affecting emotion processing and self-awareness.

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What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams? [UPDATED 2024]

What Really Are Vulnerabilities That Lead To Scams?

Psychology of Scams

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

About This Article

The article explores the diverse landscape of vulnerabilities, aiming to alleviate stigma and empower scam victims and their support systems. It underscores that vulnerabilities are inherent to humanity and should not elicit blame.

Vulnerabilities encompass psychological, emotional, and environmental factors influencing susceptibility to harm. Insights delve into emotional sensitivity, cognitive distortions, interpersonal challenges, trauma triggers, and self-esteem issues, shaped by developmental experiences and environmental stressors.

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Scam Victims – Black Swan Theory & Understanding Uncertainty – 2023

Black Swan Theory & Crime Victims

Helping Scam Victims to Understand Uncertainty

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

About This Article

The Black Swan theory, popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, describes unpredictable events with significant impacts, often rationalized after the fact.

It originated from the unexpected discovery of black swans challenging the belief that all swans were white. These events are rare, have profound effects, and are often rationalized with hindsight bias.

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