Scam Survivors

Limit Situations and their Effect on Scam Victims-Survivors – 2024

Limit Situations and their Effect on Scam Victims-Survivors

Facing the Edge: Understanding Limit Situations in the Journey of Scam Victim-Survivors

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Philosophy

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

About This Article

Karl Jaspers’ concept of “limit situations” offers valuable insight for scam victim-survivors, framing their experiences not as personal failures but as encounters with universal human vulnerabilities—such as trust, loss, and betrayal. Limit situations are unavoidable boundary experiences that confront individuals with fundamental limitations beyond their control, forcing them to grapple with existential questions about trust, resilience, and self-worth.

For scam victims, understanding their trauma as a limit situation can shift their focus from self-blame to self-compassion, recognizing that vulnerability to deception is a shared human quality. This perspective empowers survivors to reframe the scam experience as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and deeper self-awareness, helping them to move forward with a renewed sense of control and purpose.

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Scam Victims Will Never Be The Same – A Harsh Truth – 2024

Scam Victims Will Never Be The Same – A Harsh Truth

The First Step in Healing is Understanding How These Crimes Affect Their Victims – and Accepting It!

Recovery Psychology

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, 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

In the aftermath of falling victim to scams, many individuals defiantly proclaim, “I won’t let the scam define me!” or “I refuse to let it affect me!”

Yet, these assertions, though spoken with conviction, often veil a deeper truth. Each scam victim is intimately connected to the events they’ve endured, and denying this connection hinders their journey toward healing. The impact of scams, whether financial or emotional, lingers long after the initial deception.

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SCARS Emotional Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Program – Turning Them Into Scam Survivors 2024

SCARS Emotional Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Program

Turning Them Into Scam Survivors

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

Article Abstract

The SCARS 3 Step Emotional Support & Recovery Program for Relationship Scam Victims is a structured, comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming victims into survivors and ultimately thriving individuals.

In the first step, “New Arrivers,” victims receive crisis support, immediate assistance, and guidance on confronting the reality of their situation.

The second step, spanning the next 12 months, focuses on acceptance and empowerment, encouraging survivors to reinforce recovery gains, take corrective actions, and integrate the experience into their life stories.

The program provides ongoing support in the third step, promoting continued acceptance, socialization, and advocacy.

With components like individual therapy, support groups, and legal advice, the program operates on key principles such as trauma-informed care, compassion, and empowerment, offering victims a structured roadmap for healing.

SCARS Emotional Support & Recovery Program For Scam Victims Turning Them Into Scam Survivors

SCARS 3-Step Emotional Support & Recovery Program for Relationship Scam Victims

This is a support & recovery program invented by SCARS based on over 100 years of recovery & psychological science.

Please note the time scales are typical estimates. Each individual’s experience will vary based upon their own trauma and their commitment to their recovery. Step duration is fixed and a part of the program.

When we refer to therapy or counseling, this is independent of SCARS itself. SCARS recommends that all scam victims find professional trauma counseling or therapy. SCARS is partnered with BetterHelp.com to provide initial therapy through its SCARS STAR Membership program – but this is not mandatory for access to our Support & Recovery Program. To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org  To find trauma counselors or therapists worldwide visit counseling.AgainstScams.org

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SCARS Emotional Support & Recovery Program STEP 1

The first 9 months – New Arrivers

Early Crisis Support

We have a special Step ZERO support group for scam victims who are overwhelmed and experiencing too much trauma to adapt to our regular groups just yet. The focus in the Step Zero group is stabilization.

Discovery and Crisis (3-8 Weeks +/-)

  • Immediate Support:
    • Crisis Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)
    • Mental Health Professionals: Seek individual therapy or join a support group specifically for scam victims.
    • Legal and Financial Aid: Consult lawyers and financial advisors to secure your finances and explore legal options.
  • Confronting the Reality:
    • Gather evidence and document the scam: This helps solidify the truth and Read More …