Secondary-Gaslighting and the Effect it has on Scam Victims’ Recovery – 2024

Secondary-Gaslighting and the Effect it has on Scam Victims

Secondary Gaslighting: How Families and Friends Can Create a Hidden Barrier for Scam Victims’ Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victim 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

Secondary gaslighting occurs when a scam victim’s experiences are invalidated or dismissed by family or friends after they’ve already been manipulated by scammers.

In the context of scam victims, this can manifest as loved ones minimizing the trauma, blaming the victim, or questioning their feelings. This further damages the victim’s emotional recovery, leading to isolation, prolonged trauma, and erosion of self-esteem.

Avoiding secondary gaslighting involves active listening, empathy, avoiding blame, and encouraging professional help to ensure a supportive environment for healing.

The ‘4 SEEN’ Questions to Reduce Emotional Triggers – 2024

The ‘4 SEEN’ Questions to Reduce Emotional Triggers

The 4 SEEN Questions: A Guide for Scam Victims to Manage Emotional Triggers During Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victim 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

The “4 SEEN” questions—Is it SAFE? Is it EXPECTED? Is it ESSENTIAL? Is it NECESSARY NOW?—offer a practical framework for scam victims to manage emotional triggers and regain control during their recovery process.

These questions help individuals assess their emotional responses, reducing unnecessary anxiety and guiding them toward calmer, more rational reactions. By asking if a situation is safe or expected, victims can differentiate between real threats and lingering trauma-induced fears. Evaluating whether emotional reactions are essential or need immediate attention helps victims avoid being overwhelmed by past feelings of shame, guilt, or anger.

Pets as Therapy for Scam Victims – 2024

Pets as Therapy for Scam Victims

Having Support Animals is Very Important for Scam Victims During Their Recovery

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

Pets provide a unique form of therapy for scam victims by offering emotional and physical support during their recovery process. Scam victims often experience feelings of isolation, shame, and helplessness, but caring for a pet can help shift their focus away from their emotional distress and onto the needs of another living being.

The routine of feeding, walking, and nurturing a pet gives victims a sense of purpose and responsibility, while the act of petting a dog or cat releases stress-reducing hormones like oxytocin and lowers cortisol levels, helping alleviate anxiety and depression. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship, which helps rebuild trust and provide comfort without the fear of judgment.

Scam Victim Support