The Fear of Being Wrong Keeps Scam Victims Vulnerable – 2024
The Fear of Being Wrong Keeps Scam Victims Vulnerable
The Fear of Being Wrong: How It Becomes a Major Vulnerability to Scams and Continues to Make Scam Victims Vulnerable
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 fear of being wrong is a powerful psychological force that scammers exploit to manipulate and trap their victims. Rooted in cognitive biases, logical fallacies, defense mechanisms, and psychological schemas, this fear prevents individuals from recognizing red flags or admitting they were deceived, often keeping them engaged with the scam even when evidence suggests otherwise.
Scammers use this fear to their advantage, creating emotional dependence and reinforcing the victim’s need to feel right. To recover and protect themselves from future scams, victims must confront and overcome this fear by embracing self-awareness, humility, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Acknowledging that being wrong is part of the human experience is key to breaking free from deception and reclaiming emotional and psychological autonomy.
