Self-Location Uncertainty and Scam Victims

A Common Psychological Phenomenon that Many Experience Can Become Especially Pronounced After a Scam for Scam Victims

Primary Category: Psychology of Scams

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

Self-location uncertainty, a cognitive state marked by disorientation in time, space, and identity, can profoundly affect scam victims. This phenomenon, commonly experienced in everyday life through moments of confusion about one’s surroundings or a disjointed sense of time, becomes magnified in scam victims.

The aftermath of a scam can leave individuals feeling temporally and spatially disoriented, unsure of their environment, and distrustful of social relationships. Psychological impacts, such as heightened vigilance, paranoia, and an identity crisis, further exacerbate this uncertainty. Coping strategies, including professional therapy, grounding techniques, and support networks, are crucial for regaining stability and coherence.

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