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.

Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self Worth – 2024

Trauma Pleasing and Appeasing – The Impact on Identity and Self-Worth

Helping Scam Victims Understand One of the Trauma Responses that Can Contribute to Vulnerability to Scams

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

Trauma can significantly alter an individual’s behavior, leading to patterns of pleasing and appeasing others as a way to avoid conflict, feel safe, or prevent further harm. These behaviors often become deeply ingrained, making it difficult for trauma survivors to recognize their authentic identity. Scam victims are especially vulnerable to this cycle, as feelings of guilt and shame may drive them to seek external validation.

However, trauma can have the opposite effect as well, leading to overassertiveness, hyper-independence, or emotional withdrawal as self-protection mechanisms. Understanding these dynamics is critical for trauma recovery. By building self-awareness, victims can identify maladaptive behaviors, set boundaries, and ultimately rebuild their sense of self. Through support and conscious effort, they can break free from these patterns and foster emotional resilience.

Trauma Responses or Just Personality Traits in Scam Victims? – 2024

Trauma Responses or Just Personality Traits in Scam Victims?

Many of the So-Called Personality Traits that Can Become Vulnerabilities in a Scam are Not Personality Traits, they are the Remnants of Past Traumas

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

Many people unknowingly mistake trauma responses for aspects of their personality, not realizing that behaviors like chronic over-apologizing, people-pleasing, or inability to accept compliments are coping mechanisms rooted in past emotional pain. These responses often develop in reaction to trauma, where the brain adapts to perceived danger or emotional harm.

For scam victims, recognizing these behaviors as trauma responses rather than personality traits is crucial for recovery. It allows them to confront core issues such as mistrust or a need for validation, empowering them to rebuild boundaries and self-confidence.

Trauma Responses