Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control – 2024
Co-Dependency: Another Perspective of Scam Victimization and Control
Helping Scam Victims Understand the Many Aspects of the Psychology of Scams that Made Them Vulnerable and Controllable
Primary Category: Psychology of Scams
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, 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
Co-dependency plays a major role in why scam victims may fall prey to scammers repeatedly.
It involves an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on others, making victims susceptible to manipulation. Scam victims often feel a strong urge to help or “save” others, and scammers exploit this by creating situations that trigger this impulse.
Breaking the cycle of co-dependency requires self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and learning defensive behaviors to protect against manipulation. Victims must focus on their own well-being and recognize when their empathy is being exploited.
