WARNING: Scam Victims Exploited By The News Media
Scam Victims Must be Very Careful when asked by News Organizations to Tell Their Story
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
In today’s media landscape, the exploitation of scam victims remains a distressing reality, perpetuating harm rather than offering support or understanding. Sensationalized reporting often takes precedence over sensitivity and empathy, leaving victims feeling marginalized and invalidated.
From local news to exposure daytime talk shows, to the evening news, and streaming crime series, the pursuit of sensationalism prevails, with journalists prioritizing dramatic anecdotes over the devastating impact of these crimes. Victim blaming and shaming further compound the issue, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases.
Scam victims often find themselves thrust into the spotlight without fully informed consent, re-traumatizing them and hindering their recovery process. The aftermath of media exploitation leaves victims unsupported and vulnerable, with little long-term assistance offered.
SCARS warns against media exposure without proper trauma-informed support, advocating for ethical reporting practices and prioritizing victim well-being. The exploitation of scam victims underscores the need for greater sensitivity and empathy in media portrayals, ultimately contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.
Exploitation and Insensitivity: How the News Media Perpetuates Harm to Scam Victims
In today’s world news, one disturbing trend continues to be prevalent: the exploitation of scam victims by the news media.
Far from offering support or understanding, many news outlets sensationalize stories of scam victims, focusing more on juicy soundbites than on the devastating impact of these crimes. From subtle victim blaming to overt insensitivity, the media’s coverage often increases the trauma experienced by scam victims, leaving them feeling marginalized and invalidated.
The Pursuit of Sensationalism
In the race for ratings and clicks, news media (especially local news, tabloid, and exposure shows) that often prioritizes sensationalism over victim sensitivity when reporting on scam victims. Instead of highlighting the severity of these crimes and the vulnerabilities exploited by scammers, journalists often seek out the most salacious details to captivate their audience. This approach not only trivializes the experiences of victims but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. Such approaches also re-traumatize the victims being exploited through interviews or one-sided reporting.
“I’ve seen firsthand how reporters twist the narrative to fit their agenda,” says Sarah*, a scam victim who was targeted by a romance scam who told SCARS about her experience. “They were more interested in painting me as a naive fool than in understanding the tactics used by scammers to manipulate people.”
Victim Blaming and Shaming
Another troubling aspect of news media coverage is the prevalence of victim blaming and shaming. Rather than acknowledging the sophisticated lure, grooming, manipulation, and control tactics employed by scammers to deceive even the most cautious individuals, some reporters choose to focus on portraying victims as naive, gullible, foolish, or even stupid when they are not.
“During my interview with a local news station, the reporter kept asking me why I didn’t see the red flags,” recalls John*, who fell victim to an investment scam who told SCARS about his experience. “It felt like they were insinuating that I deserved what happened to me because I should have known better.”
Such reporting serves to help the viewers feed their cognitive biases that they could never be scammed because they are not like the scam victim on the screen.
Lack of Sensitivity and Empathy
The news media often fails to approach scam victims with the empathy and sensitivity they deserve. Interviews are conducted in a manner that disregards the emotional and traumatic toll of the experience, with reporters more interested in extracting dramatic anecdotes than in providing support or understanding.
“I felt like I was being interrogated rather than interviewed,” says Maria*, a victim of identity theft & impersonation. “The reporter seemed more interested in getting a sensational story than in recognizing the trauma I went through.”
Impact on Victims’ Recovery
The detrimental effects of the news media’s exploitation of scam victims extend beyond the initial trauma of the crime. For many victims, the sensationalized coverage only serves to significantly their distress if they are not ready to go public and hinder their recovery process.
“After my story was aired on television, I received countless messages from people ridiculing me and calling me names,” shares Tom*, who was scammed out of his life savings. “It felt like the whole world was laughing at my expense.”
Victim Traps – ‘Gotcha Moments’
Scam victims often find themselves unwittingly thrust into the spotlight on shows like Dr. Phil, where the dynamics of their exploitation can be particularly pronounced. In many cases, victims are lured onto these shows (in our opinion) without fully explaining the obvious real objective, only to discover that they themselves are the main attraction. This manipulation not only disregards the victim’s emotional well-being but also sensationalizes their plight for entertainment value.
The format of these shows often amplifies the exploitation. Victims are subjected to intense scrutiny and interrogation (albeit with a friendly, seemingly caring face,) with their vulnerabilities laid bare for public consumption. The focus shifts from empathizing with their betrayal trauma to sensationalizing their naivety or gullibility. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases about scam victims being foolish or deserving of their fate, rather than acknowledging the complex manipulative tactics used by scammers to deceive even the most intelligent and cautious individuals.
The lack of true informed consent in these situations further compounds the exploitation. Victims always sign a release, but they never fully inform the victim of the treatment that they are going to receive or how the interview will be edited to maximize commercial value. Victims almost never fully understand the implications of sharing their story on national television, nor the potential repercussions it may have on their personal and professional lives. Their trust is betrayed as their intimate struggles are commodified for ratings and entertainment purposes. In our experience, scam victims are never given the opportunity to review their final interviews before being broadcast nor given approval of the final edits.
The aftermath of these appearances often leaves victims unsupported and vulnerable, since the new media typically never even tells victims or the public where they can go to get proper trauma-informed care and support after the interview. While the show may provide temporary exposure and catharsis, it rarely offers long-term assistance or resources for recovery. Victims are left to grapple with the repercussions of their exploitation alone, while the media moves on to the next sensational story.
After all, almost never would the media dare to do this to victims of other high-sensitivity crimes like rape, domestic abuse, or sexual exploitation. But they believe scam victims are fair game and worth exploiting for their stories!
Overall, the exploitation of scam victims on shows that exploit scam victims underscores the need for greater ethical consideration and sensitivity in media portrayals of vulnerable individuals. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and dignity of victims above sensationalism and ratings, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
The Need for Ethical Reporting
To address the harmful impact of media exploitation on scam victims, there is an urgent need for news outlets to adopt more ethical reporting practices. This includes prioritizing sensitivity, empathy, and accuracy in their coverage of scam-related stories.
“Journalists have a responsibility to tell the whole story, not just the sensational parts,” emphasizes Dr. Tim McGuinness, an ethics expert and member of the SCARS Board of Directors. “By amplifying the voices of scam victims and shedding light on the tactics used by scammers, the media can play a crucial role in raising awareness and preventing future victimization.” But added that “the media almost never properly portrays the criminals in the proper light. These criminals kill people almost daily!”
SCARS Warning to Scam Victims
It is the advice of SCARS that scam victims do not give interviews to the new media without a certified trauma-informed crime victims’ advocate being present and supporting them.
All scam victims should insist on the following before accepting any new media offer to share their story:
- Make sure there is a crime victims’ advocate with you to support you and help control the flow of the interview for the safety of the scam victim.
- Obtain the full details of the interview in advance, such as:
- length of the final edit,
- will another reporter be inserted in place of the person doing the interviewing,
- who else will be included in the segment or video,
- will scammers be included in any way and how will they be portrayed,
- Demand final approval of the interview before airing or being published.
When should scam victims NEVER do an interview for public exposure by the news media?
- Never within the first 6-9 months after the scam ends.
- If there is no professional trauma-informed care certified advocate that can be with you to support you and make sure that you are not exploited.
- Consider the impact on families as well, scam victims are not the only victims of these crimes. It is unfair to drag families into the exposure if they are not fully aware or have consented.
- Use an alias and not your real name unless you are sure that there will be no consequences from your exposure (professionally or employment, family exposure, social media risks.)
- Consider physical risks. Not all scammers now are harmless. Many criminal organizations are in your country, state or province, or city. Even if there are no physical risks, coming out can raise the risks of becoming the target again.
- If possible shadow out your appearance or blur your face on mainstream new media.
SCARS Team members are available to aid both the victims and the news media in getting the real story but in such a way that it supports the victim through the process so that they can come out the other end better off than before.
Summary
The exploitation of scam victims by the news media is a pervasive problem that can significantly worsen the trauma experienced by individuals who have already been victimized.
From sensationalized reporting to victim blaming and shaming, the media’s approach usually lacks sensitivity and empathy, further marginalizing those affected by these crimes. By adopting more ethical reporting practices and prioritizing the well-being of victims, the media can help create understanding and support for those who have fallen prey to scams, ultimately contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.
* Victim names were changed out of respect for the privacy of the survivors mentioned
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
If You Have Been Victimized By A Scam Or Cybercrime
♦ If you are a victim of scams, go to www.ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help
♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
♦ To report criminals, visit https://reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!
♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom
♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com
♦ Scam Survivor’s Stories: www.ScamSurvivorStories.org
♦ For Scam Victim Advocates visit www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
♦ See more scammer photos on www.ScammerPhotos.com
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
More ScamsNOW.com Articles
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
I saw a few clippings of the media interviewing scam victims. While I don’t deny the media’s responsibility/opportunity to shine light on a growing problem in our community, their understanding of the growing problem and treatment of crime victims leaves a lot to be desired.