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SCARS™ Special Report: Charity Fraud Here’s How Charity Scams Work: Someone contacts you asking for a donation to their charity. It sounds like a group you’ve heard of, it seems real, and you want to help. How can you tell what charity is legitimate and what’s a scam? Scammers want your money quickly. Charity scammers often pressure you to donate right away. They might ask for cash, and might even offer to send a courier [...]
Russia/Ukraine Cybercriminal Profile - Scammers & Fraudsters Criminal Profile: Typical Russian/Ukrainian Online Cybercriminal/Scammer/Fraudster Criminology / Cybercriminal Profiles - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A typical Russian or Ukrainian online scammer is described as a tech-savvy adult, commonly male and between 20 and 40, operating from loose [...]
Avoid Disaster & Charity Scams Protecting Generosity: How to Avoid Charity Scams Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from National Cybersecurity Alliance PLEASE NOTE: Because of the rampant number of charity scams, the SCARS Institute no longer accepts individual donations. [...]
How Scams Worked In The 1800s A Historical Perspective History of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Based on an Article from NPR 2015 - Nonprofit use with permission Article Abstract Scams and Fraud in the 1800s reveal that deception has always been less [...]
United Nations New Crime Classification System for Crime Including Scams Fraud and Cybercrimes The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Releases Their New: International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS): Implementation Manual Presented by the SCARS Institute Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Article [...]
Beware of Email Scammers Offering Free Money 419 Scams - Advance Fee Fraud 419 Scams - Advance Fee Fraud - Nigerian Prince/Famous Person Scams - The Scams That Never Go Away - In Your Email Inbox Almost Every Day! How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article [...]
Elder Frauds & Scams How Criminals Defraud The Elderly Every Minute Of Every Day! How Scams Work by SCARS Elder Fraud Affects Millions Of People Every Year! Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few. Criminals will gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly via computer, phone, and [...]
SCARS™ Coronavirus Scam Warning: A Social Disease - How Fraudsters Adapt Old Scams To Exploit The Coronavirus Crisis According to the Guardian: Criminals Who Formerly Tried to ‘Sextort’ People Online are Now Making Threats to Infect a Target’s Family and Friends You get an email that is immediately threatening. “I know every dirty little secret about your life,” it begins. “To prove my point, tell me, does [ONE OF YOUR PASSWORDS] ring any bell to yοu? [...]
SCARS™ Scam Basics: 9 Steps To Avoiding Online & Real-Life Fraud 1 - Spot Imposters / Fakes Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request – whether it comes as a text, a phone call or an email. 2 - Do Online Searches - [...]
Anti-Scam FAQ: What Are Veterans Charity Scams Answer: Fake charity scams are nothing new, and the Veterans Affairs Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns that veterans of the armed forces are particularly vulnerable. The scammers reportedly offer pension buyouts to veterans or ask veterans to donate to a charity that sounds and looks real but isn't. The scammers take the donations or cash the pension checks. The scammers [...]
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RSN™ Scam Warning: Charity Scams FROM ACCC’s Scamwatch Scammers are increasingly using fake charities or impersonating real charities to take advantage of people’s generosity and compassion, with losses reported to the ACCC’s Scamwatch increasing steadily over the past four years. This week is Charity Fraud Awareness Week and Scamwatch is warning people to watch out for fake charities and offering some quick and easy precautions to take to ensure their money goes towards a legitimate [...]
SCARS™ Anti-Scam Tips: Avoiding Natural Disaster Fraud Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes The National Center for Disaster Fraud reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Tips [...]
SCARS Institute Scam Warnings - Top 20 Scams Fraud & Cybercrime Scam Warnings: The digital age has brought countless conveniences, but it has also created a playground for sophisticated and relentless fraud. From romance scams to cryptocurrency fraud, today’s scammers operate with advanced tools, global reach, and psychological precision. Their tactics continue to evolve, exploiting emotional, financial, and social vulnerabilities with alarming success. Victims span every demographic, but certain groups—such as older adults and [...]
Avoid Christmas Holiday Scams Typical Christmas Holiday Scams: What to Watch Out For and Avoid - Don't Become a Scam Victim This Year Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract During the Christmas holiday scams season, scammers exploit the festive spirit and increased online activity to [...]
Scammer Manipulation Tool Box - 102 Ways Scammers Manipulate Scam Victims A Catalog of Manipulative and Control Techniques Used by Scammers How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers use a wide array of manipulation and control techniques to exploit their victims [...]
Spotting Scams & Anti-Scam Tips - Article Catalog The Clues & Tips To Help You Avoid Scams & Scammers From the basics to detailed red flags! Learn how to avoid scams now and in the future! A SCARS Topic Collection Updated: August 9, 2021 Scams Are Complex And Contain Hidden Dangers! Staying Safe Online Requires That you Have More Than Attitude & Intelligence! It Requires Specialized Knowledge! In [...]
Your Mother is in a Romance Scam - Now What Do You Do? A Teen's Guide to Helping Their Mother Escape from Her Scam and What To Do Next! For Family & Friends / Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • [...]
The Permission Structure that Accommodates Scams and Online Criminality Permission Structures and West African Online Fraud: Social Scripts, Moral Economies, and Paths to Prevention Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Permission structures are the shared stories, [...]
The SCARS Institute Top 50 Celebrity Impersonation Scams The SCARS Institute's Top 50 most impersonated traditional celebrities in online, SMS, and messaging scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The SCARS Institute's investigation into the top 50 celebrity impersonation scams reveals that criminals are consistently [...]
How Scams, Fraud, and Con Schemes Worked in the 1920s A 2025 Perspective The Roaring Twenties(1920s): A Decade of Quick Riches, Dazzle and Deception in Frauds, Scams, and Con Games History of Scams – A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The 1920s were a decade of [...]
ELLEN DEGENERES PRIZE SCAM An Online & Email Lotto/Sweepstakes Scam Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The Ellen DeGeneres prize scam has seen a significant rise, targeting unsuspecting individuals with false promises of prizes like $30,000 to $100,000, iPhones, kitchen appliances, and even a Tesla, [...]
URGENT SCAM WARNING: Southern California - Los Angeles Wildfire Evacuation Scams SCAM WARNING ALERT: Scams Targeting Those Evacuating from Southern California/Los Angeles and Their Families are Exploding SCAM WARNING - Presented by the SCARS Institute Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract SCAM WARNING ALERT: Scammers Exploit Southern California Wildfire Evacuations: As 180,000 people face [...]
Scam Victim's Guide on How To Guard Against Identity Theft After a Scam How to Guard Against Identity Theft in the Context of Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime - a Guide for Scam Victims & Survivors Identity Theft - A SCARS Institute Guide Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scam [...]
SCARS Institute Christmas 2024 Scammer Elves Identification Guide If You See Any Of These Elves This Holiday Season, RUN! Just For Fun - A SCARS Institute Insight These Are Not Scams [...]
Social Engineering - An Updated Overview - 2024 Social Engineering is an Approach to Psychological and Neurologic Manipulation that can be done for Good or Bad and is at the Heart of Marketing, Politics, and Crime - Especially Cybercrime, Scams, and Fraud! Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams [...]
Spotting and Avoiding Natural Disaster Scams Helping Natural Disaster Victims and Those that Want To Help Avoid Being Scammed Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Natural disaster scams, especially during events like hurricanes, include fraud schemes like price gouging, fake charity [...]
Romance Scams - 2024 - An Overview Understanding What Romance Scams Are and the Scammers Doing Them - an Overview for Scam Victims How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Romance scams involve criminals who use fake identities and emotional manipulation to [...]
Debt Relief Scams A Fraudulent Business Scamming Consumers Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Resource Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Debt relief scams target people already overwhelmed by credit cards, loans, or medical bills and lure them with promises of easy, fast fixes that never arrive. The schemes [...]
Scamouflage - SCARS Institute Term for Scammer's Hiding In Plain Sight Scam Terms - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2011 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Scamouflage is a SCARS Institute term used to describe how scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals use deceptive tactics to [...]
Fake Missing Persons Money Scam An Emotionally Charged Scam that Tugs at Scam Victim's Heartstrings! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2021 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract The missing person scam is a sophisticated fraud tactic that preys on people's kindness [...]
QR Code 'Quishing' Is The Latest Form Of Phishing Scams How Scammers Are Using QR Codes To Scam You! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight QR Code and 'Quishing' Scams: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Avoid Them QR codes, or quick response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by smartphones and other devices to access information or perform an action. [...]
7 Psychological Principles of Scams These Principals Strongly influence Victims Allowing For Manipulation And Control Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight Originally Published in 2018 - Updated 2023 The 7 Psychological Principles Or Elements Of A Typical Scam Regardless Of The Type! And How These Influence Their Victims! Understanding psychological principles is important for both scam victims and those who want to avoid scams. For scam [...]
Social Engineering Traps, Attacks, And Scams A SCARS Topic Catalog Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight What is Social Engineering? Social engineering is the practice of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It is a type of con or confidence trick for the purpose of information gathering, fraud, or system access. Social engineering attacks can be carried out online, in person, and over the phone. Social [...]
A New Trend - Scammers Sending Someone To Your Home Using Outsourced Couriers To Pick Up Money Or To Reestablish Contact With The Victims How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight A Disturbing New Trend - 'Home Pick-Up' - Scammers Are Using Outsourced Couriers To Pick Up Money Directly From Their Victims Over the last couple of years, scammers/cybercriminals have developed a new technique to better assure that they get [...]
Scam Basics: Zelle Scams Learning The Basics Of Zelle Instant Payment Online Scams Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Zelle Is A Popular Payment App That Allows Users To Send And Receive Money Instantly But It Is Also Popular With Scammers What Is ZELLE? Zell is a popular peer-to-peer payment service in the United States that allows users to send and receive money quickly and conveniently using [...]
Using ChatGPT To Spot Scams Using ChatGPT AI To Spot Scammers Spotting Scammers - A SCARS Special Report OpenAI's ChatGPT Can Be Used As A Reliable Scam Spotter This may be the most important article you will ever read to help you avoid scams by using ChatGPT! Introduction It's not just the scammers that can use AI to create scam messages, you can now use OpenAI's [...]
Money Refund and Recovery Scams How Scams Work A SCARS Insight After You Are Scammed The Scammers Come Out To Get You Again With Money Recovery Scams They’re the worst of the worst: scams that target people who have already lost money to a scam. If you’ve been scammed, you may be targeted by a refund or recovery scam. In these scams, someone says they can help get your money [...]
An Updated Compendium Of Confidence Tricks A Collection of Scams & Cons A SCARS Insight Confidence Tricks And Scams And Frauds Confidence tricks and scams are difficult to classify because they change often and often contain elements of more than one type. Throughout this list, the perpetrator of the confidence trick is called the "con artist" or simply "artist", and the intended victim is the "mark". Particular scams are mainly [...]
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Pivots In Major Change On Impersonation Scams This is the first significant action to help protect consumers since 2020 A SCARS Special Report On December 16, 2021 SCARS Was Invited By The U.S. Federal Trade Commission To Testify On that day, the FTC held a meeting to vote on new rulemaking to outlaw certain impersonation scams. SCARS was there in the meeting to support the new [...]
It Is The Season For Holiday Scams A Holiday 2021 Advisory A SCARS Special Report Remain Vigilant Against Holiday Scamming Schemes As we approach the holiday season, we are warning everyone that scammers prefer to steal rather than give during this special time of year. Shoppers hunting for a good deal should be on the lookout for increasingly aggressive and innovative scams designed by criminals to steal money and personal [...]
Scam Grooming: Finding Common Interests Scammer Techniques & Methods A SCARS Insight Scammers Know How To Groom You! They Begin To Hook You With Common Interests Scammers Know How To Start A Conversation With You And Spark A Friendship From your religion, hobbies, a line of work, etc., they use everything against you to bend you to their will. Once you accept their friend request or their connection, [...]
The Insider Threat - The Networks of Scammers A SCARS Insight Did You Become A Target Because Of Your Connections? Scammers Are Very Much Like Telemarketers, They Work Through Lists And Networks Scammers need new prospects just like any mass-marketing company. They work through those on their lists, but constantly need to find new prospect victims. But as any telemarketer will tell you success or failure is all [...]
Reported Scammer Email Addresses - April 2021 Email Addresses That Have Been Reported To Be Used By Scammers SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com Archives The following email addresses have been reported by scam victims as being used by scammers through the SCARS|CDN™ Cybercrime Data Network. This information was submitted to SCARS for the specific purpose of public publication and does not violate any privacy laws or regulations. SCARS makes no claim on the accuracy of these reports [...]
Anti-Scam FAQ: What Is A Relationship Scam Answer: In the broadest sense, a Relationship Scam is one when there is a relationship between the scammer (or group of scammers) and the victim. This means the scammer(s) are communicating directly with the victim, as opposed to a computer luring or trapping the victim to exploit them. A Relationship Scam does not depend on just one type of medium or communication type, and [...]
A New Romance Scam - Fake Psychologists & Therapists! Scammers recognize that scam victims are traumatized and now want to capitalize on that! Now We Have Fake Psychologists, Counselors, & Therapists! SCAM WARNING: No real psychologist or other mental health professional is going to contact you unsolicited on social media or by phone! As SCARS continues to focus on the wellbeing and emotional care of scam victims, the [...]
FBI Releases 2020 Internet Crime Report In 2020, while the American public was focused on protecting our families from a global pandemic and helping others in need, cybercriminals took advantage of an opportunity to profit from our dependence on technology to go on an Internet crime spree. These criminals used phishing, spoofing, extortion, and various types of Internet-enabled fraud to target the most vulnerable in our society - medical workers searching for personal protective [...]
Socially Engineered / Social Engineering Scams [Updated] A SCARS™ Guide Originally published: May 2018 You have probably heard the term "Social Engineering' before, but what is it? Social Engineering Is ... Social engineering, in the context of information security, refers to the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It is a type of confidence trick (scam) for the purpose of information gathering, fraud, [...]
After Storms, Watch Out for Scams Scammers Watch The Weather Channel Too! After every natural disaster or major weather event, the scammers will be on the phones, email, and online to get your money! Scammers Have No Conscience When It Comes To Natural Disaster Scams If You Are In An Affected Region, Or Even Not, You Will Start Getting The Money Requests! Natural disasters and severe weather can [...]
Fake Rental Assistance Scams There are countless assistance and short term load scams out there! Be careful always! Avoid Scammers Offering To Pay Your Rent If you’re facing eviction for any reason, there are organizations out there who can help you. But there are also fake “organizations” and “charities” who can hurt you. COVID-19 has created an even greater opportunity for scammers to target people — people who [...]
SCAM Basics: The FTC's How To Avoid Scams Helpful Insights From The United States Government How to Avoid a Scam Recognizing these common signs of a scam could help you avoid falling for one. FOUR SIGNS THAT IT’S A SCAM 1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, [...]
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