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Cryptocurrency Scams Rise 500% In 2020 A SCARS Scam Warning Cryptocurrency Investment Scam Reports At Record Level: The Facts That Suggest Caution Since October 2020, consumers have reported losing more than $80 million to cryptocurrency investment scams, an increase of more than ten-fold year-over-year, according to a new data analysis from the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC notes that cryptocurrency investment scams take on a variety of forms, [...]
SCARS™ Anti-Scam FAQ: Cryptocurrency Scams As the price and popularity of Bitcoin and other cyber-currencies skyrocketed in late 2017, scammers eagerly sought to take advantage of the frenzy. The Japanese Bitcoin exchange Coincheck was hacked in January, and the thieves were able to steal more than $500 million in cryptocurrencies. This is the largest cryptocurrency hack to date. Facebook and Instagram have banned advertisements for certain bitcoin, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and some other cryptocurrency-related products because of deceptive and [...]
Cryptocurrency and Scams Understanding the Basics of Cryptocurrency Scams Scam Basics - A SCARS Series Cryptocurrency and Scams - Portions courtesy of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams What To Know About Cryptocurrency? Are you confused about cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin or Ether (associated with Ethereum)? You’re not alone. Before you use or invest in cryptocurrency, know what makes it different from [...]
Cryptocurrency Businesses That Appear To Be Engaged In Fraud Reported Crypto Websites - A Scam Victim Alert A SCARS Special Report - May 22, 2023 A Note on Imposters: Imposter websites used in cryptocurrency fraud is one of the most commonly reported Investment scams (Pig Butchering scams.) The companies or websites listed may sound similar to the names of other companies or websites that also operate in the marketplace. When companies or websites (fake [...]
The United States Secret Service & Cryptocurrency Recovery How To Report Scams The U.S. Secret Service Has Stepped Up - - Forget The FBI! A SCARS Insight on Law Enforcement The Time Has Come To Go To The Secret Service And Forget The FBI For Individual Victims The United States Secret Services Is Stepping Up To Support Individual Victims In An Era Of Bank/Financial & Crypto Crimes! SCARS has been [...]
15 Things That Nearly Every Online and Phone Scams Have In Common Things Almost All Online and Phone Scams Seem to Share How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Recoverologist, Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Online and phone scams share [...]
The Crazy Gregor MacGregor and the Country of Poyais Scam The Poyais Scheme: When a Man Invented a Country, and Hundreds Paid the Price History 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 Inc. Article Abstract Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish adventurer with a mixed [...]
Ethereum ETHM Token Trap and Pig Butchering Scams The Ethereum Token Trap and the ETHM Scam Mechanism in Pig Butchering Operations Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Pig butchering scams increasingly exploit real blockchain infrastructure to create convincing illusions of wealth, with [...]
Student Tuition Payment Phishing Scams Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Student tuition payment phishing scams target students and families during billing cycles by imitating university finance offices and loan servicers, pushing victims to fake portals that harvest logins and payment data. [...]
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, [...]
Grandparent Scams/Emergency Scams A Manipulated Extortion Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - 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 Grandparent scams exploit love, urgency, and secrecy, yet families can counter them with calm routines and simple checks. [...]
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. [...]
The Fake Bitcoin Return Scam Scammers Simulate Cryptocurrency Transactions Understanding Why Fake Bitcoin Cannot Be Sent and How Scammers Create the Illusion that It Can Be 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 Bitcoin’s blockchain makes it impossible to [...]
Commission-Based Task Job Scams Understanding the Hidden Mechanism of Commission-Based Task Job Scams Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Commission-based task job scams exploit the appeal of easy remote work by offering small payments for simple online actions before introducing “premium” tasks [...]
GENIUS Act of 2025 and Stablecoin Cryptocurrency Seizures GENIUS Act of 2025 Affects You as a Scam Victim and What You Need to Know Money Recovery - 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 GENIUS Act of 2025 brings new hope and [...]
Police Impersonation Scam and Arrest Warrant Scams The Lie Behind Police Impersonation Scams: “You Have an Arrest Warrant” 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. Originally Published: 2024 - Article Updated: 2025 Article Abstract Police impersonation scams exploit your trust in [...]
Romance Scams A Relationship Scam Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - A SCARS Institute Article Catalog A Romance Scam is a form of fraud where criminals exploit emotional vulnerability to gain financial, personal, or psychological advantage over their victims. A Romance Scam is a part of a broader category of Trust-Based Relationship Scams This crime involves building a fake relationship, often through [...]
How to Talk About Scams with Others How to Talk About Scams: A Step-by-Step Guide for Difficult but Necessary Conversations How to Share Awareness - 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 Talking about scams may feel uncomfortable, but staying silent allows the [...]
Cryptocurrency Mixers - a Tool Scammers & Cybercriminals Use to Hide Their Stolen Crypto Cryptocurrency Mixers: What They Are and Why They Matter to Criminals (Scammers & Cybercriminals,) Victims, and Law Enforcement How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from U.S. Secret Service Article Abstract Cryptocurrency [...]
Fake Customer Service Scams How They Target You and How to Protect Yourself How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Fake customer service scams exploit your instinct to seek help when problems arise, using fake listings, cloned websites, and social media traps to deceive you. These [...]
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 [...]
Home Equity Scams in the United States Understanding the Epidemic of Home Equity Scams in the U.S. Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Home equity scams are a rapidly growing threat in the United States, preying on the $32.8 trillion in collective homeowner equity built [...]
Relationship Scams Represent a Corporate Cybersecurity and National Security Threat Because of Compromised Scam Victims How Relationship Scam Victims Pose a National Security Threat: Manipulation, Blackmail, and Cybersecurity Risks How Scammers Operate - 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 who engage in relationship fraud, [...]
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 [...]
Forcing Functions - A Comprehensive Approach to Reducing Scams Applying Forcing Functions to Solving the Problem of Scams and Reducing the Number of Scam Victims A SCARS Institute Editorial Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A forcing function is a mechanism that compels behavioral change by altering incentives or [...]
Fighting Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrimes in the United States Government United States Government Entities Involved in Defending Against, Enforcing Laws on, and Prosecuting Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrimes Government & Law Enforcement - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The U.S. government employs a multi-agency approach to combat scams, fraud, [...]
Mexican Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generación Timeshare Vacation Scams The Mexican 'Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generación' Target Americans and Foreigners for Timeshare Vacation Scams in Mexico How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from the FBI Article Abstract The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Gulf Cartel, and [...]
10 Facts About Cryptocurrency That All Scam Victims Should Know Cryptocurrency and Its Role in Criminal Transactions and 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 Cryptocurrencies, while often promoted as revolutionary financial tools, come with significant risks that users must understand. Their irreversible transactions make [...]
What are Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies? How Do They Relate to Scams? Helping Scam Victim-Survivors to Understand Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies How Scams Work/Scam Basics - 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 Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, while revolutionary in their decentralized financial structure, derive their value [...]
Fake Lawyers - Money Recovery Scams Fake Lawyers and the Dangers of Money Recovery Scams for Desperate Scam Victims How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Includes content from actual fake attorneys Article Abstract Money recovery scams prey on the desperation of scam victims who are seeking [...]
Pig Butchering Scams Sample Script Text The Art of Deception: How Pig Butchering Scams Crypto Scammers Use Scripts to Manipulate Victims into Fraudulent Investments How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from other sources Article Abstract Pig butchering scams, particularly those targeting cryptocurrency investors, are carefully [...]
AI-Driven Hyper-Targeted Scams - The New Threat The Rise of AI-Driven Hyper-Targeted Scams: How ChatGPT and Other Models Are Revolutionizing Cybercrime for the Worse! AI & Scams - A SCARS Institute Special Report Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract AI-driven scams are rapidly becoming more precise and manipulative, exploiting [...]
Casket Sales Scams and Other Funeral Expense Scams Beware of Online Casket Sales Scams - Another New Low in Scams: What You Need to Know About Funeral Expense 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 Beware of online casket sales scams, which prey on grieving [...]
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 [...]
Crypto Investment Scams/Pig Butchering Scams - 2024 - An Overview Understanding What Crypto Investment Scams/Pig Butchering 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 Crypto investment scams and pig butchering [...]
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 [...]
Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) A Trust-Based Relationship Scam - An Investment Scam Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Resource Catalog of Scams: Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) A cryptocurrency investment scam, also known as a pig butchering scam, is a sophisticated fraud that involves manipulating victims into fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities. The scam often starts with the perpetrator establishing contact with the victim through [...]
Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) Red Flags And Clues Understanding the Basics of Crypto Investment Scams Scam Basics - A SCARS Series Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Crypto investment scams, also known as pig butchering scams, are defrauding millions annually by preying on victims through fake online relationships. Scammers establish trust by posing as successful [...]
Tech Support Scams Offering Free Computer Scans - Just Say No! Understanding This Type of Tech Support Scam How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • U.S. Federal Trade Commission Article Abstract The proliferation of "free" computer security scans poses significant risks, often leading to tech support scams or even the inadvertent download [...]
Preserving The Evidence Of Scams And Safeguarding Justice For Scam Victims Reporting Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes and What to Do Next! Reporting Scams - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Preserving evidence is paramount in combating cybercrimes, scams, and frauds. Victims, often acting as digital detectives, [...]
Blockchain And Cryptocurrency Tracing And Investigation Understanding How To Tracing & Investigate Blockchain & Cryptocurrency How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract Investigating blockchain and tracing cryptocurrency to find stolen funds demands technical expertise, analytical tools, and collaboration with law enforcement. It begins with an assessment of the theft's details, followed by blockchain analysis to track fund movement. Investigators employ various tools such as Breadcrumbs, Blockchair, and Oxt.me [...]
The Importance of Learning in Scam Victims' Recovery from Scams Overcoming the Scam Through Understanding Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The article underscores the imperative of comprehending scams for scam victims. Understanding the diverse forms of scams, from email phishing to relationship [...]
Plan For Scams - Plan To Become A Scam Victim Scam Victims Need To Understand What To Do Next! How Scams Work - A SCARS Guide Article Abstract The article "Plan For Scams – Plan To Become A Scam Victim" is a comprehensive guide for scam victims who have fallen victim to scams. Emphasizing the inevitability of becoming a scam victim, it outlines immediate actions to minimize the aftermath's emotional [...]
UK Online Fraud Charter The UK Government Creates A Historic Agreement On Scams 2023 Government Policy - A SCARS Special Report The Online Fraud Charter Is A Voluntary Agreement Between The Government And The Technology Sector To Reduce Fraud On Their Platforms And Services The Online Fraud Charter will address how Online Platforms and Services are increasingly being exploited by criminals for the purposes of fraud and money laundering. Through [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
Airdrop Cryptocurrency Attack or Scam Airdrops are a Unique Kind of Cryptocurrency Phishing Attack Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight An Airdrop is Typically a Marketing Stunt in the Cryptocurrency Industry in which New Tokens are Sent to Wallets Randomly or as a Reward for a Specific Action but Cybercriminals also use the Same Tactic to Steal Crypto Introduction to Airdrops Airdrops are often used to promote new cryptocurrencies and [...]
Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Understanding Crypto Money Laundering - Cybercrime Basics Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Unraveling the Intricacies of Cryptocurrency Money Laundering in Cybercrime Money Laundering Introduction Money laundering, an age-old practice shrouded in secrecy, represents the sinister underbelly of the financial world. It is the art of transforming the tainted proceeds of criminal activities into clean, untraceable funds, allowing wrongdoers to disguise the true origins of their ill-gotten [...]
Cryptocurrency/Bitcoin Payment Warning crypto.AgainstScams.org A SCARS Cryptocurrency Warning CRYPTOCURRENCY/BITCOIN WARNING PLEASE BE AWARE! No online relationship is going to ask you to send money in cryptocurrency! IF THEY DO IT IS A SCAM! No one that you talk to on the phone, in messages, or by email is going to ask you to make payments in cryptocurrency! IF THEY DO IT IS A SCAM! No government agency, local [...]
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