Search results for: Grandparent Scams

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Grandparent Scams – Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis – 2025

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. [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-09-13T01:13:07-04:00September 13th, 2025|Categories: CRIME TYPOLOGY OVERVIEW, 2025, Elder Abuse Crimes, Emergency / Crisis / Disaster Scams, Grandparent Scams, Insights, Phone Scams, VICTIM IMPACT ANALYSIS, • OTHER TRUSTED PARTY SCAM, • RELATIVE/FAMILY/FRIEND SCAM, ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, ♦ SCAM BASICS, ♦ SCAM WARNINGS & ALERTS, ♦ SCAMPEDIA: CATALOG OF SCAMS, ♦ SPOTING SCAMS - ANTI-SCAM TIPS CLUES & RED FLAGS|Tags: Emergency Scam, Grandparent Scams|

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Scam Basics: Grandparent Scams

Scam Basics: Grandparent Scams Learning The Basics Of Online Scams & Educating Consumers To Avoid Them Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Grandparent Scams A Type Of Relationship Scam Grandparent Scams In grandparent scams the scammer calls and poses as a grandchild or relative in distress, requesting money for bail, hospital bills, or other emergencies. Grandparent scams are one of the types of scams in which scammers [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-04-02T10:29:33-04:00April 1st, 2023|Categories: ♦ SCAM BASICS, 2023, Grandparent Scams, Insights, Phone Scams, Spotting Scammers|Tags: Email Scams, Grandparent Scams, Message Scams, Phone Scams, Scam Basics, Text Scams|

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Don’t Fall For Grandparent Scams [VIDEO]

Don't Fall For Grandparent Scams A Type Of Phone Scam That Plays On Your Love For Your Family! They grab you by the heart and won't let go! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Don't Open Your Door To Grandparent Scams When it comes to scammers, nothing is sacred — including the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Lately, grandparent scammers have gotten bolder: they might [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-08-19T07:10:36-04:00April 14th, 2021|Categories: Insights, 2021, Grandparent Scams, VIDEOS, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK|Tags: Family Emergency Scams, Grandparent Scams, Information About Scams, Scams, Send Money, Urgency Scams|

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SCARS™ Insight: Coronavirus Grandparent Scams

SCARS™ Insight: Coronavirus Grandparent Scams Scammers In India, Africa, And Asia Have Long Exploited The Love That Grandparents Have For Their Grandchildren, But Now They Are Turning That Into Money The Crisis Emergency Scams! The typical Grandparent Scam involves someone calling, emailing, texting or messaging an elderly person claiming that they are a relative and are in an emergency. All they need is some of the victim's money and it will all be fine! Accidents, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-25T03:56:58-04:00April 9th, 2020|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMS|Tags: Act Against Scams, Anti-Scam, CARS, Coronavirus Scams, COVID-19 Scams, Crisis Scams, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, Email Scams, Emergency Scams, Fraudsters, Grandparent Scams, Information About Scams, Messaging Scams, Phone Scams, scam victims, scammers, Scams, Text Scams|

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SCARS™ Guide: Grandparents Scams

SCARS™ Guide: Grandparents Scams Those Are Not Your Grandchildren! FTC Warns Of New Scam Grandchildren imposters are managing to finagle a skyrocketing amount of money out of people, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned on Monday. The FTC says that its Consumer Sentinel Network has noticed a “striking” increase in the median dollar amount that people 70 and older report losing to fraud. When they started to peel back the layers, the Commission found a number of [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-12-19T02:41:57-05:00December 12th, 2018|Categories: Blackmail & Extortion Scams, Guides, Impersonation & Identity Theft Scams, Phone Scams|Tags: Blackmail Scam, Elders, Grandchildren, Grandparent Scam, phone scam, Senior Citizen, Text Scams|

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URGENT SCAM WARNING: Southern California – Los Angeles Wildfires Evacuation Scams – 2025

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-01-09T19:08:59-05:00January 9th, 2025|Categories: ♦ SCAM WARNINGS & ALERTS, 2025, Email & Phishing Scams, Emergency / Crisis / Disaster Scams, Grandparent Scams, Insights, NORTH AMERICA SCAMS & SCAMMERS, Phone Scams|Tags: Email Scams, Grandparent Scams, Los Angeles Wildfires, Natural Disaster Scams, Phone Scams, Scam Alert, Scam Warning, Southern California, Text Message Scams|

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AI-Driven Voice Impersonation Scams/DeepFake Voice Scams – How To Protect Your Family Against Them – 2024

AI-Driven Voice Impersonation Scams/DeepFake Voice Scams How To Protect Your Family Against Them DeepFake Voice Phone Scams Are Increasing In Sophistication Thanks To AI Avoiding Scams - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract In the digital age, AI-driven voice impersonation scams, like grandparent scams, target vulnerable individuals. The article advises safeguarding families by educating them about these scams, establishing verification protocols, cautioning against sharing personal info, staying updated on scam tactics, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-01-08T08:50:25-05:00January 8th, 2024|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2024, Elder Abuse Crimes, Insights, Phone Scams, ♦ SCAM BASICS|Tags: Ai Scams, AI-Driven Voice Impersonation Scams, deepfake voice scams, Phone Scams, Voice Impersonation|

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Bedbug Scams – Elder Abuse – Local Fraud – 2023

Bedbug Scams An Elder Abuse - Local Fraud Targeting Seniors How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Bedbug Scams Are A Fraud Scheme Where Individuals Typically Deceive Elderly Victims Into Believing Their Homes Are Infested With Bedbugs And Paying High Fees To Get Rid Of Them Bedbug Scam fraudsters often use manipulative tactics to extort money for unnecessary or ineffective treatments from the elderly. Key Characteristics of Bedbug Scams Unfounded [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-12-14T15:42:40-05:00December 10th, 2023|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2023, Elder Abuse Crimes, Insights, Local Scammers, Local Scams/Fraud|Tags: Bedbug Scam, Elder Abuse, Local Fraud, Local Scam, Services Fraud|

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Catalog Of Social Engineering Traps, Attacks, And Scams

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-09-27T15:33:28-04:00September 26th, 2023|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2023, Cybercrime, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Social Engineering, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK|Tags: Psychology of Scams, social engineering, Social Engineering Attacks, Social Engineering Scams, Social Engineering Traps|

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Types Of Scams – A New Taxonomy

Types Of Scams - A New Taxonomy Helping To Create A Better Set Of Terms For The Types Of Scams Criminology - A SCARS Insight The SCARS Official Definition Of The Terms & Types Of Scams SCARS, as the leading provider of scam victim support and victim assistance services worldwide, has polled victims around the globe to develop a better taxonomy of the types of scams. Part of the intent [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-04-05T04:35:11-04:00April 5th, 2023|Categories: ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, 2023, Cybercrime, Insights, SCAMS FRAUD & CYBERCRIME TYPES, SCARS Research, ♦ SCARS ADVOCACY|Tags: Criminology, cyber attacks, Relationship Scams, Targeted Scams, Taxonomy, Types Of Scams|

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Cloning Your Relative’s Voice For Phone Scams [VIDEO]

Cloning Your Relative's Voice For Phone Scams An Urgent Scam Warning How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight FTC Warns That Scammers Are Cloning Your Relatives' Voice To Steal Your Money With Phone Scams In These Phone Scams "When The Scammer Calls You, He'll Sound Just Like Your Loved One." That panicky call from a relative? It could be a thief using a voice clone, FTC warns about these phone [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-03-28T00:08:26-04:00March 28th, 2023|Categories: ♦ SPOTING SCAMS - ANTI-SCAM TIPS CLUES & RED FLAGS, 2023, Emergency / Crisis / Disaster Scams, Grandparent Scams, Insights, Phone Scams, YouTube Video, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK|Tags: AI, Cloning Voices, Emergency Scams, Grandparent Scams, Phone Scams, Scammer Tools|

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Catching On To Uber Money Collection Scams/Courier Scams

Catching On To Uber Money Collection Scams/Courier Scams Money Collection Scams Mean Scammers Have Changed Tactics To Using UBER Couriers To Collect Money How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight "I Will Send An Uber To Collect The Money" In New Money Collection Scams How Seniors Are Being Saved From Money Collection Scams Thanks To New Technology Major courier companies are developing tracking algorithms to spot fraudulent money collection scams [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-03-22T15:32:35-04:00March 22nd, 2023|Categories: ♠ ARCHIVES & LEGACY CONTENT ♠, 2023, Emergency / Crisis / Disaster Scams, Government Impersonation, Grandparent Scams, Insights, Phone Scams, Spotting Scammers, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK|Tags: Money Collection Scams, Money Transfer Scams, Uber Couriers, Uber Money Collection, Uber Scams|

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Elder Frauds & Scams

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 Institute Editorial Team2022-06-05T07:14:52-04:00June 5th, 2022|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2022, Financial Fraud & Scams, Government Impersonation, Lotto/Lottery Scams, Phone Scams|Tags: Elder Fraud, Elder Scams, Emergency Scams, Grandparent Scams, How scams work, Lotto Scams, Prize Scams, Targeting The Elderly|

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Holiday 2021 – Types Of Scams & Cyber Attacks To Be Alert For

Holiday 2021 - Types Of Scams & Cyber Attacks To Be Alert For What To Avoid & Watch Out For! A SCARS Special report Remember That Everyone Can Be Scammed! So Be Careful! Are you scam smart and cyber conscious? Scammers ramp things up during the Holiday Season and more than ever you will be targeted! Are you knowledgeable enough to AVOID • DISCOVER • RECOVER from scams? Pay attention [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2021-11-24T20:32:02-05:00November 24th, 2021|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2021, Special Reports|Tags: Attacks, CYBERATTACKS, cybercrime, Cybercriminals Cyber Victims, Fraud, Hackers, Malware, Scams|

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Scams Targeting College and Graduate Students

Scams Targeting College and Graduate Students Students Are Losing Their Tuitions & Savings For Their Education A SCARS Insight Student-Targetted Scams Steal Billions From Young Adults And Their Family Watch Out For Any Social Media Advertising Or People That Want To Help Students Every year college students will be starting a new chapter in their lives.  With this new chapter comes responsibility and the freedom to make choices on their [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:27:42-04:00September 7th, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS|Tags: College Student Scams, Housing Scams, Private School Scams, Scams Targeting College and Graduate Students, Student Scams, Tuition Scams, University Student Scams|

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Spotting Scams & Anti-Scam Tips – Article Catalog

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T23:01:10-04:00July 28th, 2021|Categories: ♦ SCAM BASICS|Tags: Anti-Scam Clues, Anti-Scam Tips, Information About Scams, Red Flags, Spotting Scammers, Spotting Scams|

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Understanding The Long Con – The Basic Mechanics Of A Relationship Scam – How Scams Work

How Scams Work: Understanding The Long Con The Basic Mechanics Of A Relationship Scam A SCARS Insight What Is A Long Con? Con is derived from "Confidence Trick" A "Long Con" Or "Big Con" (Or Long Game) Is A Scam That Unfolds Over Several Days Or Weeks, Or Even Years. It may involve one scammer or a team of fraudsters working together (a team), and even props ( such as [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:27:49-04:00May 15th, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS|Tags: Basic Mechanics, How scams work, Long Con, romance scam|

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Grandparent Scam?

SCARS™ Anti-Scam FAQ: Grandparent Scam   This scam has been around and has seen an increase in activity of late. Depending on who answers the phone call, the person on the other line will say, "Hi, Grandpa" or "Hi, Grandma" pretending to be the grandson or granddaughter of the older victim. The scammer then tells them a story that ends with, "I need money right away to… (insert issue here—pay my traffic ticket, post bail, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2021-04-26T09:09:39-04:00January 22nd, 2019|Categories: Scam Types|

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SCARS™ CURRENT ONLINE SCAMS THREAT INDEX

SCARS™ CURRENT ONLINE SCAMS THREAT INDEX Romance Scams 100 WARNING Scam danger at extreme levels - high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media - increased victimization Blackmail Scams 42 MODERATE Scam danger at moderate levels - significant probability of stranger contacts from all potential media - elevated victimization 419 Advance Fee Scams 24 CAUTION Scam danger at [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:23:27-04:00September 26th, 2018|Categories: SCARS Research|Tags: 000, 19, 2018, 21, 32, 36, 40, 41, 419, 419 scam, 419 Scams, Affiliate, Again, Age, Agent, AI, Ale, Anger, Ani, arning, Black, Blackmail, Blackmail Scam, Blackmail Scams, CA, CES, CO, Con, Copyright, CT, Danger, Di, Em, Eve, Fili, Fon, GA, Gallery, IL, k, LA, Lay, Lia, Lin, Mail, Man, men, MO, MSN, NC, NY, ON, Online, Online Scam, Online Scams, PA, Responsibility, Ring, Risk, romance scam, Romance Scams, RomanceScamsNow.com, Safe, Safety, scam, Scam Danger, Scammer, scammers, Scams, SCARS, Snow, Society, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, Sol, SS, Strangers, TED, Threat Index, US, VA, Victim, Victimization, Video, WA, Warning, Web, Zen|

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RSN Editorial: Online Gambling & Scams

RSN Editorial: Online Gambling & Scams Recently, Former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln Wrote An Op-Ed Piece In The U.K. Financial Times (see below) In considering this issue it is important to explore the psychological nature of humans and their propensity for addiction. We live in a world of easy solutions to life's difficulties. We have instant TV, instant movies, instant communications, instant products, instant relationships, and instant gambling. All of these lend themselves to addiction! [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T16:49:36-04:00August 26th, 2018|Categories: ♦ ABOUT ADVOCACY & ACTIVISM|Tags: BLANCHE LINCOLN, Children and addicts need protection, Gambling Addiction, Gambling Scams, Gambling Websites, Online Addiction, ONLINE GAMBLING, Scam Addiction|

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Kidnapping Scams

Another Evolution In Scamming Are Kidnapping ScamsScammers Connect Via A Fake Profile That Then Says They Have Been KidnappedIt sounds like something out of Hollywood, but it’s hitting homes across the country: “virtual kidnapping,” where fraudsters try to extort money by claiming that a family member has been taken hostage.This fear-provoking fraud isn’t new; there was a nationwide wave of similar calls two years ago in which swindlers usually claimed a loved one was being held [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T07:30:57-04:00May 29th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Kidnapping Scam, Kidnapping Threats, Online Kidnapping Scam, Online Threats, Phone Kidnapping Scam, scammer threats, Virtual Kidnapping, Virtual Kidnapping Scam|

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Online Money Scams – Scam Basics

Online Money Scams - Scam Basics Money Scams Come In A Variety Of Types Here are some of the basic types Fraudsters Gain Your Trust - Then Steal Your Money Portions Reprinted from Western Union They use any means to contact victims—telephone, snail mail, email, and the Internet! They gain your trust and when they have you hooked, they ask you for money; then they take it and [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:30:18-04:00February 28th, 2016|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS|Tags: Anti-scam tip, Anti-Virus / Extortionware / Encryption Scam, Scam Types|

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Scam Victims’ Fear of Being Judged Incompetent – 2025

Scam Victims' Fear of Being Judged Incompetent Elderly Scam Victims and the Fear that Their Family Will View Them as Incompetent Scam Victim 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. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Older adults who experience scams often fear [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-09-13T11:53:04-04:00September 13th, 2025|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2025, For New Victims, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, NORTH AMERICA SCAMS & SCAMMERS, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, Scam Victims In Denial, Scam Victims Legal & Civil Rights, Self Help - Supporting Yourself, ♦ ABOUT MONEY MULES, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS, ♦ MONEY MULES|Tags: Incompetent, Legal Answers, Scam Victim Recovery|

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SCARS INSTITUTE SCAM WARNINGS – 2025

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-07-12T07:47:07-04:00July 12th, 2025|Categories: WARNINGS, 2025, • BANK IMPOSTER SCAM, • BUSINESS IMPOSTER SCAM, • GOVERNMENT IMPOSTER SCAM, • INVESTMENT SCAM, • MERCHANDISE SCAM, • OTHER TRUSTED PARTY SCAM, • PROPERTY SALES OR RENTAL SCAM, • RELATIVE/FAMILY/FRIEND SCAM, • ROMANCE IMPOSTER SCAM, ♦ SCAM WARNINGS & ALERTS|Tags: Scam Alerts, Scam Warnings|

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Online Safety – Important For Working From Home – A Free SCARS Guide 2023

Online Safety Working From Home Managing Your Home Technology For Safety Online Online Safety - A SCARS Guide Safeguarding Your Home Online Safety & Workspace: A SCARS Guide to Preventing Cybercrime and Scams When Working from Home In the digital age, more people are working from home than ever before and online safety is paramount. While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also exposes individuals to various online risks, including [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-10-19T03:48:10-04:00October 19th, 2023|Categories: ♦ ONLINE SAFETY, 2023, Guides, Online Safety|Tags: Family Online Safety, Home Technology, Online Safety, Safe Internet, Working from Home|

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Scammers Sending Someone To Your Home – A New Trend –

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-08-06T17:09:34-04:00August 6th, 2023|Categories: Insights, 2023, How Victims Pay / Money Transfer, Scammer Techniques & Methods, Sending Money, Victimization|Tags: Criminal Couriers, New Trend In Scamming, Outsourcing Money Pick Up, Scammer Pick Up, Uber|

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Rug-Pull – A Scammer Tactic

Rug-Pull - A Scammer Tactic Rug-Pulls Are Used In Crypto And Other Kinds Of Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight A Rug-Pull Is Often The Way The Scammer Cuts Off The Victim & Disappears In financial fraud, a "rug-pull" refers to a deceptive tactic commonly associated with cryptocurrency projects, particularly decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. A rug-pull occurs when the creators or developers of a project [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-06-14T15:00:28-04:00June 14th, 2023|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2023, Crypto Investment Scams/Pig Butchering Scams, Cryptocurrency Scams, Cybercrime, Insights, Investment Scams, Scammer Techniques & Methods, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE|Tags: Ending The Scam, How Scammers Operate, How scams work, Rug-Pull, Scam Mechanics, Scammer Tactic, Scammer Technique, Scammer Techniques|

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The Relationship Scam End Game: The Confession Scam and Other Strategies

The Relationship Scam End Game: The Confession Scam and Other Strategies How Scammers Try One Last Time And Close Up The Scam A SCARS Insight This information can apply to most types of scams, from Romance Scams to Lotto Scams, to Government Impersonation Scams, to Grandparent Scams, and many more. When a victim discovers the truth the scammer will react in one of several predictable ways that we call "End Game Scams." [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-09-23T06:56:06-04:00November 13th, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, 2023, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|Tags: Confession Scam, End Game Scams, Relationship Scams, Scam Discovery, scam victims, Scammer Blackmail, Scammer Reveal, scammer threats, Sextortion|

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What Is A Relationship Scam? [INFOGRAPHIC]

What Is A Relationship Scam? Understanding Scams Infographic! A SCARS Insight A Relationship Scam - Don't You mean A Romance Scam? Nope! The Definition of a Relationship Scam: It is a one-to-one criminal act that involves a trust relationship and uses deception & manipulation to get a victim to give to the criminal something of value, such as money! A Relationship Scam includes many different types of scams, each with [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:27:35-04:00October 17th, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS|Tags: About Scams, Infographic, Relationship Scam, Relationship Scams, SCARS Graphic|

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Lost Pet Scam – Going For Your Heart

Lost Pet Scam - Going For Your Heart Owners Of Pets Who Post About Their Lost Pets Are Being Scammed A SCARS Special Report New scam targets owners of lost pets THIS IS AN IDENTITY THEFT & IMPERSONATION ATTACK What To Watch Out For: A new scam is targeting owners of lost pets. The scammers text the lost pet’s owner claiming they have the dog or cat but [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-25T05:11:10-04:00May 3rd, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMS|Tags: Cats, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, Dogs, Find My Pet, Fraudsters, Lost & Found Scams, Lost Pet Scam, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Online Fraud, Pet Owner Victims, Pets, Scam Avoidance, scam victims, scammers, Scams, SCARS|

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One Ring Call Phone Scam – Scam Basics

One Ring Call Phone Scam SCARS Scam Basics The Mysterious One Ring Call Phone Scam Why Would Anyone Do This? One Ring Call Phone Scam - Your phone rings once and the call stops. If you answer all you hear is silence! You are tempted to call them back, but don't do it! The criminal (human or automation) on the other end hopes you [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T23:01:15-04:00April 15th, 2021|Categories: ♦ SCAM BASICS|Tags: Anti-Scam, Cell Phone Scam, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, Fraudsters, Information About Scams, International Rate Scams, Mobile Phone Safety, One Ring Call Scam, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Online Fraud, Phone Fraud, phone scam, Phone Scam Alert, Phone Scammers, Phone Scams, Robo Call Phone Scams, scam, Scam Avoidance, scam victims, scammers, Scams, SCARS, Wangiri Scam|

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What Is A Relationship Scam

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2021-04-26T04:32:12-04:00March 30th, 2021|Categories: Romance Scams Related|

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SCARS™ Victim Support: FTC Starts Sending Money To Western Union Victims After THREE Years Of Wait!

SCARS™ Victim Support: FTC Starts Sending Money To Western Union Victims After THREE Years Of Wait! Department of Justice Begins First Distribution of Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims of Western Union Fraud Scheme The Department of Justice announced today that the Western Union Remission Fund began its first distribution of approximately $153 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. government from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to over 109,000 victims located [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-04-05T09:32:17-04:00May 10th, 2020|Categories: ♠ ARCHIVES & LEGACY CONTENT ♠|Tags: Anti-Scam, Asset Forfeiture Program, Compensation To Victims, Criminal Division, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, Fraudsters, Important Article, Information About Scams, Justice Department, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery, Money Recovery Program, Recovering Money, Romance Scams, scam victims, scammers, Scams, SCARS, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, U.S. Department Of Justice, Western Union Remission Program, Western Union Repayment Program|

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RSN™ Guide: U.S. Elder Justice Initiative

RSN™ Guide: U.S. Elder Justice Initiative The Elder Justice Initiative On February 22, 2018, in response to a coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases, President Donald Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions stated: “The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic …” He went on to state: “When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T12:02:10-04:00October 3rd, 2018|Categories: Guides|Tags: Department of Justice, Elder Justice Initiative, IC3, Older Americans, SCARS, Senate Aging Committee, Senator Collins, Susan Collins, U.S. Senators|

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Urban Legends: Chapter 6 – Scammers Are All Alike? [Updated]

Scammer Urban Legends: Chapter 6 Scammers Are All Alike? A SCARS Insight Scammer Urban Legend: All Scammers Are Nigerian Most victims and the public, in general, have a mistaken idea that all scammers are from one region. It seems like every day, all you hear about are Nigerian 419 and fake military scams, and that all of these scammers must be Nigerian. Nothing Could Be Farther From The [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T16:51:07-04:00January 28th, 2018|Categories: URBAN LEGENDS|Tags: Domestic - Local Scammers, Ghana scammers, Indian Scammers, Nigerian scammers, Philippines Filipina Scammers, Real Scammers, Scammers from Africa, Scammers from Latin America, Scammers Worldwide|

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Top USA Cybercrimes

The Top 30 Cybercrimes in the USA According to the U.S. Department of Justice, July 5, 2017 The top 30 Cyber Crimes in Reverse Order are: 30. Denial of Service Attacks - A cyber-attack that makes a computer or server unavailable by disrupting its connection to the internet. 29. Online Gambling - Online or internet gambling. 28. Malware Attacks - Malicious software intended to damage or disable computer systems, sometimes accompanied by demands to solicit [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2017-12-30T22:02:14-05:00July 5th, 2017|Categories: AFRICAN SCAMS & SCAMMERS, Editorial & Commentary, SCAMS FRAUD & CYBERCRIME TYPES, ♥ GALLERIES & CONTENT COLLECTIONS|Tags: Advance Fee Fraud / Nigerian Prince Email Scams / 419 Scams, Compromised Email Accounts / Business Email Compromise (BEC) Fraud, Data Breach, Identify Theft, Malware Attacks, Nigerian / African Money Transfers, Real Estate or Rental Scams, Romance Scams / Sweetheart Scams / Love Scams / Confidence Fraud|

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Western Union Repayment News

Western Union Repayment News UPDATED NOVEMBER 13 2017 [UPDATED AUGUST 17, 2018] Portions From: http://www.westernunionremission.com  & https://www.ftc.gov/WU FILING A CLAIM HAS BEEN EXTENDED - CLICK HERE The United States Department of Justice Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section serves as the central decision making authority on all petitions for remission filed in judicial matters across the country. At times, the complexity of the matter or volume of victims necessitates the hiring of an outside claims administrator to assist [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-12-19T02:40:31-05:00June 9th, 2017|Categories: General Financial Scams|Tags: Advance-fee loan scam, Emergency or grandparent scam, Lottery or prize promotion scams, Money Transfer Service, Online dating or romance scams, Online or Internet scams, Western Union, Western Union Repayment, Western Union Settlement, Western Unionm Money Transfer Service logo - banner|

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Why Young Adults and the Elderly are Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime – 2025

Why Young Adults and the Elderly are Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime Digital Danger Zones: Young Adults and Seniors Face the Highest Risk of Cybercrime Psychology 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 Cybercrime affects everyone, but young adults and older adults face especially [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-04-01T21:03:25-04:00April 1st, 2025|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2025, Cybercrime, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Victimology|Tags: cybercrime, elderly, Psychology of Scams, Seniors, vulnerability, Young Adults|

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SCARS Institute Halloween 2024 Scam Monster Identification Guide

SCARS Institute Halloween 2024 Scam Monster Identification Guide If You See Any Of These Monsters, RUN! Just For Fun - A SCARS Institute Insight These Are Not Scams [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-10-27T16:14:38-04:00October 26th, 2024|Categories: 2024, Guides, Spotting Scammers, ♦ JUST FOR FUN|Tags: Halloween, Just For Fun, Monsters, Scams, SCARS Guide|

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Scammers Anger – Losing Their Temper – How Scammers Operate

Scammers Anger - Losing Their Temper Understanding Who Scammers Really Are How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight Relationship Scammers Often Lose Their Temper With Their Victims During The Scam Whether it is a romance scam, a lotto scam, a grandparent scam, a bank impersonation scam, or even a government impersonation, scammers lose their cool when things do not go their way! Let's Look At Who Scammers Really Are Relationship [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-08-07T18:40:01-04:00August 7th, 2023|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, 2023, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Spotting Scammers, ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY|Tags: Psychology of Scammers, Psychology of Scams, Recognizing Scams, scam victims, scammers, Scammers Anger|

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Open Letter To Local Police Officers & Police Leadership

Open Letter To Local Police Officers & Police Leadership Helping Law Enforcement Understand Why Reporting Matters Open Letter to Local Police - SCARS Commentary Attention Police Officers And Leadership - Local Police Please Take Victims' Reports We have to change the mentality of the local police in the United States regarding Scams & Financial Fraud crimes. Our local police do a great job, but the fact is that crime victims [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-05-02T20:11:09-04:00May 2nd, 2023|Categories: ♦ LAW ENFORCEMENT - JUSTICE - INVESTIGATION, 2023, Editorial & Commentary, Governmental Entities & Agencies, Law Enforcement Support, Laws & Regulations, ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, ♦ SCARS ADVOCACY|Tags: Crime Victims, Financial Fraud, Local Police, Police Leadership, Police Officers, Police Reports, Reporting Crimes, scam victims, Scams|

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Western Union Refund Program (Remission) Phase 2

Western Union Refund Program (Remission) Phase 2 Recover Money Sent To Scammers By Western Union A SCARS Special Report Deadline August 31, 2022 Justice Department Announces Phase Two of Compensation Process for Western Union Fraud Victims In 2017, Western Union entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Department of Justice and agreed to forfeit $586 million. The Department of Justice previously distributed over $366 million to over 148,000 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-07-08T02:09:36-04:00July 8th, 2022|Categories: Money Recovery, 2022, Government Programs & Projects, Special Reports, Victim Financial Recovery|Tags: Money Recovery, Phase 2, Refund, Western Union, Western Union Refunds, Western Union Remission|

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FTC Goes After Walmart – Like It Did Western Union & MoneyGram

FTC Goes After Walmart - Like It Did Western Union & MoneyGram U.S. Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Action A SCARS Special Report This Is A Perfect Example Of Why You Need To Preserve The Evidence It is vital to never throw away the evidence of a crime. You never know when new opportunities may come up for refunds or tax deductions. As we have seen over the years, surprise refund [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-07-02T16:40:54-04:00June 30th, 2022|Categories: Special Reports, 2022, Laws & Regulations|Tags: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Money Transfers, Negligent, scammers, Walmart|

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2022 Scam Update – A Podcast With Dr. Tim McGuinness And Debby Montgomery Johnson

2022 Scam Update - A Podcast With Dr. Tim McGuinness And Debby Montgomery Johnson A Joint SCARS & Woman Behind The Smile Production Learn About What Is Goin On Out There! We discuss the latest trends in scams and scammers, and also aspects of victim recovery. To learn more about this podcast visit: Stand Up Speak Up with Debby Montgomery Johnson - Internet Radio Show | Facebook [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-04-01T04:46:41-04:00April 1st, 2022|Categories: PODCAST AUDIO, 2022, Crypto Investment Scams/Pig Butchering Scams, Editorial & Commentary, SCARS On Social Media|Tags: Audio, Debby Montgomery Johnson, Dr. Tim McGuinness, Podcast, SCARS, SCARS Director, SCARS Leadership|

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An Updated Compendium Of Confidence Tricks

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 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-11T18:49:20-05:00March 11th, 2022|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2022, Insights|Tags: Con Artists, Confidence Tricks, criminals, Fraud, Fraudsters, Scam Types, scammers, Scams, Scams & Cons|

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Spotting Nigerian Scammers – Nigerian Phrases

Spotting Nigerian Scammers - Nigerian Phrases Understanding Scammer Culture A SCARS Guide Most Victims Stay In A Scam Far Too Long! This is because while they suspect it is a scam, they do not have the confidence to cut it off. The reason that they lack confidence is partner because of the extended period of time they were being manipulated, and specifically Gaslighted to undermine their confidence. But it is [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-01-17T10:46:06-05:00January 17th, 2022|Categories: ♦ ABOUT SCAMMERS/FRAUDSTERS, 2022, AFRICAN SCAMS & SCAMMERS, Guides|Tags: Nigerian Endearments, Nigerian Phrases, Nigerian Slang, Nigerian Terms, Pidgin English, SCARS Guide, Spotting Nigerians, Spotting Scammers, Understanding Nigerian Culture, Understanding Scammer Culture|

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Latest Update On Western Union Repayment Program – June 30 2021

Latest Update On Western Union Repayment Program - June 2021 They Are Re-Opening Their Program To New Applicants Worldwide - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A SCARS Money Recovery Update “We are pleased that thus far over $350 million has been returned to approximately 150,000 victims, many who are among the most vulnerable: the elderly." Said the U.S. Department of Justice Department of Justice Begins Third Distribution of Forfeited [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-25T04:09:33-04:00July 1st, 2021|Categories: Scam Victims' Assistance Resources|Tags: DoJ, FTC, Government Announcement, U.S. Department Of Justice, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Western Union, Western Union Refunds, Western Union Remission Program, Western Union Repayment Program|

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Scam Victims & Traumatic Memories

Scam Victims & Traumatic Memories Traumatic Memories Are Intensely Powerful And Come In Two Varieties Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Insight The Impact On Scam Victims From Their Traumatic Memories Memories of trauma are unique because of how brains and bodies respond to threat Most of what you experience leaves no trace in your memory. Learning new information often requires a lot of effort and repetition — picture studying for a tough [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-03-19T18:39:11-04:00March 20th, 2021|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2021, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, Victim Trauma & PTSD|Tags: Psychology of Scams, PTSD, Recovery, Romance Scams, scam victims, TRAUMA, Traumatic Memories, Victim Support|

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Money Mule Series: All About Money Mules

Money Mule Series: All About Money Mules Helping Criminals Moving Money Money Mules Are The Backbone Of Organized Crime! Money Mules - A SCARS Guide All About Money Mules Portions Provided By: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit What Is a Money Mule? A money mule is someone who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of or at the direction of [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-08-02T11:13:05-04:00August 29th, 2020|Categories: ♦ MONEY MULES, 2020, 2023, Anti-Money Laundering - AML, Guides, Victimology, YouTube Video, ♦ ABOUT MONEY MULES|Tags: Bank Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Money Mules, Money Transfer, scam victims, scammers, Scams|

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SCAM ALERT: New Scam Targeting Parents

SCAM ALERT: New Scam Targeting Parents New Phone Scam Claims Parents (or Grandparents) are Negligent SCARS™ Investigative ExclusiveIn a new scam starting up in California the scammer claims to have photos of children in the car without lawful child-safety seats or restraints. The phone scammer demands money or will send photos to child welfare/social services & police. If that were true could result in custody issues and fines. The victim must pay $500 immediately or [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T22:57:17-04:00February 21st, 2020|Categories: ♦ SCAM WARNINGS & ALERTS|Tags: Anti-Scam, Car Seat Scam, Child Safety Scam, Information About Scams, Phone Scam Alert, Scam Targeting Parents, SCARS|

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