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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 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, [...]
Identifying Fake Crypto Investments (Pig Butchering Scams) - 2025 Edition Spotting Fake Crypto “Investments” (Pig-Butchering): A Practical Guide How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc Article Abstract Pig-butchering scams start as friendship or romance and pivot into “wealth coaching” on a rigged platform that displays [...]
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 [...]
Romance Scams and Human Trafficking - Different Crimes But Same Mechanisms of Control The Overlaps Between Human Trafficking and Romance Scams - Two Very Different Crimes with One Chilling Similarity How Scams Work/Criminology-Criminal Trends 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 Human trafficking and romance scams [...]
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 [...]
Fake Job Ads - Exploding Form of Scams The Growing Threat of Fake Job Ad Postings/Fake Employment Scams: Safeguarding Candidates and Brands Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Fake job ads or postings are a growing threat in the digital age, with more than one-third [...]
QNET Scams - A Pyramid Scheme Scam? The Biggest Scam You Probably Never Heard Of QNET Scams Are Typically Reported to be Pyramid Schemes Known to Lure In Victims in Countries Around the World, Especially in Developing Countries from Ghana and Africa, to Southeast Asia and India. How Scams Work/Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Special Report Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
A Brief History of Ghana Scams & Scammers History of Scams- A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The history of Ghanaian scams is rooted in economic challenges and the influx of discarded technology, which enabled young Ghanaians to connect to the internet and engage in online fraud. Beginning in [...]
Scams & Magic - The Flourish: Adding Flair and Distraction Part 6 Understanding the Methods Used by Both Scammers and Magicians to Deceive Psychology of 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 "The Flourish" is a technique used in both magic and scams to add [...]
Check Washing Scams And How To Protect Yourself Nothing is Safe Anymore, Not Even the Mail! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Protecting yourself from check-washing scams is essential in today's unsafe world. These scams involve fraudsters stealing checks from the mail, erasing handwritten details like the payee and amount, [...]
Lover Boy Technique Scams Lead To Human Trafficking & Prostitution A Variation On Relationship Scams Is Not About The Victim's Money But Their Body! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight WARNING! It is almost impossible to tell the difference between a Lover Toy technique scam vs. a real online relationship. It uses all the manipulative techniques of romance scams but applies them to getting the victims to perform what [...]
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 [...]
Parcel Mules And Reshipping Scams A Type of E-commerce Fraud Where People Unwittingly Help The Criminals How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Parcel Mules: How Criminals Lure Them In And The Consequences Parcel mules and reshipping scams: What you need to know Parcel mules are people who unknowingly transport illegal goods for criminals. They are often lured into the role through seemingly legitimate job postings or online ads. Parcel [...]
The New Job Scams & Scammers Scammers Are Exploiting Job Seeking Victims Like Never Before! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Scammers Are Hijacking Job Ads. Here’s How To Spot The Fakes Scammers advertise jobs the same way honest employers do — online (in ads, on job sites, and on social media), in newspapers, and sometimes on TV and radio. They promise you a job, but what they want [...]
Evolution In Pig Butchering Scams A Guest Editorial By Brad Gorka About A New Trend In Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Inevitable Evolution Of Crypto Pig Butchering Is Here - More Gifts From AI An Editorial By Brad Gorka, Cybersecurity Professional, CISO, and Information Security Leader About Brad Gorka: Provide Value and Be Valued. I do this by building exceptional teams. This means hiring the right people and [...]
Common Tactics & Types Of Relationship ScamsViolating Trust & Stealing Victims' Money!How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Scammers Use Many Tricks During Relationship Scams But the outcomes are almost always similar! The victim loses their money, or worse. HERE ARE SOME OF THOSE COMMON TACTICS: 1. Investment Opportunities There are many different types of online investment scams that can target individuals looking to invest their money online. Some common types [...]
Fraud’s Dark Matter! The Universe of Scams Most of Us Never Know About By PJ Rohall, About-Fraud.com - a SCARS Partner Organization Beyond Your Awareness There Is A Darker, Uglier Side To Scams & Fraud - Here Is One Victim's Story! This Is Ana's Story! "Ana was emaciated when she arrived at the Brazilian embassy in Cairo." She was an amateur volleyball player once upon a time in Sao Paulo, [...]
Jobs & Employment Scams How Scams Work A SCARS Series Finding Employment Is Not Always Safe Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort. How Does This Scam Work? The scammer contacts you by email, letter, or phone and offers you a job that requires very little effort for high [...]
Why Do Police Try To Avoid Taking Reports For Scams? It's About Closed Cases Law Enforcement - A SCARS Insight We Have Been Looking At This Problem For Years ... And We Believe The Answer Is Actually Simple! CLOSURE RATES! In all the English Speaking Countries (U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand) police departments are evaluated based upon their "closure" rates - meaning the percentage of cases that are closed. [...]
SCARS™ Overview: Online Scams Targeting Teens and Young Adults Scammers are not just targeting adults and the elderly, they also actively target teens and young adults. Teens and young adults think they know everything about the internet, but their complete lack of life skills makes them especially vulnerable. Worse is their built-in unwillingness to talk to adults that know about scams. While Teens and Young Adults may be digital natives, their inexperience makes them susceptible [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: FBI Report To The U.S. Congress On Scams On June 9th, 2020 the FBI's Assistant Direct Calvin Shivers delivered a report to congress on the state of online fraud during the Coronavirus crisis. Here is that report: BY: CALVIN A. SHIVERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS, U.S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD BEFORE THE UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR A HEARING ENTITLED: “COVID-19 FRAUD: [...]
![SCARS™ Special Report: Help Wanted Scams [Updated] job scams](https://romancescamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/job-scams.png "SCARS™ Special Report: Help Wanted Scams [Updated] job scams")
Help Wanted & Job Scams A SCARS Special Report Don't Fall For Job Scams Criminals don’t like getting caught. So, when they want to send and receive stolen money, they get someone else to do the dirty work. Some scammers develop online relationships and ask their new sweetheart or friend to accept a deposit and transfer funds for them (a MULE). Other scammers recruit victims [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: Work-at-Home Businesses Scams Want to be your own boss? Earn thousands of dollars a month from home? Ads promote many different work-at-home jobs and businesses, but often the message is the same: they promise you’ll earn a great living from home, even in your spare time. Don’t take their word for it — many of these “jobs” are scams, or don’t deliver on the claims they make. So do some research, and [...]
SCARS™ Psychology Of Scams: Hate As A Coping Mechanism After A Romance Scam Comes Anger Against Scammers, But When It Turns To Hate A Victim May Turn Away From Normal Recovery [lwptoc] Self-Hate, And By Extension Hate For The Scammer And Others Is The Most Dangerous Coping Mechanism Coping mechanisms are strategies and behaviors that are carried out to mitigate, manage or adapt to anything that causes distress. AFTER A ROMANCE SCAM, THERE IS CERTAINLY [...]
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 [...]
The Psychology of Self-Justified Harm to Others Moral Disengagement, Criminal Rationalization, and the Psychology of Self-Justified Harm by Online Criminals Criminology / Criminal Psychology / How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • 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 Moral disengagement explains [...]
Scam Fraud and Related Terms Glossary An Expanded Glossary for Awareness How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scam and fraud vocabulary helps victims, families, educators, and support providers recognize the many words used to describe deception, theft, manipulation, and financial exploitation. Terms [...]
The Scam States of Southeast Asia How the “Scam States” of Southeast Asia Developed and are Now Dominating the Region Geopolitics of Scams - A SCARS Institute Article 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 Scam states in Southeast Asia have emerged as [...]
Victor Lustig - The Classic Con Man Victor Lustig: the Con Artist Who Sold the Eiffel Tower and Outfoxed Al Capone Bio of a Fraudster - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against [...]
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. • [...]
Identifying Fake U.S. Soldiers - 2025 Techniques to Spot Fake Soldiers How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers continue to impersonate U.S., Canadian, U.K., and European soldiers to manufacture trust, push secrecy and urgency, and extract money through gift cards, crypto, “leave” [...]
How to Write/Email to Congress - Every Survivor's Guide Why Every Scam Victim and Family Member Should Email Congress Right Now Scam Survivor Activism - A SCARS Institute Guide Authors: • 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 Online scams have reached epidemic proportions, impacting [...]
Relationship Scam Impact on Married Scam Victims Married Scam Victims Divorce and Separation After Scam-Related Financial Loss in the U.S. Married Victim Scam Impact Analysis - 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 Divorce or separation are very real possibilities when a married [...]
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 [...]
A Women's Guide to Returning to Dating After a Romance Scam A Guide for Women Recovering from a Romance Scam: Returning to Dating with Awareness, Confidence, and Safety 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. Article Abstract Recovering from a romance scam is a [...]
Hypothesis: The Expansion of Fraud is Only Limited by the Availability of Trained Criminals The Expansion of Fraud: Is It Limited Only by the Availability of Trained Criminals? Criminology - A SCARS Institute Analysis Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The expansion of fraud is increasingly viewed as being [...]
Yahoo Yahoo Formats - Relationship/Romance Scam Scammer Scripts West African Yahoo Yahoo Scammers Use Formats/Scammer Scripts to Manage Their Scams and Systematize their Criminal Business Processes How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract West African Yahoo Yahoo scammers use structured scripts and manipulation techniques to run [...]
A Brief History of Ghana's Sakawa Boys Juju Scammers & Cybercriminals A SCARS Institute History and Operations of Ghana's Juju Ritual 'Sakawa Boys' Scammers & Cybercriminals and their Scam Victims History of Scams - 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 Sakawa Boys, also known [...]
A Brief History of Nigerian Yahoo Boys Scammers The Rise of Yahoo Boys: Exploring the Phenomenon of Scams, Scammers, and Cybercrime in Nigeria 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 Yahoo Boys are Nigerian cybercriminals involved in internet fraud, also known as [...]
Cybercriminal Profiles: Pig Butchering/Crypto Investment Scammers Understanding Cybercriminals Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Pig butchering scams are sophisticated, long-term schemes that rely heavily on social engineering, emotional manipulation, and the use of fake cryptocurrency platforms. These cybercriminals are patient, methodical, and adept at building trust with [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Phantom Employees - A Different Kind Of Remote Employment Scamming Real People are having their Identities Stolen so that Scammers/Cybercriminals can get real Jobs! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract Phantom employee scams exploit the rise of remote work, targeting companies with impersonated job seekers, particularly in sensitive fields like cybersecurity. Scammers steal identities and resumes, using advanced AI to create convincing avatars for interviews and meetings. [...]
Stooges & Stooge Bank Accounts Used In Money Laundering Knowing or Unknowing Partners in Organized Crime How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight ARE YOU A STOOGE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT ONE IS? In the context of organized crime, "stooge account holders" are individuals who knowingly or unknowingly allow their bank or financial accounts to be used for money laundering purposes, much like money mules. Except money mules actively participate [...]
Fake Business Coaches And Get Rich Quick Schemes Fake Business Coaches, Dishonest Influencers, and Scammers Steal Tens of Millions How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight The Internet Is Full Of Fake Business Coaches, Influencers, And Scammers Offering Get Rich Quick Schemes For Just A Little Money Up Front! How Fake Business Coaches Present and Advertise Scams that are Guaranteed to Make Lots of Money with Guaranteed [...]
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 Guide To Using The IC3.gov Reporting Platform How To Best Report Scams, Fraud, & Cybercrime To The FBI Reporting Crimes - A SCARS Guide IC3.gov: How To File A Criminal Complaint And What To Expect The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, is the United States FBI's central hub for reporting cybercrime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating cybercrime. On the IC3 website, [...]
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