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Logistics and Cargo Theft Scams & Fraud The Evolving Threat of Logistics & Cargo Theft Scams: Strategies and Solutions Catalog of Scams / 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. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Cargo theft has evolved into [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
eBay Storytelling Scams - eCommerce Fakery Unraveling eBay and eCommerce Storytelling Scams: How eCommerce Fakery with Emotional Narratives Hooks You with Fake Product Stories Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • From a suggestion from Gabriel at Wizer-Traing.com Article Abstract As a savvy online shopper, you will [...]
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 [...]
New Instant Smartphone Apps Scams - Data Mining and Phishing at the Same Time The Rapid Rise of Smartphone Apps Creation: A Double-Edged Sword for You to Navigate 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 rapid rise of smartphone app creation tools has revolutionized how [...]
Healthcare (Health Care) Fraud in the United States Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Healthcare fraud in the United States is a serious and costly crime that affects individuals, businesses, and government programs alike. It involves deliberate deception by medical providers, patients, or others to [...]
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, [...]
The Hidden Crisis: Why Scams and Cybercrime Deserve Greater Global Attention Editorial & Commentary - Presented by the SCARS Institute Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scams, fraud, and cybercrime have grown into the largest global crime category, with an economic impact estimated at $3-6 trillion annually, surpassing human [...]
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 [...]
Romance Scams - Common Characteristics of the Photos of Men & Women that Scammers Use to Lure their Scam Victims - 2024 Understanding some of the Psychology Behind the Scammer's Choices in Selecting their Stolen Photos 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 [...]
Scam Alert: SEO Poisoning & Typosquatting Scams Scammers Try to Lure You Into Their Fake Websites through Social Engineering in Search Results! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract SEO poisoning and typosquatting are tactics used by scammers to manipulate search engine results, making their malicious websites appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. Exploiting [...]
Scam Alert: Toll-Road Money Due Scam - U.S./Canada Beware of Messages, Texts, and Phone Calls Claiming You Owe Toll-Road Fines! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers are targeting travelers in the United States and Canada. They are employing a new toll-road money-due scam, reaching victims via phone calls, messages, and texts, [...]
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 [...]
Robocalls and Text Scams - How To Stop Them Avoid Automated Robocall Phone Scams & Fraud How Scams Work - A SCARS Guide Silencing the Machines: Putting an End to Robocall Scams & Fraud Robocall scams and fraud pose significant risks to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. These automated phone robocalls are often designed to deceive and manipulate unsuspecting victims into fake or fraudulent products [...]
SMS Pumping Fraud A Telecom-Based Cybercrime How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight There Are Two Types Of SMS Pumping Fraud One type involves forcing websites to send SMS messages to a provider that they profit from, the other is to send SMS messages to individuals to get them to reply to very high-cost phone numbers. The SMS Pumping Scam Targetting Individuals SMS pumping fraud refers to a type of [...]
Avoiding Romance Scams This Valentine's Day Avoid Falling For Romance Scams Traps How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Avoid Romance Scams! Valentine's Day Can Be Anything But Romantic If You Get Trapped In Romance Scams Valentine's Day Is A Time Of Love And Celebration, But It's Also A Time When Romance Scams Tend To Rise. However, remember that you need to play it safe year-round too! Romance scams are [...]
An Overview of Romance Scams A VICE Article Presented by SCARS Beware of the Perfect Gentleman The men whose photos are used for catfishing have little recourse other than to continuously report fake profiles across social media platforms. An article by Motherboard, by VICE This is an excellent overview of impersonation-based relations scams (romance scams) from our friends at VICE. Vice first interviewed us about 6 years ago. The article [...]
Spotting U.S. Health Insurance Scams How Scams Work While This Is Not About Romance Scams These Are A Kind Of Relationship Scam! A SCARS Series Health Insurance Scams Are Exploding Out Of Control Wading through your health insurance options and plans can be complex, overwhelming, and confusing. NOTE: This article is for residents of the United States, however, the problem occurs in most of the developed countries. So always be [...]
COVID Scams - Patient Family Member Scam Scammers Are Always Creative In Finding New Ways To Steal Your Money How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Warning - Scammers Target Loved Ones Of COVID-19 Victims A New Form Of Government Imposter Scam Government imposters may have hit a new low with a scheme that targets the grieving survivors of people who died of COVID-19 by offering them help paying for [...]
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 [...]
Stop Gift Card Scams Scammers Want Gift Cards Because They Are Untraceable & Unstoppable! Never pay for anything using a gift card unless you are buying in a store! Keep reading below! Scammers Increasingly Demand Payment By Gift Cards Paying Scammers with Gift Cards Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to give someone a gift. They’re also a popular way for scammers to steal [...]
SCARS™ ALERT: Checks From The Government - Scams UPDATED: March 18, 2020 SOURCE: U.S. FTC NOTE: This is a topic that may change at any time. To keep up to date with the latest Coronavirus-related scams go to www.ftc.gov/coronavirus » Reports That The Government Will Soon Be Sending Money By Check Or Direct Deposit As the Wuhan Coronavirus COVID-19 takes a growing toll on people’s pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be [...]
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™ Guide: Natural Disaster Frauds & Scams As Another Major Hurricane Approaches The Department Of Justice Reminds The Public To Be Aware Of Fraud And Report It To The National Center For Disaster Fraud The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during [...]
The Dark Side of the Victim Psychology - Schadenfreude The Psychology of Scams A SCARS Insight The Dark Side Of Victim Psychology For Many Years We Have Attempted To Understand The Obsessions Many Scam Victims Experience With Scammer Photos! PLEASE NOTE: This is not presented to make victims feel bad. This is shared to help victims take a look at their own emotions in the hope that it can bring [...]
Avoid Microsoft® Tech Support Scams Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams Courtesy of Microsoft® - Presented by SCARS How Tech Support Scams Work Tech support scams are an industry-wide issue where scammers use scare tactics to trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support services that supposedly fix the contrived device, platform, or software problems. Scammers may call you directly on your phone and pretend to be representatives of a [...]
Psychology Of Scams: Trauma Bonding The Intensity of the scam Relationship Can Create Strong Bonds! How Victims Become Bonded To Their Scammers People Often Stay In Abusive Relationships Because Of Something Called 'Trauma Bonding' Originally published by: Lindsay Dodgson - Aug. 17, 2017 - BusinessInsider.com 'Trauma Bonding' — Here Are The Signs It'S Happening To You SCARS EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS APPLIES TO SCAM VICTIMS JUST AS IT DOES TO LOCAL [...]
RSN™ Anti-Scam Tip: Avoiding Tech Support Scams You’re working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: “Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device.” That’s a tech support scam. Don’t call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don’t operate that way. Scammers pose as big-name companies and use pop-up messages, fake websites, and phone calls to trick you into thinking your computer has [...]
Editorial: What Are We To Do? For over 26 years the scammers were gaining ground. In fact, scams went up by at least 50% each and every year - in some years it doubled. Let's Be Very Clear We Are In A War Against Online Scams! Online scammers are able to operate with impunity throughout Africa, and in many other countries, without fear or prosecution. This War Against Online Scams leaves a million casualties a [...]
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 Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity The Enduring Digital Phantom: Why Danielle Delaunay Remains the Scammer's Favorite Identity Nearly 20 Years Later How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract The Danielle Delaunay identity has become a [...]
The Danger of Using AI in Law Enforcement - The Grandmother Wrongly Arrested as a Fraudster The AI’s Accusation: How a Tennessee Grandmother Lost Everything to an Artificial Intelligence Mistake A True Victim's Story - 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 [...]
DMV Vehicle Registration Cancellation Text Scam How Criminals Use Fake DMV Messages to Steal Personal and Financial Information A New Wave of Urgent Text Message Scams How Scams Work / Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Criminal networks are distributing large-scale text [...]
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 [...]
Cybercrime Losses Pass US$9.5 Trillion Dollars in 2024 - Per Cybersecurity Ventures Striking New Data from Cybersecurity Ventures shows that Cybercrime has exceeded US$9.5 Trillion Dollars in 2024 Crime Analysis / Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by Cybersecurity Ventures and MasterCard Article Abstract [...]
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. • [...]
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 [...]
A New Scam - My Photos Money Recovery Scam A New Kind of Social Media Money Recovery Scam or Scam Victim Assistance Scam The Rise of "Scam Savior" Scams: A New Layer of Deception on Social Media How Scams Work // Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [...]
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 [...]
Sextortion Scam A Relationship Scam Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - A SCARS Institute Article Catalog Sextortion Scam is a Kind of Romance Scam where Criminals Exploit Emotional Vulnerability & Desires to Gain Financial, Personal, or Psychological Advantage over Their Victims A Sextortion Scam is a part of a broader category of Trust-Based Relationship Scams Sextortion scams have become a growing global [...]
Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam A Relationship Scam Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - A SCARS Institute Article Catalog Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam is a form of investment fraud where criminals exploit emotional vulnerability & desires to gain financial, personal, or psychological advantage over their victims. A Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam is a part of a broader category of Trust-Based [...]
Buried Cell Phones/Smartphones & Hidden Cameras New Cybercrime - Cyber Surveillance by Local Criminals The Emergence of Covert Surveillance in Residential Areas How Cybercriminals Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A chilling new cybercrime emerges. People around the U.S. unearth buried cell phones and hidden cameras in [...]
Growth Cave Business Opportunity and Credit Repair Scam Unraveling the Growth Cave Scam - Luring In Victims with Business Growth Opportunities and Credit Repair 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 Growth Cave Business Opportunity and Credit Repair Scam combined false promises of income and [...]
Scammers Buying Anti-Scam Groups to Have Access to Scam Victims The Alarming Trend of Scammers Purchasing Anti-Scam Groups to Gain Access to Scam Victims and Re-Scam Them How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A troubling new tactic is emerging in the world of online scams, [...]
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, [...]
The 764 Network An Analysis and Profile of a Global Transnational Satanic Nihilist Online Predator Scammer & Hacker Ring Organized Crime Profile - 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 764 network, a transnational online predator ring founded around 2018, exemplifies the dark potential of [...]
Clone Phishing - Email Scam Unmasking Clone Phishing: A Deceptive Email Cyber Threat Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Clone phishing is a sophisticated form of cybercrime where attackers replicate legitimate emails—such as newsletters, invoices, or account notifications—to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or [...]
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