SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
ATTENTION SCAM VICTIMS FROM NEW ZEALAND
A Scam Victims Research Study is being conducted by the University of Auckland, New Zealand, with the support of SCARS™
This study has been reviewed and formally approved by SCARS and the University of Auckland (NZ) for a study to help Romance Scam victims. The study is a formal study of victims to help find new solutions for assistance, support, and recovery.
SCARS has created a private Facebook Group as a way to enable you who are Romance Scam victims residing in New Zealand to connect with this Research Study being conducted by the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
SCARS has reviewed and formally approved of this study, and believes that your participation in a study interview will help in better understanding the effects of these scams on victims, and may lead to better assistance and support, as well as therapies for scam victims – to help victims recover faster and more completely in the future.
This Study specific group will allow you to connect with the University Researcher, and arrange for private interviews as a part of this Study. This is not a scam, and the researcher is who and where they are and are working at the University of Auckland – this has all been verified and documented.
You can feel safe about this process as SCARS has fully vetted the researcher and confirmed that he has the full authorization and oversight of his University.
Contained within the group we have posted the Research Participants Information Sheet, and Consent Form for you to access and review. If you have any questions you can ask them of the researcher directly or in that forum. All of their contact information, including those of the University are also provided. However, if you have any concerns we will be there as an observer for this stage and you can address them to the SCARS Staff either through the group, via messenger, or by email to Contact@AgainstRomanceScams.org.
We hope that this Study will lead to ways to reduce scams and the impact it has on its victims.
Dr. Tim McGuinness,
Chairman,
Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams Inc. [SCARS]
Miami Florida U.S.A.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
This is 100% real and legitimate, and we hope that you all will consider allowing their researcher to do a private interview with you. That is all that is involved – just an interview – private between you and the researcher.
Here is the address of the Study Group here on Facebook. You just go there and join:
www.facebook.com/groups/SCARS.Auckland.Research.Study
This is OPEN to EVERYONE who is a scam victim who resides in New Zealand – no limitations.
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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