SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
It is Christmas Season Again …
Winston Churchill said: “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.”
While this may not be your best Christmas, it is where you are supposed to be.
Right here, right now.
So that you can have better Christmases is the future.
From Joe vs. The Volcano: “Look. I don’t know you. I don’t think I know anybody. You’re angry, I can, I can see that. I’m very troubled. I’m not ready to… [sighs] There’s only so much time. You wanna use it well. So I’m here, talking to you. I don’t wanna throw that away.”
Make use of the time we have. To reflect on what brought us here. Was it a scammer? Was it our own actions? Was it the universe?
Maybe you just have to jump into the volcano to be able to understand.
For all of you who jumped into the volcano, rejoice, because you are still here. Still standing. And it does get better.
So today is Christmas – time to watch Joe vs. the Volcano and reflect on our lives. This is the precise moment when we change. A turning point that sheds a past, and projects a new future.
Merry Christmas – “I wonder where we’ll end up?”
“Nobody knows anything, We’ll take this leap, and we’ll see. We’ll jump, and we’ll see. That’s life, right?”
Dr. Tim McGuinness
Chairman,
SCARS Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams
Merry-Christmas-Scammer
-/ 30 /-
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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
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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.
Think i am being scammed at the moment so am doing a reversal Just the usual Ann Angel pictures but with a difference.. Our conversations are very different to the usual. She does not want money and is actually travelling to me at her own expense in the next 2 weeks . Our conversations are very intimate and have been going for quiet a while. Have seen her on webcam chatting to people and have read their comments about being a scammer.. Have seen here passport and she goes by a name that i am unable find anywhere on the internet. At this point in time i will not disclose her name but will keep you all informed of progress. I actually confronted her about Ann Angel history after a while which she did not deny and said that she had been used by her manager and when wanted out displayed even more pictures of her. Her age seems right and have checked facial images big time against recent pictures which i believe to be correct against all pictures and our webcam chats.She said that all she wants to do is to settle down with me and have a happy family life as the past keeps catching up on her and ruining her life. She denies ever being a scammer and has said her images have been stolen and used against her. Maybe this is the real deal maybe i have romanced her to the point of realisation ‘ Maybe i am a lucky guy and have the real deal will keep you informed. Cheers John