SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
A Victim’s Story: A Romance Scam Victim Speaks Out
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Send them to contact@AgainstScams.org
Commentary From Individual Victims Who Desperately Want To Be Heard
Here Is An Editorial That Came From One Victim A While Ago, And We Are Reprinting It For Our Current Viewer’s Benefit
We have withheld the victim’s name for her privacy.
The Victim Sent An Email To GhanaWeb That Was Reprinted There:
I am the victim of a scammer who lives in Accra Ghana. He went by the name of Jeffrey James Weller, and his associate was Jeffrey Osei Owusu (I believe them to be one in the same person) He stole $3,000 from me under the guise of friendship and love. Yes I was niave and shouldn’t have sent him anything and some would say it’s my own fault, but others would agrue that I was taken advantage of.
I do not feel sorry for myself over this. I accept the consequences of my actions. I am more educated now and more cautious when I meet men, especially men who say they are currently living or working in Africa, in particular in Ghana as I’ve been approached by many men who live in Ghana. Once bitten, twice shy….I look at this as a life lesson and am trying to turn a negative experience into a positive one.
I’d like to know why they think that it’s okay…that this is acceptable..and even a desierable way to make money. This is not a job! This is criminal! This is cruel beyond your wildest dreams. Don’t tell me it’s to survive because there are always other options..I do not believe that. To me it’s just another form of prostitution…you are selling yourself out and damning your soul to hell for what you are doing and for what?
I’d also like to know why the Ghanaian government doesn’t crack down more on this sort of thing. What are the procedures for reporting this kind of behavor to the Ghanaian authorities? How does this all work?? Who can I contact about this? Is there a task force? A central body that investigates internet crime and romance scammers? What are the procedures?
There Was No Response On The GhanaWeb Site, So The Victim Thought They Would Respond For Everyone’s Benefit:
Why doesn’t the Ghana Government crack down? Because they generally don’t care. The government of Ghana views this the way Nigeria used to view it, as economic development and a way to bring in much needed cash into the economy. But according to the same website:
Some people may say what harm is scamming? Isn’t it just a case of the African taking back what is theirs and getting payment from the rest of the world for the injustices of the past? Maybe that is how some scammers view it but I see it differently.
What they don’t realize is that they are truly hurting their country that many profess to love dearly. The impact is huge and multi-faceted…it costs the government on many levels… because it is not taxed and so they are not getting their share to help to improve the economic situation and programs of your countr….the poor are getting poorer…it makes investors shy away from Ghana and Africa as a whole due to the bad reputation…legitimate businesses are reluctant to invest there and open operations in a country known for scamming…and the scammers do not learn work ethic and they have no marketable skills – they are not increasing their country’s brain power and applying themselves to legitimate businesses that help the country grow and prosper.
The reality is they feel they are entitled to steal. And it isn’t just Ghana, THEY ARE ALL LIKE THIS!
As long as governments permit this, and that includes the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, and especially Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast, it will never end. The tragedy is that it destroys hope.
SCARS EDITOR’S NOTE:
We do not believe the current government of Ghana is interested in reducing or stopping scamming in their country and they let continue to be a drain on the talent of their youth in addition to a black mark against their country. Currently, the U.S. Department of Justice is working with African nations to improve policing and prosecutorial professionalism – which has substantially improved arrest rates in Nigeria.
We believe that continued pressure is the key to keeping Ghana’s attention on this global problem and maintain its willingness to address it.
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By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
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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.
He was slick reckonfromspace, quiet funny took his time. Too me for my life, loans, my name, Henry nathan, name, geologist , said us citizen, state dirt said no, 2 kids, heavy accent, funny, voy geologist con tract lagos, nigeris, started freezing out, never showed up 10 times was supposed to. Turned over to nigerian police hope they get all of them, beware of name Bonnie Crump, pucks up money Mansfield Ohio.
Somebody hacked a comment supposed me Terri Tucker calling Henry nathan now my husband hackers not me. Please remove immediatly. He’s no hacker
Terri Tucker Nathan
We don’t see any mention as you describe. Feel free to send us an email with any proof that you have. Our email is info@RomanceScamsNow.com