SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Notice About Copyrights
This website and the company behind it create original content to help fight scammers.
This is an effort that requires considerable effort and cost. In fact, as a not-for-profit website, we do this at a considerable loss, because we believe in the goal of our site and to help support the victims of online or internet fraud. While we may have advertising on this website, it is for the sole purpose of search engine optimization and does not represent any significant level of revenue. For without the support of search engines, you would not have been able to find our website, and thousands more victims would have fallen into the traps of the online scammers.
We ask nothing from our visitors. We do not require a subscription fee or other cost to use and enjoy, or make use of the information we have compiled. It is 100% free!
In the creation of our content, we do make use of other third-party content, used under “fair use provisions” of U.S. and International Copyright Laws. In the event that we do not adequately attribute the source for such use, please notify us at copyright@againstromancescams.org and we will be happy to address this. An example of this is the use of stolen photos.
We display a large number of photos or images stolen by scammers and used in their fraud. In all such cases, our use is for the sole purpose of displaying the evidence of that theft, and the photos are watermarked for that purpose, and also to prevent them from being used again by other scammers. This is both to aid potential victims locate these images through search engine image searches, and for the person who had their photos stolen to confirm that their likeness was in fact used by a scammer, since this is a form of identity theft. We acknowledge the original copyright (if any) of these photos, and we ask that those who have had their photos stolen support this effort and understand its purpose.
In the event that others materially or willfully infringe on our copyrights, we will address such infringement directly, and we ask our visitors to help us in regard to that.
We have seen other websites operated by scammers copy large portions of our website – of course editing their own information out. So it is vital that you help us identify infringements of this type, and we will also help identify such fake anti-scammer websites.
Additionally, we actively block scammers in Africa, parts of Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe. This is done both for the security of the website and to help prevent online fraudsters from learning additional secrets that would aid them in their frauds. This is also to help block any further fraudulent use of the individual photos abused by scammers.
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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.
I’ve been scammed by lady that goes by the name Cynthia serwaa her email address is preciouslady95@gmail .com