SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Denial Is A River In Nigeria
For those of you who are SO AFRAID that your family or friends will find out you have been scammed, think about this!
That VERY SAME FEAR is what is most likely going to get you scammed again and again.
You are showing that you have not learned.
You are showing that you have not accepted your role in what happened.
You are showing you are still in denial.
Truly accepting what happens does not mean you shout it from the rooftops, but it does mean that you accept that you were scammed – meaning you were targeted, and a team of scammers who were expert at what they do used techniques that you did not understand and were not prepared for against you.
It was your 9/11
But the shame you feel should not be for the fact that it happened,
it should be for not learning from it, and truly overcoming it. That includes preparing yourself for the next time, because trust us, there will be a next time.
Once you have been victimized by professional scammers, they will be back. And back. Again and again, until YOU learn to avoid them.
But SOME of YOU are hiding and avoiding learning!
If YOU have blocked our posts then that is exactly what you are doing.
HIDING from the TRUTH that could save you next time.
BUT you are also doing something worse. You are denying others that see your timeline the chance to learn before it happens to them.
You are the conduit for knowledge about online scams because you are here, but some of you block most of our posts (or all) for fear that people will find out and not understand.
Of course they will not understand. BUT you can help them understand.
Just imagine if ONE of your friends who was scammed – you do have at least one – had shared this knowledge with you before you were scammed, and was willing to talk openly about it.
Would you be a victim today?
Probably not.
You may be a lost cause, but your friends and family are not.
Why don’t you put on your adult pants and share a hard lesson with them to help keep them safe?
Have you had a traffic accident? You would share that knowledge right?
Have you had a burglary? You would share that knowledge right?
Then why are you hiding your scam?
We are sympathetic, we are the only registered scam victims’ support group. But that ends when you continue behaviors that are destructive against yourself and others.
All we can do is try to shake you. To get you awake. To recognize that knowledge is the only superpower that will save you from these Arch-Villains.
But if you are not listening and hiding in your cave, we can’t help you. But we will still try to help those you are keeping in the dark!
-/ 30 /-
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Table of Contents
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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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