
SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

For Family & Friends – Article Catalog
Helping Family & Friends of Scam Victims
The basics of relationship scams, what to look for, and how to help!
A SCARS Topic Collection
Information For The Friends & Family Of New Scam Victims
Before and after the scam, the victim is going to be under strong manipulation and going to be confused, in denial, maybe angry, certainly traumatized, and you need to know what you can do to help!
There is a lot to know so that you can help them stop the scam and how to recover after the fact. In this Article Catalog we provide the information that friends and family need, but this information is not for the victim. See below.
Here are article catalogs that the victim should read and study:
SCARS Webinars [VIDEOS]
Recent Articles Worth Reading
Begin Learning About What Happened, How, and the Impact it has on Family & Friends
Start Here: Dear Scam Victim Family & Friends – You Are Also Scam Victims – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
Understanding Scams & Victims
Understanding & Before It Ends
Confronting Victims & Getting Help
Understanding The Victim’s Psychology
Ending The Scam & Support
SCARS Resources For All Victims:
This website is the SCARS encyclopedia about scams & scammers, but we publish more information useful to scam victims.
- KNOWLEDGE
- LEARN ABOUT SCAMS: www.RomanceScamsNOW.com
- EN ESPAÑOL: www.ContraEstafas.org
- SEE SCAMMER PHOTOS: www.scammerphotos.com
- HEAL & RECOVER, SUPPORT
- HEAL WITH OTHER SCAM VICTIMS:
support.AgainstScams.org - FIND COUNSELING:
counseling.AgainstScams.org
- HEAL WITH OTHER SCAM VICTIMS:
- REPORT ALL SCAMS: www.Anyscam.com
- JOIN SCARS: www.AgainstScams.org
- HELP US HELP OTHERS: donate.AgainstScams.org
We have translation for your language on all of our SCARS Websites
Why Do We Separate Information?
We help victims in different stages of recovery, and not all information is suitable for victims. This collection of articles is for the family and friends of scam victims. We separate it so that you can find the information you are looking for easily.
Victims Need Your Help!
Only about 1/3 of scam victims will effectively recover from their experience. 2/3 are lost to anger and rage (including vigilantism), or some form of denial or mental illness. If you tell them you understand, do not judge or blame them, and get them talking they are much more likely to recover from this experience.
It is ok for you to ask for help too! There is no shame in asking for and accepting help!
In addition to our qualified support groups, we recommend that all victims go to a local trauma counselor or therapist.
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit www.PsychologyToday.com/us/therapists/trauma-and-ptsd (U.S. & International)
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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.
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