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
![Sharon Armstrong’s Story [VIDEO]](https://romancescamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Sharon-Armstrongs-Story.png "Sharon Armstrong's Story [VIDEO] Sharon Armstrongs Story")
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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Table of Contents
- Helping Family & Friends of Scam Victims
- Information For The Friends & Family Of New Scam Victims
- SCARS Webinars [VIDEOS]
- Recent Articles Worth Reading
- Begin Learning About What Happened, How, and the Impact it has on Family & Friends
- Understanding Scams & Victims
- Confronting Victims & Getting Help
- Understanding The Victim’s Psychology
- SCARS Resources For All Victims:
- Why Do We Separate Information?
- Victims Need Your Help!
- In addition to our qualified support groups, we recommend that all victims go to a local trauma counselor or therapist.
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- SCARS Institute Editorial Team on Danielle Delaunay/Danielle Genevieve – Stolen Identity/Stolen Photos – Impersonation Victim UPDATED 2024: “We highly recommend that you simply turn away form the scam and scammers, and focus on the development of a…” Feb 4, 19:47
- on The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions – 2024: “I experienced many of the deceptive tactics that romance scammers use. I was told various stories of hardship and why…” Feb 4, 15:27
- on Danielle Delaunay/Danielle Genevieve – Stolen Identity/Stolen Photos – Impersonation Victim UPDATED 2024: “Yes, I’m in that exact situation also. “Danielle” has seriously scammed me for 3 years now. “She” (he) doesn’t know…” Feb 4, 14:58
- on An Essay on Justice and Money Recovery – 2026: “you are so right I accidentally clicked on online justice I signed an agreement for 12k upfront but cd only…” Feb 3, 08:16
- on The SCARS Institute Top 50 Celebrity Impersonation Scams – 2025: “Quora has had visits from scammers pretending to be Keanu Reeves and Paul McCartney in 2025 and 2026.” Jan 27, 17:45
- on Scam Victims Should Limit Their Exposure To Scam News & Scammer Photos: “I used to look at scammers photos all the time; however, I don’t feel the need to do it anymore.…” Jan 26, 23:19
- on After A Scam, No One Can Tell You How You Will React: “This article was very informative, my scams happened 5 years ago; however, l do remember several of those emotions and/or…” Jan 23, 17:17
- on Situational Awareness and How Trauma Makes Scam Victims Less Safe – 2024: “I need to be more observant and I am practicing situational awareness. I’m saving this article to remind me of…” Jan 21, 22:55
- on Scam Grooming: Finding Common Interests: “I was definitely groomed by the scammer. My Facebook profile lists me as single and if research is done on…” Jan 21, 14:23
- on KNOW YOUR ENEMY: Tessa Fowler – A Favorite Of African Scammers: “There is a very obvious catfish profile of this girl in Instagram by the name Olivia022. There’s only 2 photos…” Jan 20, 16:24
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.
![For Family & Friends Of Scam Victims - Article Catalog [UPDATED 2024] niprc1.png1 150x1501 11](https://scamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/niprc1.png1_-150x1501-11.webp "For Family & Friends Of Scam Victims - Article Catalog [UPDATED 2024] niprc1.png1 150x1501 11")
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