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Fraud Awareness Week 2024 Infographics – All About Fraud Scams & Cybercrimes
Fraud Awareness Week 2024: Understanding the Threats of Fraud, Scams, and Cybercrime
About Fraud Scams & Cybercrimes – A SCARS Institute Insight
Authors:
• SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from from FraudWeek.com
Article Abstract
Fraud Awareness Week 2024 highlights the critical need to address the growing threats of fraud, scams, and cybercrime, which impact individuals, businesses, and governments globally.
These crimes exploit vulnerabilities in systems and human behavior, causing not only significant financial losses but also damaging trust and security. Raising awareness and education are key to combating these evolving threats, from phishing and identity theft to sophisticated cyberattacks.
By developing a culture of vigilance, implementing robust protections, and encouraging collaboration across sectors, society can better prevent fraud and mitigate its impacts. This week serves as a reminder that combating fraud is a shared responsibility requiring informed, proactive action.

It’s Fraud Awareness Week 2024
Fraud Awareness Week 2024: Understanding the Threats of Fraud, Scams, and Cybercrime
Fraud Awareness Week 2024 is a pivotal moment to recognize and address the pervasive threats posed by fraud, scams, and cybercrime in our increasingly digital and interconnected world. These crimes, ranging from financial fraud and identity theft to phishing scams and sophisticated cyberattacks, have grown in both frequency and complexity. They target individuals, businesses, and governments, exploiting vulnerabilities in systems and human behavior. The economic cost runs into trillions of dollars annually, but the damage goes beyond financial losses—eroding trust, security, and confidence in the systems that underpin modern life.
Understanding the many faces of fraud is the first step in combating it. Scammers use deceptive tactics, from impersonating trusted entities to exploiting emotional vulnerabilities, to manipulate their targets. Cybercriminals leverage advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and malware, to breach defenses and steal sensitive information. Businesses must remain vigilant, implementing robust internal controls and employee training to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. For individuals, staying informed about common red flags, such as unsolicited requests for personal information or too-good-to-be-true offers, is crucial in avoiding victimization.
Fraud Awareness Week is a call to action for everyone—governments, businesses, and citizens alike—to prioritize awareness, education, and prevention. By fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability, we can mitigate the risks and impacts of fraud. As cybercrime evolves, so must our strategies, emphasizing collaboration and proactive measures to stay ahead of threats. Fraud is not just a business or legal issue; it is a societal challenge that requires a united and informed response.
SCARS Institute is once again a proud supporter of Fraud Awareness Week
The Cost
Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) estimate organizations lose 5% of their revenue annually due to fraud, according to Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations. Fraud takes many shapes and forms, among them corporate fraud, consumer fraud, tax fraud, identity theft and many others. Explore the resources and links below to see just how large of an impact fraud has on the world.
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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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