A Brief History of Malware, Malicious Code, And Computer Viruses – 2024

A Brief History of Malware, Malicious Code, and Computer Viruses

Helping Everyone Understand the Cybersecurity Nightmare’s Beginnings

Criminology – A SCARS Insight

Authors:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions by the FBI

Article Abstract

The evolution of malware, malicious code, and computer viruses spans decades, from theoretical musings by mathematicians like John von Neumann in the 1940s to the sophisticated threats encountered in the digital landscape today.

Early experiments in self-replicating programs laid the groundwork for modern malware, with notable milestones including the Creeper worm in the 1970s and the emergence of macro viruses in the 1990s.

The advent of the internet unleashed a new era of cyber threats, exemplified by the Morris Worm of 1988 and the Melissa virus of 1999. As technology advanced, so did malware, with ransomware, botnets, and fileless malware becoming prevalent in the 21st century.

Looking ahead, the future of malware promises increased complexity and innovation, driven by trends such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the blurring lines between cybercrime and espionage.

Effective defense against these evolving threats will require a multifaceted approach, including technological advancements, user education, and international cooperation.

A Brief History of Malicious Code, Computer Viruses, And Malware - 2024

A History of Malware, Malicious Code, and Computer Viruses: From Early Experiments to Modern Threats

In the Beginning, there was Just Code

The concept of malware, computer viruses, and malicious code infecting computer systems might seem like a recent invention, but its origins trace back further than you might think. This article explores the evolution of malware and computer viruses, from their theoretical beginnings to the sophisticated threats we face today.

Early Seeds of Destruction

The Theory Takes Root (1940s-1970s)

The idea of self-replicating programs, a core principle of malware and computer viruses, can be traced back to the 1940s. Hungarian mathematician John von Neumann theorized about such programs in his work on cellular automata. While never implemented, these concepts laid the groundwork for future developments.

Fast forward to the 1970s, and we see the first documented instance of a self-replicating program – the Creeper worm. Created by Robert Thomas in 1971, Creeper wasn’t designed to be malicious. It simply displayed a message on infected computers, highlighting potential security vulnerabilities on the early ARPANET network, a precursor to the internet.

The Floppy Disk Era

The Rise of Simple Threats (1970s-1980s)

The rise of personal computers in the 1970s and 80s coincided with the emergence of the first true malware threats. These early programs were relatively simple, and often spread via floppy disks, a popular method for sharing files at the time.

  • Elk Cloner (1982): This early Apple II virus aimed to be more of a prank than a serious threat. It would display a poem on the infected computer.
  • Brain (1986): Developed in Pakistan, the Brain is considered the first PC virus. Created by two brothers to deter software piracy, it infected the boot sector of floppy disks.

These early viruses primarily caused minor annoyances, but they highlighted the growing need for computer security measures.

The Dawn of the Internet

Worms Unleashed (1980s-1990s)

The arrival of the internet in the 1980s provided a new breeding ground for malware and computer viruses. Worms, self-replicating programs that exploit network vulnerabilities, became a major concern.

  • Morris Worm (1988): Created by Robert Tappan Morris, this worm inadvertently caused widespread disruption on the early internet. Designed to gauge the size of the internet, a programming error made it replicate uncontrollably, overloading and slowing down numerous systems.
  • Michelangelo (1991): This DOS virus targeted specific dates, attempting to overwrite data on infected machines. Thankfully, widespread media coverage and user preparedness helped mitigate its impact.

The Morris worm incident served as a wake-up call, demonstrating the potential for widespread damage through internet-borne malware.

Morris Worm – According to the FBI

At around 8:30 p.m. on November 2, 1988, a maliciously clever program (malware) was unleashed on the Internet from a computer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

This cyber worm (a kind of computer virus) was soon propagating at remarkable speed and grinding computers to a halt. “We are currently under attack,” wrote a concerned student at the University of California, Berkeley in an email later that night. Within 24 hours, an estimated 6,000 of the approximately 60,000 computers that were then connected to the Internet had been hit. Computer worms, unlike viruses, do not need a software host but can exist and propagate on their own.

Berkeley was far from the only victim. The rogue program had infected systems at a number of the prestigious colleges and public and private research centers that made up the early national electronic network. This was a year before the invention of the World Wide Web. Among the many casualties were Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, NASA, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

The worm only targeted computers running a specific version of the Unix operating system, but it spread widely because it featured multiple vectors of attack. For example, it exploited a backdoor in the Internet’s electronic mail system and a bug in the “finger” program that identified network users. It was also designed to stay hidden.

The worm did not damage or destroy files, but it still packed a punch. Vital military and university functions slowed to a crawl. Emails were delayed for days. The network community labored to figure out how the worm worked and how to remove it. Some institutions wiped their systems; others disconnected their computers from the network for as long as a week. The exact damages were difficult to quantify, but estimates started at $100,000 and soared into the millions.

As computer experts worked feverishly on a fix to this malware, the question of who was responsible became more urgent. Shortly after the attack, a dismayed programmer contacted two friends, admitting he’d launched the worm and despairing that it had spiraled dangerously out of control. He asked one friend to relay an anonymous message across the Internet on his behalf, with a brief apology and guidance for removing the program. Ironically, few received the message in time because the network had been so damaged by the worm.

Independently, the other friend made an anonymous call to The New York Times, which would soon splash news of the attack across its front pages. The friend told a reporter that he knew who built the program, saying it was meant as a harmless experiment and that its spread was the result of a programming error. In follow-up conversations with the reporter, the friend inadvertently referred to the worm’s author by his initials, RTM. Using that information, The Times soon confirmed and publicly reported that the culprit was a 23-year-old Cornell University graduate student named Robert Tappan Morris.

Morris was a talented computer scientist who had graduated from Harvard in June 1988. He had grown up immersed in computers thanks to his father, who was an early innovator at Bell Labs. At Harvard, Morris was known for his technological prowess, especially in Unix; he was also known as a prankster. After being accepted into Cornell that August, he began developing a program that could spread slowly and secretly across the Internet. To cover his tracks, he released it by hacking into an MIT computer from his Cornell terminal in Ithaca, New York.

After the incident became public, the FBI launched an investigation. Agents quickly confirmed that Morris was behind the attack and began interviewing him and his associates and decrypting his computer files, which yielded plenty of incriminating evidence.

But had Morris broken federal law? Turns out, he had. In 1986, Congress had passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, outlawing unauthorized access to protected computers. Prosecutors indicted Morris in 1989. The following year, a jury found him guilty, making him the first person convicted under the 1986 law. Morris, however, was spared jail time, instead receiving a fine, probation, and an order to complete 400 hours of community service.

The episode had a huge impact on a nation just coming to grips with how important—and vulnerable—computers had become to computer viruses. The idea of cybersecurity became something computer users began to take more seriously. Just days after the attack, for example, the country’s first computer emergency response team was created in Pittsburgh at the direction of the Department of Defense. Developers also began creating much-needed computer intrusion detection software.

At the same time, the Morris Worm inspired a new generation of hackers and a wave of Internet-driven assaults that continue to plague our digital systems to this day. Whether accidental or not, the first Internet attack was a wake-up call for the country and the cyber age to come.

Internet Malware Arrives

The Age of Email and Exploding Popularity (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s and 2000s saw a surge in malware designed to exploit the growing popularity of email and the rise of Microsoft Office.

  • Macro Viruses: These viruses leveraged macros embedded in documents like spreadsheets to spread via email attachments. The Melissa worm (1999) is an infamous example.
  • LoveLetter (2000): This VBScript worm exploited vulnerabilities in Microsoft Outlook to infect millions of machines.
  • ILOVEYOU (2000): Masquerading as a love letter, this worm used social engineering tactics to trick users into opening an infected attachment.

These email-borne threats highlighted the need for user awareness and the importance of keeping software updated with security patches.

Melissa Virus – According to the FBI

A few decades ago, computer viruses—and public awareness of the tricks used to unleash them—were still relatively new notions to many Americans.

One attack would change that in a significant way.

In late March 1999, a programmer named David Lee Smith hijacked an America Online (AOL) account and used it to post a file on an Internet newsgroup named “alt.sex.” The posting promised dozens of free passwords to fee-based websites with adult content. When users took the bait, downloading the document and then opening it with Microsoft Word, a virus was unleashed on their computers.

On March 26, it began spreading like wildfire across the Internet.

The Melissa virus, reportedly named by Smith for a stripper in Florida, started by taking over victims’ Microsoft Word program. It then used a macro to hijack their Microsoft Outlook email system and send messages to the first 50 addresses in their mailing lists. Those messages, in turn, tempted recipients to open a virus-laden attachment by giving it such names as “sexxxy.jpg” or “naked wife” or by deceitfully asserting, “Here is the document you requested … don’t show anyone else ;-).” With the help of some devious social engineering, the virus operated like a sinister, automated chain letter.

The virus was not intended to steal money or information, but it wreaked plenty of havoc nonetheless. Email servers at more than 300 corporations and government agencies worldwide became overloaded, and some had to be shut down entirely, including at Microsoft. Approximately one million email accounts were disrupted, and Internet traffic in some locations slowed to a crawl.

Within a few days, cybersecurity experts had mostly contained the spread of the virus and restored the functionality of their networks, although it took some time to remove the infections entirely. Along with its investigative role, the FBI sent out warnings about the virus and its effects, helping to alert the public and reduce the destructive impacts of the attack. Still, the collective damage was enormous: an estimated $80 million for the cleanup and repair of affected computer systems.

Finding the culprit didn’t take long, thanks to a tip from a representative of AOL and nearly seamless cooperation between the FBI, New Jersey law enforcement, and other partners. Authorities traced the electronic fingerprints of the virus to Smith, who was arrested in northeastern New Jersey on April 1, 1999. Smith pleaded guilty in December 1999, and in May 2002, he was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison and fined $5,000. He also agreed to cooperate with federal and state authorities.

The Melissa virus, considered the fastest spreading infection at the time, was a rude awakening to the dark side of the web for many Americans. Awareness of the danger of opening unsolicited email attachments began to grow, along with the reality of online viruses and the damage they can do.

Like the Morris worm just over a decade earlier, the Melissa virus was a double-edged sword, leading to enhancements in online security while serving as inspiration for a wave of even more costly and potent cyberattacks to come.

For the FBI and its colleagues, the virus was a warning sign of a major germinating threat and of the need to quickly ramp up its cyber capabilities and partnerships.

Fittingly, a few months after Smith was sentenced, the Bureau put in place its new national Cyber Division focused exclusively on online crimes, with resources and programs devoted to protecting America’s electronic networks from harm. Today, with nearly everything in our society connected to the Internet, that cyber mission is more crucial than ever.

The Modern Era

A Landscape of Complexity (2000s-Present)

The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in the sophistication and diversity of malware.

  • Ransomware: This type of malware encrypts a victim’s data, demanding a ransom payment for decryption. CryptoLocker (2013) is an early example of this growing threat.
  • Botnets: These networks of compromised computers, often controlled by attackers, can be used to launch large-scale denial-of-service attacks or distribute spam. The Mirai botnet attack of 2016 showcased the destructive potential of botnets.
  • Spyware: Designed to steal personal information, spyware programs can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.
  • Fileless Malware: This type of malware leverages legitimate system processes to avoid detection by traditional security software.

Cybercriminals have become increasingly professionalized, developing malware as a service (MaaS) models, and selling tools and expertise to less technical attackers.

The Future of Malware – A Continuous Arms Race

The battle against malware is a continuous arms race. As defenders develop new security measures, attackers constantly innovate new ways to bypass them. Here’s what we can expect in the coming years:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Both sides are likely to leverage AI and ML. Attackers can use AI to develop more sophisticated malware that can evade detection and target specific vulnerabilities. Defenders can use AI to analyze vast amounts of data to identify and respond to threats faster.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

With billions of connected devices, the IoT presents a vast attack surface. Malicious actors can target these devices to launch distributed denial-of-service attacks or disrupt critical infrastructure.

The Rise of Ransomware 2.0

Ransomware attacks are likely to become even more sophisticated. Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) will likely become even more prevalent, making it easier for less technical attackers to launch devastating attacks. Data exfiltration, where attackers steal sensitive data before encryption, might become more common, putting additional pressure on victims.

The Blurring Lines Between Crime and Espionage

: Nation-state actors are likely to continue using sophisticated malware for espionage purposes. These attacks might target critical infrastructure, steal intellectual property, or disrupt political processes.

Focus on Supply Chain Attacks

Hackers might target software development tools or cloud platforms to inject malware into widely used applications. This could have a ripple effect, infecting a large number of users at once.

Quantum Computing

While still in its early stages, the rise of quantum computing poses a significant challenge. Traditional encryption methods might become vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers. Developing new, quantum-resistant encryption methods will be crucial for protecting sensitive data in the future.

The Evolving Role of Security

Security will need to be a holistic approach, encompassing not just software and hardware, but also user education and awareness. Organizations will need to invest in security training for their employees to help them identify and avoid phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics.

International Cooperation

Cybersecurity threats are global. Effective defenses require international cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and cybersecurity firms. Sharing information and coordinating efforts will be crucial for disrupting the activities of cybercriminal organizations.

What is the Difference?

Malware, computer viruses, malicious code, worms, trojans, and ransomware are all types of malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems, but they have distinct characteristics and functionalities:

  • Malware: Malware is a broad term that encompasses any type of malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.
  • Computer viruses: Computer viruses are a specific type of malware that infects a computer by attaching itself to legitimate programs or files and replicating when the infected program or file is executed. Viruses can cause a range of harmful effects, from corrupting data to compromising system integrity.
  • Malicious code: Malicious code refers to any code or script designed to perform malicious actions on a computer system. It can include viruses, worms, trojans, and other types of malware.
  • Worms: Worms are self-replicating malware that spreads across computer networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or network protocols. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host program to propagate and can spread independently.
  • Trojans: Trojans, or Trojan horses, are malware disguised as legitimate software or files to trick users into downloading and executing them. Once installed, trojans can perform a variety of malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive information, installing additional malware, or granting unauthorized access to the infected system.
  • Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files or locks users out of their systems and demands payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, to restore access. Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences for individuals and organizations, often resulting in data loss or financial extortion.

While all these terms refer to malicious software, they differ in their methods of propagation, modes of operation, and specific malicious intents. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective cybersecurity and mitigating the risks associated with malware infections.

More Types

In addition to viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware, there are several other types of malware commonly used by cybercriminals to compromise computer systems and networks. Some of these include:

  • Spyware: Spyware is designed to secretly monitor and collect information about a user’s activities on their computer or device. It can capture keystrokes, record browsing habits, steal login credentials, and gather sensitive personal or financial information.
  • Adware: Adware is software that displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-up ads, banners, or redirects, on a user’s computer. While not necessarily harmful, adware can be intrusive and disruptive to the user experience.
  • Rootkits: Rootkits are stealthy malware that hides deep within a computer’s operating system to evade detection by antivirus software. Once installed, rootkits can give attackers full control over the infected system, allowing them to execute malicious commands, steal data, or launch further attacks.
  • Keyloggers: Keyloggers, also known as keystroke loggers, are malware programs that record and log every keystroke typed on a computer or device. This allows attackers to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other confidential data.
  • Botnets: Botnets are networks of compromised computers, or “bots,” that are controlled remotely by cybercriminals, often through command-and-control (C&C) servers. Botnets can be used to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, send spam emails, steal data, or distribute malware to other computers.
  • Backdoors: Backdoors are hidden entry points or vulnerabilities intentionally created by attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to a computer or network. Once installed, backdoors can allow attackers to execute commands, upload or download files, or maintain persistent access to the compromised system.
  • Exploits: Exploits are software vulnerabilities or weaknesses that attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Exploits can target specific software applications, operating systems, or hardware components and are often used to deliver malware payloads or execute malicious commands.
  • Fileless malware: Fileless malware operates entirely in memory, without leaving any traces on the infected system’s hard drive. This makes it more difficult to detect and remove by traditional antivirus software. Fileless malware often exploits legitimate system tools or processes to execute malicious commands and carry out attacks.

These are just a few examples of the many types of malware used by cybercriminals to compromise computer systems and networks. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, it’s essential for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and implement effective security measures to protect against malware infections.

Summary

The future of malware is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fight against it will be a constant battle. By staying informed about the latest threats and investing in robust security measures, individuals and organizations can help protect themselves from the ever-evolving dangers of malware.

Be Careful About Malware on SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com
World's Most Dangerous Malware

Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.

Leave a Reply

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.

Recent Reader Comments

Important Information for New Scam Victims

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 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.

SCARS Resources:

Other Cyber Resources

-/ 30 /-

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

SCARS FREE Support & Recovery Program - 4 EVER FREE

Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!

SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!

Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!

SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!

To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org

We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.

SCARS STAR Membership

Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member

SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!

SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:

  • FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
  • Exclusive members-only content & publications
  • Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
  • And more!

To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org

To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org

PLEASE SHARE SO OTHERS WILL KNOW

SCARS Publishing Self-Help Recovery Books Available At shop.AgainstScams.org

Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books

SCARS Printed Books For Every Scam Survivor From SCARS Publishing

Visit shop.AgainstScams.org

Each is based on our SCARS Team’s 32-plus years of experience.

SCARS Website Visitors receive an Extra 10% Discount
Use Discount Code “romanacescamsnow” at Checkout

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

Go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how

U.S. FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn more!

Legal Disclaimer:

The content provided on this platform regarding psychological topics is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The publisher makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. The content is designed to raise awareness about various psychological subjects, and readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and verify information independently.

The information presented does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any psychological disorder or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are advised to seek the guidance of a licensed medical professional for any questions or concerns related to their mental health.

The publisher disclaims any responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on the content provided. The treatment of psychological issues is a serious matter, and readers should consult with qualified professionals to address their specific circumstances. The content on this platform is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a therapist-client relationship.

Interpretation and Definitions

Definitions

For the purposes of this Disclaimer:

  • Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Disclaimer) refers to Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (registered d.b.a. “SCARS”,) 9561 Fountainbleau Blvd., Suit 602, Miami FL 33172.
  • Service refers to the Website.
  • You means the individual accessing this website, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.
  • Website refers to RomanceScamsNOW.com, accessible from https://romancescamsnow.com

Website Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.

The Company assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.

In no event shall the Company be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.

The Company does not warrant this website in any way.

External Links Disclaimer

This website may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with the Company.

Please note that the Company does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

Errors and Omissions Disclaimer

The information given by SCARS is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Even if the Company takes every precaution to ensure that the content of this website is both current and accurate, errors can occur. Plus, given the changing nature of laws, rules, and regulations, there may be delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information contained on this website.

SCARS is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.

Fair Use Disclaimer

SCARS may use copyrighted material that has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The Company is making such material available for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

The Company believes this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the United States Copyright law.

If You wish to use copyrighted material from this website for your own purposes that go beyond fair use, You must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Views Expressed Disclaimer

The Service may contain views and opinions which are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other author, agency, organization, employer, or company, including SCARS.

Comments published by users are their sole responsibility and the users will take full responsibility, liability, and blame for any libel or litigation that results from something written in or as a direct result of something written in a comment. The Company is not liable for any comment published by users and reserves the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever.

No Responsibility Disclaimer

The information on the Service is provided with the understanding that the Company is not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical or mental health, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal, medical or mental health, or other competent advisers.

In no event shall the Company, its team, board of directors, volunteers, or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with your access or use or inability to access or use the Service.

“Use at Your Own Risk” Disclaimer

All information on this website is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

SCARS will not be liable to You or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information given by the Service or for any consequential, special, or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Disclaimer, You can contact Us:

  • By email: contact@AgainstScams.org

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use. 

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

View the claimed and or registered indicia, service marks, and trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org

Share This Information - Choose Your Social Media!

Leave A Comment

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you


Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.