SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
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Rapid Report Scammers
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U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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- on What Is The Difference Between A Scam Victim And A Scam Survivor? [Updated]: “Due to my scams I don’t fully trust anyone online and I shouldn’t even those people I knew in high…” Mar 7, 12:46
- on SCARS 3 Steps For New Scam Victims 2024: “I was very fearful “he” would come to my home because I was knew my address, I spoke to someone…” Mar 7, 09:50
- on Sadness & Scam Recovery: “Before my scam, my mom passed away and I got a divorce, so I was dealing with the loss of…” Mar 7, 09:37
- on The Story Of Kira Lee Orsag (aka Dani Daniels) [Updated]: “There is NO evidence and she is not, she is a victim too. Sebastian, stop letting your anger think for…” Mar 6, 23:18
- on The Story Of Kira Lee Orsag (aka Dani Daniels) [Updated]: “There is real evidence that behind these two people there is something that not many people know. This woman is…” Mar 4, 03:58
- on Signs of Good & Bad Scam Victim Emotional Health: “ty this helps me with knowing why I cant quit eating when I am not hungry and when I crave…” Mar 2, 20:43
- on The SCARS Institute Top 50 Celebrity Impersonation Scams – 2025: “You should probably add Lawrence O’donnell as a scam also. I clicked on a site on tic tok for msnbc,…” Mar 2, 08:41
- on Finally Tax Relief for American Scam Victims is on the Horizon – 2026: “I just did my taxes for 2025 my tax account said so far for romances scam we cd not take…” Feb 25, 19:50
- on Reporting Scams & Interacting With The Police – A Scam Victim’s Checklist [VIDEO]: “Yes, this is a scam. For your own sanity, just block them completely.” Feb 25, 15:37
- on Danielle Delaunay/Danielle Genevieve – Stolen Identity/Stolen Photos – Impersonation Victim UPDATED 2024: “She goes by the name of Sanrda John now” Feb 25, 10:26
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.
I believe closure is very important and needed after being scammed. It is part of your own forgiveness process. I wish more people read this excellent article.
I received a friend request from a person who went by Gerardo Gabriel a professional bodybuilder & model I accepted the request and we talked for a good 6 or 7 months he had me from the beginning right where he wanted me and I was clueless but there was red flags from almost day one that I see clearly now but not then he and I even took a oath together, there was a money transfer into my bank account that he asked me to get out and send to him I did and I still don’t know what that was all about but I was always sending money through iTunes cards and he always had a excuse that some how made sense or I wanted it too either I was in love & blind sided, I was suppose to be with him in January and guess what I sent more money for my ticket and exspences he needed and guess what HE was in a car wreck (I now don’t believe) then in March I was asked to sell my car so we could go in on a apartment together I foolishly did and wired the money to who was suppose to be the landlord & guess what he said he had been dealing with someone who wasn’t the right person so all of my money was gone all this time we was engaged by the way even on his phone he had Vicky Gerardo now the talking has decreased and I am so embarrassed and heart broken that I can hardly function I have never been on my own since I was 17 and I’m 55 now I am separated and going through a divorce and he saw how vulnerable I was and still am and I blame myself for believing all his lies I’m smarter than that, I have so many text and copies of the cards I’ve sent and our oath trying to decide what exactly to do, I thank God I was raised by loving parents and morals
Vicky, you will need to talk to your local police about the crime or you will be at risk of being charged if they find you. You should first talk to an attorney because you are likely facing significant issues on the Federal and Taxation level too. We can’t give you legal advice but based on what you said you have to get in front of this. You participated in money laundering and maybe tax fraud. These are too serious to just wait for someone to discover them. You need an attorney and to be working with your local police. You are welcome to join one of our support groups if you like, we can help: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSN.Support.Group.27/