SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
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on Scam Victim’s Learning Process [INFOGRAPHIC]: “The commitment to learning and recovering from the scam is indeed overwhelming. At first I struggled to comprehend the material…” Jun 12, 20:54
on Victim’s Bias – A Cognitive Bias Affecting Crime Victims: “I did in the early days after my crime ended tend to think only another crime victim would understand me…” Jun 9, 19:52
on Barnum Statements – Manipulative Technique Used by Magicians, Con Artists, and Scammers – 2025: “This is a very helpful article, it makes sense and I will be thinking about it. Thank you” Jun 8, 14:52
on Barnum Statements – Manipulative Technique Used by Magicians, Con Artists, and Scammers – 2025: “During the course of my romantic fraud , I heard many of these “Barnum statements ” from the mouth of…” Jun 7, 08:58
on Danielle Delaunay – An Analysis of Her Value to Romance Scammers – 2024: “I had her photo of her show up on Facebook under another name and for some unknown reason, I used…” Jun 5, 13:42
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.
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/