SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Article Abstract
Thousands of people have their identities and photos stolen and used in romance scams – these are the impersonation victims.
Unfortunately, scam victims – the direct victims of these scams often do not understand how these scams work and try to track down the impersonation victims and insert themselves into their lives. Sometimes with serious consequences.
Ann Angel posted a comment about Scam Victims contacting her. This was posted by an Impersonation Victim on X/Twitter!
This is not going to be nice to read – SCAM VICTIM TRIGGER WARNING
Do you want to know what the people in the photos feel about scam victims? It is not nice in many cases.
Ann Angel is an adult video start born June 9, 1983. That is not her real name.
Here is an example of someone who has had her photos used for 15 years!
You can imagine what that does to people to be contacted week after week by scam victims wanting to tell them they love them, or interfering in their life, or accusing them of being a real scammer. Simply put it is traumatic!
That is why SCARS tells scam victims to leave the real person whose photos were stolen alone! They already know and do not want anyone to contact them.
- The Face In The Photo Is Not The Scammer: Scam Victims Leave The Real Person Alone! – [UPDATED 2023] (romancescamsnow.com)
- Don’t Stalk The Face In The Photo! It’s A Crime (romancescamsnow.com)
We are sympathetic, though her language is crude, it communicates her frustration about the abuse she has suffered – not just from the scammers but also from scam victims.
Impersonation victims often blame the scam victims for these crimes (not all, but none of them welcome scam victims tracking them down) because they do not understand how people are victimized, and because so many scam victims cross the line by tracking them down and cyberstalking them. And scam victims frequently make it worse by abusing the impersonation victims.
PLEASE LEAVE THE REAL PERSON ALONE!
Here are recent comments that Ann Angel posted on X/Twitter:
The Impact on Impersonation Victims
The impact on impersonation victims when scammers steal and use their photos in romance scams can be profound, encompassing a range of emotions and consequences.
Discovering that one’s identity has been exploited in such a deceitful manner can evoke feelings of shock, betrayal, anger, and embarrassment. Impersonation victims may experience a sense of violation and loss of trust when their personal photos are being used without consent for deceptive purposes. This infringement on their privacy and reputation can lead to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Moreover, the situation can become even more complex and distressing if the romance scam victims track down the impersonation victims whose photos were stolen, believing them to be the actual scammers or obsessively communicating with them. In some cases, scam victims may develop feelings of attachment or even love towards the person in the photos, despite knowing intellectually that they are not the perpetrators of the scam. This emotional entanglement can further damage the impersonation victims’s sense of confusion, disillusionment, and vulnerability.
Conversely, some victims may approach the individuals whose photos were stolen with accusations and hostility, believing them to be complicit in the scam. This can lead to unwarranted accusations, confrontations, and even harassment towards innocent impersonation victims who are also victims of identity theft. The individuals whose photos were stolen may experience additional distress and trauma as a result of being wrongly targeted and accused of wrongdoing.
The impact of impersonation in romance scams is multifaceted and can have long-lasting repercussions on both the impersonation victims whose identities were stolen and photos were used. It underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and proactive measures to address the complexities of identity theft and online deception in the digital age.
It also points out that while scam victims are not to blame for being scammed they are responsible for their actions after the scam ends!
A Fake Ann Angel Video
Ann Angel Speaks Out 2016
We thank Ann Angel for speaking out about this. For more than a decade we have tried to discourage scam victims from contacting her. We are truly sorry for the distress this has caused her and her family.
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What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Table of Contents
- Impersonation Victims DO NOT Want to be Contacted by Scam Victims!
- Article Abstract
- Ann Angel posted a comment about Scam Victims contacting her. This was posted by an Impersonation Victim on X/Twitter!
- This is not going to be nice to read – SCAM VICTIM TRIGGER WARNING
- PLEASE LEAVE THE REAL PERSON ALONE!
- The Impact on Impersonation Victims
- More:
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- 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
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- 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
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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.
Hi, I am always looking for current information on scamming. I am the Group owner of Social Catfish Police and Awareness Group on FB/Meta for about 4 years now. I wiukd like to publish some of your artical in my group, but wanted permission 1st. I have over 7,000. In my group, we are about Awareness and Education. We are a private group as of 3/24 after cleaning out scammers and hackers and I enforced some grounded rules as well. You can join the group and check it out if intrested, reach me at [DELETED FOR POLICY VIOLATION]
You may share the LINKS to our articles only – you MAY NOT copything – that is a copyright violation.
Also it is unlawful to attempt to lure victims under care from another victims services provider – it is called interference with care. Professionalization is a requirement in the work done to help traumatized scam victims. We encourage the victim-survivors and the public to avoid non-professionals.