Welcome New Scam Victims

We Understand What New Scam Victims Are Going Through And Are Here To Help You Learn

You are a new scam victim! You are not alone!

Why did this happen? What could you have done differently? What was your mistake? Why you are not to blame? What do you need to do next? How can you recover from this experience? How you might get some of your money back?

Those are the things you want to know now – all new scam victims need this information. But there is so much more to this, and you can learn and recover from this!

It was NOT your fault, and you can get through this with help!

Essential Information For New Scam Victims

After the scam, you are going to be confused, angry, traumatized, and you need to know what you can do!

Anger and revenge are not the path for new scam victims, or at least they should not be. Learning and regaining control of your life is the direction to recovery.

Here are a series of guides and information for new scam victims that will help you better understand what your options are.

The first one to read immediately is the “SCARS 3 Steps Guide For New Victims” – this is your starting place

There is a mountain of information, but just take it one bite at a time. The answers will come that will help you survive this!

PLEASE WATCH THIS

There is so much to learn and understand!

As a new scam victim be patient all the answers are here on this website. But as a new scam victim, it will take time for you to be able to grasp all that you see. Trauma impairs most victims and makes it hard to understand everything.

After A Scam, You Will Have Questions

Here is where your learning begins, these are the most important things for new scam victims to learn and understand.

It will seem overwhelming, and at first it may be, but do your best – you will get through this!

Start Here:

3 Steps For New Victims
Understand What To Do Next!
A Scam Victim’s Checklist
Next Steps – Protect Your Financial Identity

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Recent Reader Comments

on Scam Victims – Preparing for the Next Scam Fraud or Cybercrime – 2024: “I cannot afford to let my guard down. That is my new normal mode of operation.” Dec 15, 22:14
on Danielle Delaunay – An Analysis of Her Value to Romance Scammers – 2024: “It (she-her image) GOT to ME. I didn’t know to look here, but I do now. As well as [deleted],…” Dec 13, 15:35
on Romance Scams – Common Characteristics of the Photos of Men & Women that Scammers Use to Lure their Scam Victims – 2024: “I can relate with the Sunk Cost Fallacy where despite seeing discrepancies I felt already so invested in the relationship…” Dec 12, 22:49
on The Normalcy Bias: Understanding the Cognitive Bias that Can Put You in Danger: “It is hard to understand or realize that you need help and have biases and other vulnerabilities. A first step…” Dec 12, 11:52
on Victim Vulnerability After The Scam – Physical Risks: “Very insightful and important information for us as victims but also for those who haven’t been vicitmized.” Dec 12, 11:45
on The Normalcy Bias: Understanding the Cognitive Bias that Can Put You in Danger: “I think that the text that comes after the statement about victim blaming should come before the links to the…” Dec 12, 11:27
on SCARS Position Statement Against Scambaiting: “It is important to stay informed and receive support from reliable sources such as SCARS.” Dec 11, 18:21
on How To Know If You Are In Scam or Recovery Denial?: “Very useful information not just for us as crime victims but also to support those we care about.” Dec 11, 10:17
on Scam Victim Recovery Fatigue: “The false sense of recovery is real. I had it way before I actually started my recovery journey. The physical…” Dec 10, 22:56
on Chasing The Money After A Scam: “Dwelling on the money lost increased my stress and feelings of guilt and shame, preventing me from engaging in recovery.…” Dec 9, 23:12

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 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.

Are you a Married Romance Scam Victim?

Married Scam Victim has special difficulties ending and recovering from these scams. Here is useful information for you:

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

Why Do We Separate Information?

We help victims in different stages of recovery, and not all information is suitable for new scam victims. We separate it so that you can find the information you are looking for without additional confussion if you are not ready for it.

Never Be Afraid To Ask For Help!

Only about 1/3 of scam victims will effectively recover from their experience – you need to give yourself the best opportunity to be one of them.

If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org (U.S. & Worldwide)

Did You Receive Money From A Scammer, Or Give A Scammer Access To Your Accounts?

You may have become a Money Mule. This is a crime!

You may have been involved in money laundering or aiding and abetting transnational criminals. Do not try to hide from this – this is serious, and if you are discovered (and you will be) then you might be prosecuted.

You should report these crimes to your local police – however, we strongly recommend that you speak with a Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. You have no time to waste. You cannot avoid this, do it today!

SCARS is not a law firm and we are not attorneys. The information we provide is for educational purposes only. See additional disclaimer below.

To find a criminal defense attorney in the United States visit FindLaw here: Criminal Law – FindLaw For other countries look for your local directory of criminal defense attorneys or solicitors.

After A Scam, You Need To Recover

SCARS Offers Free Support Recovery Programs – visit support.AgainstScams.org to sign up!

Our services are completely confidential and private!

About SCARS

SCARS (the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.) is an incorporated nonprofit crime victims’ assistance and crime prevention organization supporting cybercrime & scam victims worldwide.

SCARS was incorporated in 2015 but its leadership has been supporting scam victims since 1991 – nearly 32 years.

To learn more about SCARS or to see our leadership and other programs visit www.AgainstScams.org

Additional SCARS websites & resources:

Corporate website: AgainstScams.org
SCARS Magazine: ScamsNOW.com
Scammer Photos: ScammerPhotos.com
Reporting Scams & Scammers: reporting.AgainstScams.org
SCARS Victim Support Groups: support.AgainstScams.org
Find trauma counseling or therapy: counseling.AgainstScams.org
Self-Help DIY Recovery Book Shop: shop.AgainstScams.org
SCARS membership with benefits: membership.AgainstScams.org
SCARS on Facebook: news.AgainstScams.org
SCARS on Twitter: twitter.AgainstScams.org
SCARS YouTube Videos: youtube.AgainstScams.org
SCARS on LinkedIn: linkedin.AgainstScams.org

How To Contact SCARS

EMAIL: Contact@AgainstScams.org
FACEBOOK MESSENGER: m.me/SCARS.SocietyAgainst.org

SCARS Resources:

Getting Started Right: ScamVictimsSupport.org
Sextortion Scam Victims: Sextortion Victims Support – The Essentials (scamvictimssupport.org)
For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
Join our Scam Survivors United Chat & Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/scam.survivors.united
Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
Scammer photos ScammerPhotos.com
SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Other Cyber Resources

Block Scam Domains: Quad9.net
Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org) https://act.globalcyberalliance.org/index.php/Actionable_Cybersecurity_Tools_(ACT)_-_Simplified_Cybersecurity_Protection
Wizer Cybersecurity Training – Free Security Awareness Training, Phishing Simulation and Gamification (wizer-training.com)

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.

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

To Learn More Also Look At Our Article Catalogs

New Victims

Spotting Scammers

Scam & Crime Types

Victim Support & Recovery

Victim Psychology

More SCARS

ScamsNOW Magazine – ScamsNOW.com
ContraEstafas.org
ScammerPhotos.com
AnyScam.com – reporting
AgainstScams.org – SCARS Corporate Website
SCARS YouTube Video Channel

Facebook’s Algorithm Monster Actively Works Against Scam Victims – 2024

Avoid Christmas Holiday Scams – 2024

Scam Victim’s Guide on How To Guard Against Identity Theft After a Scam – 2025

FBI WARNING: Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud – 12/224

SCARS Institute Christmas 2024 Scammer Elves Identification Guide

What are Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies and How They Relate to Scams – 2024

Psychological Content Disclaimer

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.

Disclaimers

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Educational Content

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.

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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.

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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

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

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6 Comments

Malisa Davila October 5, 2024 at 10:39 pm - Reply

So sorry to inform you I just had a guy pose as you he is on X please see if you can take him off i actually looked you up and found this before I let anything get too far but he had stated he is 60 years of age which I knew better from your pictures thank you! sincerely Malisa Davila
Petra Riemer September 22, 2024 at 4:30 am - Reply

Guten Tag, ich werde auch von einen Soldaten er angeblich im Kriegsgebiet Irak betrogen, nach 2 Tagen schrieb er schon die ersten Liebesnachrichten, ich sollte ein Urlaubsantrag stellen und dann sollte ich Geld auf ein Konto von der UNO senden, dieses Bankkonto war sehr seltsam und nach Nachfrage auf der Bank sollte ich dies Anzeigen, was ich auch bei der Polizei getan habe, ich soll den Chat noch weiter laufen lassen, weil das Betrugsdezernat dies wahrscheinlich lesen möchte, ich würde dies aber gerne am besten heute noch Blocken.
- SCARS Institute Editorial Team September 22, 2024 at 11:28 am - Reply
  
  Vielen Dank, dass Sie uns kontaktiert haben. Ja, das ist ein Betrug.
  Denken Sie daran, das ist nicht Ihre Schuld!
  
  Obwohl wir eine englischsprachige Organisation sind, bieten alle unsere Websites Übersetzungen ins Deutsche an.
  
  Besuchen Sie http://www.ScamVictimsSupport.org, um viel mehr darüber zu erfahren, was Sie jetzt tun können!
Carliss Nathan Allen September 13, 2024 at 6:43 am - Reply

I was scammed out of $50,000 just because I believed the lies from the scammers, I’ve even had one come clean with me and told me his name, he was from Nigeria, I was just looking for my soulmate, now I’m so ashamed of my self
- SCARS Institute Editorial Team September 13, 2024 at 9:03 am - Reply
  
  This was not your fault, and if you know the real identity of the criminal you might be able to get an arrest. We suggest that you contact us by email so we can see how we can help you. Email us at contact@againstscams.org
Corey Gale August 4, 2024 at 5:21 pm - Reply

I wish that I had found SCARS earlier. The first months after realizing what happened were pretty rough.

New Scam Victims – Support & Information Resources 2024