SCARS Institute's Encyclopedia of Scams™ RomanceScamsNOW.com Published Continuously for 25 Years

SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

In 2025 the SCARS Institute will enter its 11th year of Supporting Scam Victims Worldwide. Please let us know how we can better help you? Thank you for supporting our organization. SCARS Institute © 2024 www.AgainstScams.org

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:

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:

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

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:

How To Contact SCARS

New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 2
New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 3
New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 4
New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 5

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

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  1. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 6
    Patricia Barowski April 3, 2025 at 4:55 pm - Reply

    He did not ask for money yet but said he can’t call or vediochatt

  2. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 7
    Gary Bourque February 19, 2025 at 8:28 pm - Reply

    I was 63, after my wife passed last January 2024, in April I joined eHarmony, putting out there I am a widow of just looking to chat. I was very lonely and on a third visit an Asian woman befriended me ultimately, she got me into this short term investing countdown cryptocurrency fraud scheme that I didn’t pick up on until it was too late. I pulled money out of my 401(k) and I took a second mortgage against my house all in all $298,000. I reported all this to the police. I had a photo of the could’ve been a Nigerian I don’t know he was from Brooklyn New York he said and picked up the cash here two times. I must not have been in my own right mind because I never went for anything anything ridiculous in my life like this and I called myself stupid constantly days on end I wanted to put a bullet to my head. I had a side profile head to toe picture of the young man that came to pick up. At one point, the police did come to my house and ultimately took me to the psycho hospital for a few hours, but let me go cause I wasn’t serious about doing that.

  3. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 7
    Gary Bourque February 19, 2025 at 8:18 pm - Reply

    In your slides of ‘please watch this’ has helped me so much in lessening the pains and understanding what went on with me.

  4. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 10
    BarbOgden January 7, 2025 at 9:24 pm - Reply

    My sisterinlaw is being scamed by him

  5. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 12
    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

  6. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 13
    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.

    • New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 9
      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!

  7. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 15
    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

  8. New Scam Victims - Support & Information Resources 2024 17
    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.

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


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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 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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.