2023 SCARS Scam Victim Local Police Reporting Experience Study
SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams) is spearheading an important study aimed at improving the understanding of the scam victim experience during the local police reporting process of relationship scams.
With a significant number of victims expressing negative encounters when attempting to report these crimes, the study seeks to shed light on how law enforcement can better support victims from the moment they come forward to file a report.
The primary objective of the study is to address the concerns raised by victims who have encountered difficulties and challenges when reporting relationship scams to local police. SCARS recognizes that when traumatized victims muster the courage to seek help and report these crimes, they should be met with support, empathy, and a system that minimizes the risk of re-traumatization.
Anonymous
This study is completely anonymous. You do not have to identify yourself.
Your details will not be shared with third-parties, and only summary analysis will be published in our final report.
However, if you would like SCARS to assist you, you can optionally add your name and email address for follow-up.
The Local Police Study
The study will delve into several key aspects to provide valuable insights for crime victims’ assistance organizations, victim advocates, and law enforcement agencies:
- A Supportive Reporting Process: SCARS acknowledges the importance of creating an environment where victims feel safe and supported. The study will focus on understanding the barriers victims face when reporting relationship scams and identify ways to improve the initial reporting experience. This includes ensuring victims are listened to, believed, and treated with respect and compassion throughout the process.
- Empowering Victims: The study will explore how law enforcement can empower victims during the reporting process. It aims to identify strategies that allow victims to share their experiences without fear of judgment or blame. By fostering an environment that encourages open communication, law enforcement can gather essential information, build trust, and provide victims with a sense of agency and validation.
- Trauma-Informed Approach: Recognizing that victims of relationship scams may have experienced significant trauma, the study will gather information to help emphasize the importance of a trauma-informed approach by law enforcement. This could involve training officers to better understand the psychological impact of scams, being sensitive to victims’ emotional needs, and employing strategies that minimize further harm or distress.
- Enhancing Victim Support: SCARS aims to identify recommendations for improving victim support services within law enforcement agencies from the perspective of the victims. This includes evaluating existing resources, identifying gaps in support networks, and suggesting ways to enhance the provision of emotional support, counseling, and referrals to appropriate victim services.
The study conducted by SCARS aims to bridge the gap between scam victims and law enforcement agencies, fostering a more empathetic and effective reporting process. By better understanding the experiences, needs, and concerns of scam/financial fraud victims, law enforcement can adapt its protocols and best practices to ensure a more supportive environment.
The findings and recommendations resulting from the study will be shared with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders through research publications such as ResearchGate. SCARS hopes that this research will contribute to a shift in the way local police handle relationship scam/financial fraud reports, enabling them to offer trauma-informed support and services that prioritize the well-being of victims while ensuring better collection of crime information.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a reporting process that not only facilitates the collection of crucial information for investigations and money recovery but also promotes healing, empowerment, and a sense of justice for those who have been victimized by relationship scams.
If you have questions or comments about this study please email us at study@AgainstScams.org
Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth,
Managing Director,
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
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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.
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
- Donate to SCARS and help us help others at donate.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)
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Do You Need Support?
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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
Scam & Crime Types
More SCARS
- ScamsNOW Magazine – ScamsNOW.com
- ContraEstafas.org
- ScammerPhotos.com
- AnyScam.com – reporting
- AgainstScams.org – SCARS Corporate Website
- SCARS YouTube Video Channel
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