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

New U.S. Government Scam Classifier Model
ScamClassifierSM Model
Government Policy – A SCARS Insight
Article Abstract
The Scam Classifier model is an advanced tool designed to enhance the detection and classification of scams across the U.S. government.
Utilizing machine learning and data analytics, it identifies and categorizes various types of scams, improving reporting accuracy and resource allocation. By integrating with the FraudClassifier model, it offers a comprehensive view of fraudulent activities, aiding in quicker responses and better protection for citizens.
This model promotes consistent scam reporting and analysis, ultimately strengthening national security against financial fraud. More information can be found on the FedPayments Improvement website.

Introducing the New U.S. Government Scam Classifier Model: Revolutionizing Scam Detection Across the U.S. Government
The Scam Classifier model is an advanced tool developed to enhance the detection and classification of scams across the United States. This model supports consistent, detailed classification, reporting, analysis, and identification of various scam types, promoting accuracy in scam reporting and aiding in their mitigation. Designed for use alongside the FraudClassifier model, it ensures comprehensive fraud and scam categorization, improving the government’s ability to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
The ScamClassiferSM model supports consistent and detailed classification, reporting, analysis and identification of trends in scams. It uses a series of questions to differentiate and classify scams by categories and types, and provides a view of the full impact of scams by including cases that resulted in authorized payments, as well as unauthorized payments from account access. The model also can be used to capture attempted scams
How the Scam Classifier Model Works
The Scam Classifier model leverages machine learning and data analytics to identify patterns and characteristics typical of scams. By analyzing vast amounts of data, the model can detect subtle cues and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activities. It categorizes scams into detailed types, enabling more precise and actionable insights for law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Benefits and Impact
Enhanced Scam Detection: The model’s sophisticated algorithms improve the identification of scams, reducing the number of successful fraudulent attempts.
Improved Reporting Accuracy: Consistent classification ensures that reports are precise, making it easier to track and analyze scam trends.
Better Resource Allocation: By identifying the most prevalent and harmful scams, resources can be directed more effectively to combat these threats.
Comprehensive Analysis: Integration with the FraudClassifier model allows for a holistic view of both fraud and scams, leading to more effective prevention strategies.
Implementation Across the U.S. Government
The Scam Classifier model will be deployed across various government agencies to bolster national security and protect citizens from financial fraud. Its integration with existing systems will streamline the process of scam detection and reporting, leading to quicker responses and better protection for the public.
To learn more visit: ScamClassifierSM Model: Successfully Registered for Access – FedPayments Improvement
SCAM DEFINITION:
The use of deception or manipulation intended to achieve financial gain
SCAM CLASSIFIER MODEL
STEP 1: CONFIRM SCAM
Does the case appear to meet the scam definition?
YES: Go to Step 2
NO: Refer to FraudClassifier to determine payment fraud classification
STEP 2: CONFIRM AUTHORIZED OR UNAUTHORIZED PAYMENT
What action resulted from the scam?
AUTHORIZED PAYMENT: Authorized party made a payment – Go to Step 3
UNAUTHORIZED PAYMENT: Authorized Party enabled unauthorized account access – Go to Step 3
STEP 3: IDENTIFY THE SCAM CATEGORY
How was the authorized party deceived or manipulated?
SCAM CATEGORY: Products or Services Buying or selling products or services – Go to Step 4
SCAM CATEGORY: Relationship and Trust – Someone posing as a business, organization, vendor, agency or other trusted party – Go to Step 4
STEP 4: SELECT THE SCAM TYPE
Select the scam type based on the deception used
Merchandise
Investment
Property Sale or Rental
Romance Impostor
Government Impostor
Bank Impostor
Business Impostor
Relative/Family/Friend
Other Trusted Party
EXAMPLES OF STEPS AND RESULTS:
Scam > Authorized Payment > Relationship and Trust > Bank Impostor
Scam > Unauthorized Payment > Products and Services > Merchandise
KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Authorized Payment
A payment entered or requested by a legitimate account owner or user from the owner’s account.
Unauthorized Payment
A payment entered or requested by a third party who has no legitimate right to move money from another entity’s account.
SCAM CATEGORIES AND DEFINITIONS
Products or Services
A situation involving a transfer of funds in exchange for a product or service, irrespective of the nature of the relationship between the two parties, in which the receiver of the funds does not deliver the product or service or delivers a grossly inferior product or service than the one advertised or promised.
Relationship and Trust
A situation involving a transfer of funds to a trusted party, or an impostor acting as a trusted or authoritative party, where there is no expectation or promise of merchandise in exchange for the transferred funds. The seemingly trustworthy party can be an existing or emerging relationship or a party pretending to be an authority or reputable company
SCAM TYPES DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES
Merchandise Scam
Purchase of merchandise that is never delivered or is substantially different from the advertised description or quality. Scam examples: Online purchase scams, puppy and pet scams, and sales of fake sports or concert tickets, counterfeit prescription drugs or fake anti-aging remedies.
Investment Scam
An investment in a financial asset with the expectation of a high return rate based on false promises. Scam examples: Investments in fake business opportunities, fake cryptocurrency purchases or buying precious metals that do not exist.
Property Sale or Rental Scam
The purchase or rental of a home, apartment, or property that was fictitious, was not made available or was not rightfully owned by the offering party or agent. Scam examples: Making a down payment for a new home purchase or rental that is not for sale/rent by the real owners. Paying for a fake rental property offered online.
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
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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 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.
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