SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Our Human Psychology Enables Us To Be Scammed!
We Are Built To Be Manipulated And Scammers Know How To Do This!
However, the more you know about these psychological processes, the better you are prepared to prevent them and to change your behaviors to avoid them in the future.
Disclaimer: All of these articles are provided for educational & “entertainment” purposes – we have to say that. We are a Crime Victims’ Assistance Provider and do not provide psychological or mental healthcare – we do not offer counseling or therapy services. This information is intended to help you become aware of these topics and find a direction for your own research, or to have topics to discuss and explore with your own mental healthcare professional. These are generalized and may not apply to you.
We will update this catalog from time to time as new articles are added or recategorized.
Why You Were Lured Into The Scam
Victim Predisposition:
- What Drives People To Be Scammed?
- Stranger Trust – How Did You Get Captured In A Scam?
- What Drives Us To Be Scammed
- Sun Tzu And The Selectively Ignorant
- Cognitive Distortions
- White Knight Syndrome – Rescuing Damsels In Distress And Getting Scammed
- The Fear of Missing Out and Romance Scams
- You Made A Mistake
- The Role Curiosity Plays In Being Scammed
How You Were Lured
Social Engineering:
Working Against Yourself:
Grooming
How Scams Work Psychologically:
- Understanding The Long Con – The Basic Mechanics Of A Relationship Scam – How Scams Work
- Scammer Methods – A Scammer’s Primer – Part 1: The Introduction
Grooming:
- Scam Grooming: Finding Common Interests
- Scam Grooming: Using Persuasion To Establish Rapport
- Internet Romance Scammers Know What Their Victims Are Longing To Hear
- Future Faking – Future Planning As A Manipulation Tactic Of Scammers
- Screen Time, Sleep Deprivation, and Romance Scams
- Why Do They Call You Dear?
- Reciprocity Rule & Scams
Manipulation & Control
Control Manipulation:
- The Amygdala Hijack!
- Gaslighting – Destroying A Victim’s Sense Of Reality Or Truth
- What is the Purpose of Gaslighting?
- Diversions – A Scammer’s Manipulative Technique
- Equivocation – The Magician’s Choice – The Arts Of Manipulation
- ASMR – Using Your Brain & Body Against You
- Scam Victim Surrender
- Chasing Your Money – A Psychological Trap
- The 7 Psychological Principles of Scams
- Understanding Yahoo Boy Methods
- Why Scammers Ask For Photos?
- There Is No “He” Or “She” In Romance Scams
- Living under Manipulation for Too Long Leaves Victims …
After-Scam Emotions & Distress
In The Aftermath:
- After The Scam Comes Disaster
- After A Scam, No One Can Tell You How You Will React
- Psychological Shock – After A Scam & In The Future
- Dissociative Amnesia
- Emotional Danger After The Scam
- Disengaging From A Fake Scam Relationship
- 10 Steps To Breaking Free & Beginning Your Recovery
- Support & Information For New Scam Victims
- Understanding A Romance Scam
- What Can You Expect After A Scam
Fear & Panic:
- When Panic Sets In
- How Fear Affects You After A Scam
- Victim Response To Fear Is Anger!
- SCARS Commentary About Helping Victims
- Long Term Fear & Phobias From Scam Victim Trauma
Suicide & Crisis:
Grief & Longer Effects
Grief:
Mid to Long Term Emotional Effects:
Guilt Shame Anger & Denial
Guilt, Shame & Self-Blame:
- Guilt vs. Shame – Understanding Them
- Scam Survivor’s Guilt
- Open Letter To A Victim In Pain
- When Should A Scam Victim Feel Ashamed?
Anger, Rage & Hate:
Denial & Help Avoidance:
Scam Victim Trauma
Learning & Coping With Trauma:
- Immediate and Delayed Reactions to Trauma
- Romance Scam Victims & PTSD
- Understanding Trauma Compulsions
- Scam Victims & Traumatic Memories
- Cognitions and Trauma
- Coping Strategies for Scam Victim Trauma Survivors
- Finding Real Trauma Support For Romance Scams Victims
- How Trauma Can Impact Four Types of Memory
- A Candid Discussion Of Trauma And Emotional Hygiene By Guy Winch, Ph.D. – TED Talk
- TEDed Introduction To Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Scam Trauma Syndrome [STS]
Victimization
On The Wrong Path
Mistakes Victims Make:
- Scam Victim Information Avoidance
- Survivorship Bias & Romance Scams
- Stages Of A Victim’s Experience Without Support
- Why You Can’t Stop Looking At The Stolen Face
- Good vs. Bad While Recovering
- Victims Are Still Victims
- Scam Obsession – Becoming Scam Junkie
- The Dark Side – Schadenfreude
- Real Victims’ Assistance
- Beware Of Scam Victim Saviors Who Act Like They Are Instant Experts
- Savior Victims
- Obsessive Scammer Exposing
- Scammer Name-Calling – Please Just Stop It!
- The Victim Trap – Meeting Strangers In A Strange Land!
- Victims Frequently Engage In Self-Defeating Behaviors
- Female Face Fixation Syndrome
- Do You Hate Your Scammer?
Recovery & Becoming A Survivor
Recovery & The Path To Becoming A Survivor:
- What Does Recovery Mean For A Scam Victim?
- Jay Shetty on Letting Go!
- Romance Scams Trauma Recovery Tips
- How Do You Get Closure?
- Journaling & Recovery
- How Can You Explain What Happened To Family And Friends?
- Phases Of Recovery
- Getting The Person Back That You Once Were …
- Knowledge Matters To Scam Victims
- Do You Believe In Prophecies?
- Surviving The Change: Scams Turn Lives Upside Down
- Forgiveness
- Resilience, Recovery And Romance Scam Victims
- You Made A Mistake
- What Are The Responsibilities Of A Scam Victim?
Recovery Tools
Recovery Tools:
- Humor As A Tool In Scam Victim Recovery
- Helping Others
- Clothes As Therapy For Scam Victims: When & How Does Enclothed Cognition Work?
- Desensitizing
- Removing The Face Of Your Scammer
- Taking Care Of Yourself
- Write A Letter To Your Scammer – Say What You Feel!
- The Scam Victim’s Mantra
- The Keys to Motivating Yourself After a SCAM!
Returning To Danger
Recidivism & Re-Scamming:
- You Can Still Be Scammed! Over And Over!
- The Odds Of Being Scammed Again
- You Have Been Scammed – So Back To Online Dating
- Repeating The Scam – Engaging In Risky Behavior Over & Over
- Commentary On Being Scammed Again
- Scam Fetishists or Willing Victims?
- Romance Scammer As A Consort
- Sharing Your Scam Story
Scam Victims Families & Friends
Understanding & Support:
- Understanding Scam Victims
- Helping Friends & Family Better Understand Romance Scams
- Intervention For Relatives Of Scam Victims In Total Denial
- How To Confront A Scam Victim In Total Denial
- Protecting Elderly Victims In Denial Over Scams
- Romance Scam Infidelity
- 5 Steps For Rebuilding Trust In A Marriage Following A Romance Scam
- Romance Scams And Risk Of Divorce
- Saving Scammers’ Current Victims
For Impersonation Victims
More Knowledge
Research:
- Research Paper-Report – The psychology of scams: Provoking And Committing Errors Of Judgement
- Research Paper-Report – Risk Factors For Advance Fee Fraud Victimisation
- Online Romance Scams And Victimhood
- Do You Love Me? Psychological Characteristics of Romance Scam Victims
- Psychology Of The Online Dating Romance Scams – A Research Report
If you have an academic or government affiliation you can access more research at ResearchGate
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What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Table of Contents
- The How & Why of Scam Psychology
- We Are Built To Be Manipulated And Scammers Know How To Do This!
- SCARS Webinars [Videos]
- Why You Were Lured Into The Scam
- How You Were Lured
- Grooming
- Manipulation & Control
- The End Game
- After-Scam Emotions & Distress
- Grief & Longer Effects
- Guilt Shame Anger & Denial
- Scam Victim Trauma
- Victimization
- On The Wrong Path
- Recovery & Becoming A Survivor
- Recovery Tools
- Points Of View
- Returning To Danger
- Scam Victims Families & Friends
- For Impersonation Victims
- More Knowledge
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
- on The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions – 2024: “I experienced many of the deceptive tactics that romance scammers use. I was told various stories of hardship and why…” Feb 4, 15:27
- 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
- on After A Scam, No One Can Tell You How You Will React: “This article was very informative, my scams happened 5 years ago; however, l do remember several of those emotions and/or…” Jan 23, 17:17
- on Situational Awareness and How Trauma Makes Scam Victims Less Safe – 2024: “I need to be more observant and I am practicing situational awareness. I’m saving this article to remind me of…” Jan 21, 22:55
- on Scam Grooming: Finding Common Interests: “I was definitely groomed by the scammer. My Facebook profile lists me as single and if research is done on…” Jan 21, 14:23
- on KNOW YOUR ENEMY: Tessa Fowler – A Favorite Of African Scammers: “There is a very obvious catfish profile of this girl in Instagram by the name Olivia022. There’s only 2 photos…” Jan 20, 16:24
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.
Thank you for all the information is very helpful
Ich wurde Ende 2020 von einem Scammer kontaktiert, der sich “Donald Clifford” nannte und mir Fotos des ehemaligen US-Generals John Robert “Jack” O’Connor schickte. Ich wurde emotional, aber nicht finanziell ausgebeutet. Die Identität des Mannes, in dessen Bilder ich mich verliebt hatte, habe ich erst nach Beendigung des Scams erfahren. Seither melde ich Facebook täglich Fake-Profile des Generals O’Connor, doch Facebook weigert sich, sie zu löschen. Fake-Profile des Generals, die eine Kommentierung zulassen kommentiere ich: “Stop abusing pictures, name and identity of the seven years ago retired Major General John R. O’Connor. Inzwischen haben mich mehrere Frauen aus aller Welt kontaktiert und um Auskunft gebeten: “Ist der General echt? Ist er ein Scam?” Ich gebe meine Infos weiter. Eine der Frauen (aus Brasilien) schickte mir den Screenshot einer Website, auf der ich neben “General O’Connor” abgebildet war und mit ihm gemeinsam zum Chatten einlud! Seither kämpfe ich darum, den Scammern zu untersagen, mein FB-Profilfoto für ihre kriminellen Zwecke zu nutzen und von Facebook zu verlangen, Seiten mit meinem Privatfoto zu löschen. Not easy!
We are sorry this has happened to you. No it is not easy.
We suggest that you use a copyright complaint to have your photos removed from Facebook. Their legal department is more responsive than their moderators.
Do you speak English as well?
Es tut uns leid, dass Ihnen dies passiert ist. Nein, es ist nicht einfach.
Wir empfehlen Ihnen, eine Urheberrechtsbeschwerde einzureichen, um Ihre Fotos von Facebook entfernen zu lassen. Ihre Rechtsabteilung ist reaktionsschneller als ihre Moderatoren.
Sprichst du auch Englisch?