SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Psychology of Scams Part 1 – SCARS|PODCAST™
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Copyright © 2019 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated [SCARS]
Third-Party Copyrights Acknowledged
A Division Of The Society Of Citzens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]
RSN Founded 1991 • SCARS Founded 2015
www.AgainstScams.org
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
Tags: Psychology of Scams, ASMR, Stranger Trust, Victim Motivation, Rudeness, Distrust, Politeness, Polite, Sending Money, Romance Scam, Online Fraud, Helping Strangers,
Report All Scammers Here Or On www.Anyscam.com
To Join SCARS Visit www.AgainstScams.org
Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|UK, SCARS|NZ, SCARS|AUSTRALIA, SCARS|INDONESIA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
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Table of Contents
Rapid Report Scammers
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U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- on Love Bombing And How Romance Scam Victims Are Forced To Feel: “I was love bombed to the point that I would do just about anything for the scammer(s). I was told…” Feb 11, 14:24
- on Dani Daniels (Kira Lee Orsag): Another Scammer’s Favorite: “You provide a valuable service! I wish more people knew about it!” Feb 10, 15:05
- 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
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.
Not sure if my first comment went through. SCARS is an excellent website which I’ve posted as a link on my new blog: conartistdating.com
I would like to partner with your agency to give more voice to victims through my blog.
Thank you Millie, we do our best! Please visit our website to join as a “Group” http://www.AgainstScams.org and one of the SCARS Membership team will follow up as soon as possible.
I have seen a lot of romance scams over the years and want to be part of the solution by partnering with your organization through my blog ( conartistdating.com) and other ways. I am passionate about bringing honesty back to relationships and smoking out con artists.
We moderate every comment everywhere to make sure that everything is authentic and not from a scammer! Thank you again for your comment.
I assure you that I am not a scammer. I just started my blog (www.conartistdating.com) three days ago so you can see that I’m a real person; I’m still working out some kinks in my blog design. I’m also a specialist on human behavior who dedicated many years to helping people with mental illnesses. Scammers, cons are personality disordered, the type that needs to be exposed and contained for the protection of others. I look forward to giving victims a voice in my blog and working with your agency.
We did not accuse you of being a scammer, just explaining why we moderate and manually approve each comment. Actually, scammers are not mentally ill, they are simply criminals. Spreading urban legends is neither healthy nor factual. As a victim, you need to recognize that you are not an expert in the subject and by pretending to be one you lead other victims astray and can actually cause more trauma than they originally experienced. We urge you to read or Code of Conduct on our SCARS website http://www.AgainstScams.org – we urge you to back off trying to be people’s savior and focus on your own recovery.
Thank you for your honesty, painful but true. I will back off. I am not a victim directly anyway. My adult son is the victim of a woman who is manipulating him into marriage while she empties his pockets through her wanderlust. My whole family sees it but he does not. I agree cons are criminals and should be treated as such.
Again, I apreciate your reply. Me and my family are distraught over my son’s situation. It turns out that I have in the past worked with mostly women who have been taken by men. Now that the con is closer to home, I understand it better, or so I think. Thank you again.
Millie, you may want to join one of our support groups for friends and family of scam victims in denial on Facebook – here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSN.Family.Support