SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
RSN™ COMMENTARY: Tragic Misunderstanding
One of the things we see over and over, for many years, is the unrealistic expectations of scam victims.
In our RSN Guide to “What You Can Expect After A Scam” we talk about the specifics of what will and should happen, and what will not happen. Sadly few have read it.
Most victims do not understand how many scammers and victims there really are, here is a reality check:
- There are over 100,000 (100 thousand) scammers active
- There are over 13,000,000 (13 Million) romance scam victims (not including China)
Yet victims (in their desperation) expect us to investigate every reported scam. No one has the resources to investigate all online scams, regardless of how much it hurt you personally. No one.
We do understand the pain and the desperate situation that most victims find themselves in, but it does not change what is possible – harsh though that sounds.
No one but law enforcement or their affiliates (such as SCARS) can even trigger an investigation. All the Facebook amateur groups in the world are not going to get a scammer arrested. It just doesn’t happen that way.
Exposing scammers on Facebook does very little. There are approximately 400 Million (400,000,000) fake profiles on Facebook. When you post a scammers photo only a handful of people will see it. It needs to be reported somewhere (such as here or on www.Anyscam.com) where it will be indexed by Google to do any good.
Reporting them is vital so that governments know how large these crimes are. Without that, they cannot allocate resources or know how to help. But not the FBI or Europol, or any other agency will investigate most reports.
Regardless, collecting reports is critical, because the time is coming for large scam actions, such as we saw just this June around the world with the arrest of over 3,000 scammers.
The SCARS Network was designed to fill a huge void and to distribute scam reports worldwide. This, plus the reports that they get through police channels, helps law enforcement and governments put scammers on watch lists.
When law enforcement has enough information, then they can act. Or if scammers are on a watch list, then they can grab them when they cross borders. Otherwise, they have to wait.
That means YOU are responsible for your safety, education, and recovery after a scam. It is unrealistic for you to expect someone to save you. Of course, we will be here to help you recover, but the money and the scammer have to be set aside for now.
You have to learn what is realistic and what can be done. You have to focus on your recovery, not on the criminal. Report them and be done with them.
Remember to always report them three places:
- Your local police (tell them you just want an “informational” report – you need it for your insurance or taxes)
- Your national police (such as the FBI at www.IC3.gov)
- The SCARS Network on this website or on www.Anyscam.com
Don’t tell us that “No one does anything”
It is simply not true. Everyone is working hard to stop this. Don’t be a defeatist. This takes time and the willing cooperation of all concerned. Just because you don’t know what is being done, just means you are not paying attention. Government is working on this, and so are we.
Regardless, you have to understand that your scammer is not likely to be arrested. Your money is not likely to be returned. All you can do – all that is under your control right now is reporting and recovery.
Get busy doing what you can, and let the professionals and law enforcement work on it.
Report – Block – Recover!
RSN Team
a division of SCARS
Miami Florida U.S.A.
– – – – –
Visit our Main SCARS™ News & Information Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.Victims.Support.And.Recovery
Please Be Sure To Report All Scammers Here Or On www.Anyscam.Com
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2018 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide – RSN/Romance Scams Now & SCARS/Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams Inc.
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Article Rating
Table of Contents
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
RATE THIS ARTICLE?
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- Taci Fernuik on How You Think & Talk About Your Scam Affects Your Recovery: “I have hung on to the scams for far too long. With the intervention of an all-merciful God, I have…” Nov 6, 22:13
- on Disengaging From A Fake Scam Relationship: “Taci, you may want to join our new support community at www.SCARScommunity.org” Nov 6, 03:01
- on Disengaging From A Fake Scam Relationship: “This particular article helped me discover the many things I did wrong the first time I was scammed. I should…” Nov 5, 22:49
- on About the SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com Website – 24 Years Published: “It was unavailable for a few days, but it is available again. If he would be interested, he is welcome…” Nov 5, 00:59
- on About the SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com Website – 24 Years Published: “My husband has been scammed and your classes have been helping him but now he can’t seem to access them.…” Oct 26, 14:57
- on Talia Shepard – Impersonation Victim – Stolen Photos – 2024: “Hi, I’m Patrick from Belgium and I found this site by chance, so I just got to know it, and…” Oct 17, 23:46
- on Talia Shepard – Impersonation Victim – Stolen Photos – 2024: “Hallo ik ben Patrick uit Belgie en het is in verband over PayPal. Ik heb het dit jaar spijtig genoeg…” Oct 17, 23:08
- on Debt Relief Scams – Catalog of Scams – 2024 UPDATED 2025: “Before you make any decision, stop, think, and ask someone you trust for advice. No matter how difficult your situation…” Oct 9, 07:06
- on Shemar Moore – Stolen Photos – Impersonation Victim – 2024: “KM, sadly, this was available 5 years ago. The is a 25 year old website. Of course, new content is…” Oct 6, 13:27
- on Shemar Moore – Stolen Photos – Impersonation Victim – 2024: “Me too, since 2020. I’ve dealt with a lot of them till now. They’ve completely manipulated me and put me…” Oct 6, 00:48
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
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.
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.