SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
RSN EDITORIAL “The Lion”
Everyone believes they will live forever.
Everyone believes crime will never happen to them.
No one expects to be the victim of a romance scam!
Did you?
We live in a world that has been the same since the beginning of time. There are lions out there and they will eat you if you let them.
Did you read that part? IF YOU LET THEM!
Humans evolved in an environment where we were food for predators. We were lunch for lions!
There were monsters everywhere – in caves, the grass, in trees, and in the water. There still are!
Some of those monsters were big, and some so small they can’t even be seen.
Every time the ecosystem changed or we migrated, we encountered new predators – new monsters.
Some of those predators were us!
As a species we have had our own monsters: cannibals and killers. Humans hunting humans.
It has always been that way! It always will be that way!
Too many people have forgotten that simple lesson.
Especially today, we live in a world of pampered “snowflakes” that lose their minds when they hear a word that offends them.
God help them when they encounter the real monsters that live under the bed!
It is no surprise that Millennials are being scammed in record numbers, and are the fastest growing class of online victims.
But it is not just them – everyone is potential victim. Yet we live our lives in a bubble believeng that nothing bad ever happens.
Yet bad things happen all the time.
So the next time that you decry the horrible state of things, just think about what we have endured in the past.
Yes it is unfair. Yes it is cruel. Yes there should be justice.
That is why we pay people to protect us. That is why we have guns, and police, and armies.
Sometimes we need to protect ourselves, sometimes we need others to protect us.
Without that protection it is just us and the lions.
Our organization and governments around the world are working on protections. But we are not there yet, so you have to protect yourselves too.
But there is good news.
Be proud of yourself!
Be proud of the lion claw marks that you have – the Scars – because it means YOU SURVIVED!
Now you have learned.
Not everyone survives the lions!
You are strong. You are a survivor.
Maybe you can’t kill the lion, but you are now wise to how and where they hunt!
Now you can avoid the lions and live your life!
Go live your life!
However, please share what you learned. Others can learn the lessons from your scars.
Tell others where the lions are and how to avoid them, especially children. So that they may grow up avoiding the scars that you have!
Lions are out there. Just waiting for the next victim to cross through their territory.
You know how to avoid them! You have the scars to prove it!
You are a survivor!
We are proud of you!
Dr. Tim McGuinness,
Chairman & Founder,
Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams [SCARS]
contact@AgainstRomanceScams.org
www.AgainstScams.org
P.S.
Now you understand why we called our organization SCARS?
You can’t have a Scar unless you are a survivor!
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
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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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