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RSN™ Insight: Amateur Anti-Scam Group Distributing Fake News

For Those That Follow Us And Have For Some Time, You Know We Are Highly Critical About Other Amateur Anti-Scam Groups!

Many complain and ask us why we are hard on other groups? Why indeed?

They argue that they are all contributing to the greater good, right? The same could be said for amateur dentists or surgeons too, right? No, wrong.

The wrong information to the wrong person at the wrong time can have a profound impact. Scam victims commit suicide every day. This is not a game, it is people’s lives.

We Are Critical For The Following Reasons:

  • Amateur Antiscam groups act as though they are expert in the subject matter when almost all are victims to took up vigilantism to satisfy their need for control and revenge
  • They are not expert in any aspect of the subject, they learn from other amateur groups and perpetuate false information on to other recent victims who know no better
  • They invent and distribute nonsensical information (such as that below)
  • They focus on “exposing” an endless stream of scammer photos which actually both delays the viewer’s recovery and in many cases can reinforce the victim’s trauma – at the very least causing increases in anxiety and fear of strangers
  • They are ruthless against anyone that offers a saner solution both to addressing the problem of scams but also how to properly support victims
  • They lack formal training or any certifications in crime victims’ assistance or law enforcement
  • They are almost completely one person working from their kitchen, bedroom etc. or a small group of like-minded individuals. Or even worse they are a charismatic cult-like leader with a devout following of sycophants – still laking real training or comprehension of how to achieve solutions
  • Some are indeed well-meaning who try on the hat of advocacy but have never accomplished the tasks they are trying to achieve and in many cases lead the causes down the wrong path
  • Many profess to offer “victim counseling” and are not even aware they have violated the law by that claim – or offer support services that do little more than keep the victim focused on the crime and not their own recovery
  • They do not comply with the legal or insurance requirements that their activities would require

These are a few of the reasons why we hold so many groups in such disdain and is but one of the reasons why SCARS was created.

SCARS has a framework to help independent groups develop correctly and offer fact-based information and recovery support. In addition, SCARS requires that all of their members conform to their Code of Conduct and to the NOVA standard for Victims’ Assistance. Additionally, SCARS assures that members follow these or they are removed from SCARS membership and debarred permanently. No other anti-scam group has made any attempt to professionalize, and most do not even list the identities of their owner-operators.

Fake News

Here is a perfect example of fake news from another anti-scam group:

5-million-yahoo-boys in Lagos Nigerian - Fake News

5-million Yahoo Boys in Lagos Nigerian – Fake News

This as a gross and false exaggeration. We believe the number is closer to 50-70,000 in all of Nigeria (out of 110,000 worldwide)

Think for a moment about what that number would mean? 5 Million Yahoo Boys in Lagos?  There are only about 200 million Nigerians total. There are only about 20 million residents of the larger metropolitan Lagos region.

If the number were correct then one in four Lagos residents is a scammer. Frankly, that is laughably false. If 1 in 4 were scammers, there would be a total breakdown of all services in a major metro area – there would not be enough people to distribute services, provide healthcare, or any other businesses or industries in that region. EVERYTHING would be geared toward supporting the scammers, which is patently not true. Additionally, if it were true, the Yahoo Boys would represent a larger force than ISIS did. That would bring in the attention of the world’s military.

This Is A Perfect Example Of Clueless Fake News

Sadly, as you could see from a recent SCARS Infographic – recent victims flock to the new snake-oil salesmen in the guise of anti-scammers. Most victims end up in the hands of incompetent amateurs and kitchen table wanna-be experts. There is not a thing we can do about people grasping at other fakes thinking they know what they are saying.

All we can do is issue the warning, recognizing that this also brings the hatred of these groups down upon us in the process.

To New Victims, We Offer This Advice – Be Careful Out There – The Fakes Are Not Just The Ones That Ask For Your Money! Trust No One!

Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams


RSN Team

a division of SCARS
Miami Florida U.S.A.

 

 


END


 

More Information From RomanceScamsNow.com


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Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »


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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?

It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.

Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:

  1. Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
  2. Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov)
  3. The Scars Worldwide Reporting Network HERE or on www.Anyscam.com

This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.


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Visit our NEW Main SCARS™ News & Information Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information

 

To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org

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.

 

RSN™ Insight: Amateur Anti-Scam Group Distributing Fake News REPORT BLOCK RECOVER2

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Important Information for New Scam Victims

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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.