SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Some Victims Replace The Obsession Of The Scam With Another Obsession About Scams
Unfortunately, some scam victims simply cannot turn away from the scam once it has ended.
Those Of Us That Assist Scam Victims Cannot Turn Away From Scams
We are forced to deal with scams and scammers on a daily basis. We write about them, report scammers, and help victims. This activity has the purpose that supporting other victims in a conscientious way.
Some Victims Cannot Turn Away
It’s like that compulsion that forces people to stare at a traffic accident!
Many scam victims though, simply cannot turn away from scams. There are many reasons for this:
- Need for justice
- Need to spread the word
- Need to take revenge
- Need to save others
All of those are valuable causes, but not when a scam victim is trying to recover from their scam.
The Need To Turn Away
After a scam, a victim needs to do the reporting and then try hard to turn away from the scam so they can recover. The best approach is to join a SCARS Scam Victims’ Support Group where we try to help victims develop a new sense of trust and community while focusing on their future.
Fixation of the scam and the scammer holds victims back from recovering and increases negative emotions.
These can lead to two potential problems:
- Anger can turn to hate, and it can also lead to the need for revenge and vigilantism
- It leads to a new obsession fixating on scams and scammers
A Scam Junkie
This is not a nice term. It is intended to be that. It is intended to get your attention!
When a victim replaces one obsession with another it takes on an addictive quality that can be very destructive.
During the scam, the victim’s brain was flooded with hormones that helped to trap the victim in the scam. After the scam, especially during the withdrawal period when the victim is returning to normal, the opportunity for compulsive behaviors remains. This can turn into a compulsive behavior to stay connected to scams and scammers.
What Is A Scam Junkie?
We know that scams – during the romance phase can lead to an addiction. It modifies your behavior, your thinking, just like an addiction, because it is one – based upon your addiction to endorphins and other hormones released by your brain.
In short, victims become dependent on what they get from the scammer. Horrible idea, but true.
What Happens When The Scam Is Over?
A victim should be going through the process of grief. This helps break the bonding with the scammer and allows the victim to refocus on reality.
BUT NOT EVERYONE DOES
Some substitute one dependency for another – an obsession with a scammer or obsession with scams and scammers in general. They just can’t let go.
This can also translate into another obsession – with the face in the photo. That is another obsessive behavior discussed here »
How To Know?
Most scam victims have anger issues after their scam, this is normal.
It is ok for a scam victim to use their desire to fight back (within reason), or a desire to help others avoid the traps they fell into.
But if a victim truly looks at what you are doing, and it is one of the following, or is it an obsession with the scammers themselves, then there may be a problem.
Becoming a Scam Junkie is both a form of desperation driven by fear – the fear of losing that final connection to the relationship that was there. But it is usually more than that.
PLEASE NOTE: Someone who is not obsessed may take on the responsibility to help others, and that might includes many of these indicators. The test is the degree that you can walk away from it when you need to without concern that you are missing something of not being connected to the scammers.
Here are several indicators to help identify someone that is compulsively and obsessively connected with scams and scammers:
- Do you spend hours looking or searching for fake profiles?
- Do you want to look at every scammer photo posted?
- Do you go and hunt scammers?
- Do you insist that you have to know the name of the real scammer behind the fake act?
- Do you want to know and contact the real person in the photo?
- Do you think these things make a difference?
- Do you belong to numerous anti-scam groups on social media that constantly post scammer photos?
- When someone tries to tell you that this behavior is preventing your recovery, does it make you angry?
If you answered yes to many of these then you may have just substituted one dependency for another.
You May Now Be Obsessed With Scams And Scammers
These can be ways of avoiding the hard truth about what happened to the victim and fighting against your recovery. Admitting the full extent of the scam, the victims’ participation in manipulation, and the results can be frightening. Obsessing about the scammers in these ways can be comforting.
The fact is that every victim made a bad decision by letting the scammer in and they now need to move forward and recover,
It is important to remember that the odds are no one will save you, and no one will get your money back.
Worse, all of that emotion that you invested in the scammer was based upon the scammer’s lies/deception. It is hard to take, every victim wants justice, many want revenge, and all victims want something or someone to help them make sense of it all. Fakes amateur anti-scam groups are good at making it sound like “exposing” scammers will make it all get better.
But it doesn’t make any sense, constant exposure to scams and scammers will actually harm a victim’s recovery.
The Dark Side
There is also another Dark Side of the Psychology of Scams – Schadenfreude! This is when you start to feel better observing the misery of others. We suggest that you learn about this as well.
Vicarious Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to an intense event that threatens or causes harm. It is often the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope with or accept the emotions involved with that experience. Almost every scam victim experiences significant trauma, even if they will not acknowledge it.
But trauma may result from recurring events of being overwhelmed such as by binging of scammer news. It can be precipitated over weeks, years, or even decades, as the person struggles to cope with the original crime circumstances, eventually leading to more serious, long-term negative consequences.
After a scam is over, we recommend a complete absence from looking at scams and scammers. Yes, you should learn about WHY & HOW scams happen to help you fill in the gaps in your knowledge and to help you avoid scams in the future, but not about day-to-day news.
Letting Go
Every victim has to learn how to let go – it is never easy – but it is necessary to learn how to accept that.
It starts by accepting three things:
- You only allowed the stranger in the door, what followed was not your fault
- You did not do this to yourself, it was done to you – you were expertly manipulated and deceived
- Now you need to walk away. You need to move forward
A victim can’t recover if they constantly surround themselves with scammers (news, photos, etc.).
Once a victim has substantially recovered, and if they want to help others, then they can come back, but in the beginning, they have to stop looking at or for scammers and scams.
If they can’t do that on their own, they can join one of the SCARS professional support and recovery groups where people can help them keep it under control, and where they have other scam victims that know exactly what they are going through to talk to.
Stop Being A Scam Junkie – Make The Change And Get Help Now
There are many ways that victims can help themselves:
- Join a SCARS Scam Victims Support Group on Facebook, such as this one: SCARS Romance Scam Victims’ Support & Recovery Group on Facebook
-
If you are in need of local support, look for certified Trauma Counselors in your area. FIND THEM HERE:
- If you need to talk to someone urgently, call: 800-273-8255 USA/CANADA
- Or if you want to go this on your own, you can use our SCARS|RSN Steps™ program in self-help book form – click here or see below
Take A Time Out After Your Scam
Whatever you decide to do, we want you to understand and be able to see that scams leave people damaged and every victim needs time to heal.
You have to look at what you are doing and make a change for the better!
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Article Rating
Table of Contents
- Scam Obsession – Becoming Scam Junkie
- Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
- Some Victims Replace The Obsession Of The Scam With Another Obsession About Scams
- Those Of Us That Assist Scam Victims Cannot Turn Away From Scams
- Some Victims Cannot Turn Away
- The Need To Turn Away
- A Scam Junkie
- What Is A Scam Junkie?
- What Happens When The Scam Is Over?
- How To Know?
- You May Now Be Obsessed With Scams And Scammers
- The Dark Side
- Vicarious Trauma
- Letting Go
- Stop Being A Scam Junkie – Make The Change And Get Help Now
- Take A Time Out After Your Scam
- Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books
- SCARS Printed Books For Every Scam Survivor From SCARS Publishing
MOST POPULAR COMMENTED ARTICLES
POPULAR ARTICLES
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
RATE THIS ARTICLE?
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
Recent Comments
On Other Articles
on Recognizing Fake U.S. Military Identification Cards – Infographic: “It is a crime to copy or photograph a Military ID. Just by them sending it to you means it…” Apr 25, 00:51
on Recognizing Fake U.S. Military Identification Cards – Infographic: “How can u tell if it’s a real military id” Apr 24, 23:54
on Scammers Anger – Losing Their Temper – How Scammers Operate: “All 5 of the Scammer Red Flags were present at one time or another. I noticed a difference in grammar,…” Apr 24, 20:52
on Retrospective Framing – A Cognitive Bias That Changes The Past – 2023: “Thank you for this great article. I have experienced a small portion of retrospective framing in the last days of…” Apr 23, 16:18
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.
![Scam Obsession - Becoming Scam Junkie [UPDATED] 23](https://scamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/niprc1.png1_-150x1501-11.webp)
Ive read the article on scam junkies and that describes me. I hate myself for falling for it but keep talking to them. Ive been scammed 4 times and you would think I would learn after the first. But in my mind I give them a chance, well maybe. but the biggest thing when I say out loud what was done, it sounds stupid All I have to show for it damaged credit and using my house to get myself out of the mess. And i trust no one now, and all conversation with people in general is what do they want from me. Ive become secretive dont tell any one whats happened.Tried going to a counselor but couldnt bring myself to tell all that had happen to me. What the scammer has taught me is how to lie. Try telling anyone you get that look (how did she not see what was going on) even from police and family members.
I feel your pain and absolutely understand what you’re going through. It’s the hurt that makes it so difficult. I pray we both overcome this someday soon. Stay strong
I know someone currently involved – sending money. Any tips you can provide to get this person stopped? How do we get him to pull the plug & stop sending money? Please help….
Read our Family Intervention Guide: https://www.romancescamsnow.com/dating-scams/rsn-guide-to-relatives-in-total-denial/
God bless you all your team for helped us .
Thank you
Da,prevarena sam.I to za dosta novac.Trebali je proći dosta vremena dok sam mogla prijaviti ćinjenicu da sam žrtva svoje naivnosti I vjere u lijepe priće.Nisam znala ,a Nisam niti vjerovala da se ljudi bogate na takav naćin.Život mora teći dalje a ja se nadam da će prevarant biti uhvaćen.Sve sam prijavila,i koliko mogu pomažem drugima da ne nasjednu na laži kao ja
If you want to help contact Internet Valkyrja on Facebook – their Romanian Group. JUST REMEMBER, because you were a victim does not mean you know how to help other victims. This is a regulated activity with strong professional standards. First focus on yourself, then take the time to learn to become a professional, then you can truly help others.
I was definitely a scam junkie. I was in shock and so very confuse about what happen to me. I figured out if I stop going on Facebook and other websites I’ll be better off healing from the trauma. It’s even hard to visit this website reading and researching for information. It’s good to know when you’re not alone and other intelligent people had fallen for the same scams. In my case I had too many problems I was dealing with and too busy helping people that didn’t deserve my time of day. I guess I was trying to escape from them and looking for a happier place in life. I understand now how easier for me to become a victim. I avoid has many people possible and removed myself from stressful situations. This includes family and friends not to mention volunteering in a thankless job. I’m mad at myself about forgetting to take care me first. If I done this then I most likely would’ve never fail for these monsters scams. I’ll never be the same person that I use to be.
Tammy, there is good news. The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train – it is just a long way away. This takes much longer to heal than people understand. It may take a year or two to recover emotionally, and even then, scam victims suffer from a form of PTSD – but you will get better, just give it time – lots of freaking time!
Thank you for being here for victims like myself. Much appreciated here because it’s a battle trying to heal when all I want at times is to be alone in the dark.
You are very welcome