SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
The Terms We Use In Communications & Support Of Scam Victims Matters!
If We Allow Ourselves To Use Derogatory Terms, What Is That Saying About Us?
There are countless numbers of so-called “anti-scam” groups on social media and elsewhere. Many groups delight in telling you that you are on a “Sucker’s List.”
Think about that term and what it really says about these groups that profess to help scam victims. Think about what they really think when they use such terms?
Yes, there are lists of victims that scammers share and sell. But does anyone need to call it “suckers list?” It is like the term “Catfish” – both are very derogatory terms and insulting to victims.
This is where you see the truth about ethics in such instant experts and amateur groups!
A “sucker” is someone who has been conned, to be sure. But the common meaning of this term in the English language – from the UK to Australia – is that it is a dumb victim and somehow deserving of what they get! The same with “gullible.” These are NOT victim-friendly terms and they are banned from SCARS’ lexicon/taxonomy.
The use of “sucker” was derived from its meaning of “simpleton; a gullible mark often fooled, hoodwinked, swindled or otherwise easily taken advantage of.” The metaphoric source, the Oxford English Dictionary informs us, is that of a young mammal before it is weaned from its mother’s teat, calling to mind a picture of a suckling pig. Is this what victims should be identified with?
We think not!
We view the term “sucker” as hate speech!
How victims are thought of, both by themselves and society has very much to do with society’s acceptance and judgment of them.
When groups that pretend to help victims use such ugly terminology it is clear that they harbor deep hostility towards victims, in most cases because they are victims themselves and have never accepted that they were not at fault. The word is infused with judgment and blame!
Always avoid any group or individuals that use such ugly terms. Avoid groups that include the words hate, expose, revenge, baiting, catfish, etc. These clearly have no idea how to control their own emotions and instead inflict them on their victims. Or view victims as a laughable collection of idiots too dumb to save themselves!
Victims are neither suckers nor gullible, they are the victims of criminals, and heavily manipulated – nothing more!
Our own organization, SCARS, has indeed, gone through its own evolution over the past decade and our greater understanding of trauma-informed support for victims has led the way. It is possible to find dumb things we have said in the past too. But we are now in a fully-informed present, and there is no longer any tolerance for these terms or the groups that promote them.
Please keep that in mind! The words we all use matter!
A victim is just that and nothing more, and not to blame for what happened to them. Remember that!
Wishing you all the best!
SCARS Team
SCARS – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A , government-partnered, crime victims assistance and crime prevention nonprofit organization supporting scam victims worldwide! Based in Miami Florida U.S.A
#ScamVictims #RomanceScams #OnlineScams #FinancialFraud #SCARS #Hate #Judgmental #HateSpeech
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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.
The words you choose to use can say a lot about you. I try to favor positive and kind thoughts and words.