SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
After Scam Victims Have Experienced Trauma
It Is Important For Scam Victims To Limit Their Exposure To More Crime News & Criminal Photos For At Least The First 6 Months To A Year After Their Scam
This is a very serious recommendation for scam victims because scam victims can deepen their trauma by continued exposure to news and information about scammers – it can also manifest into hate!
This is especially true when scam victims are exposed to hate and aggression against scammers in the typical anti-scam hate groups, that do almost nothing but express their hatred by constantly exposing or shaming scammers on social media.
NOTE:
We are not talking about information that will help scam victims to better understand how these crimes work, or why they were targeted, such as the Psychology of Scams section here on this website. We are talking about news about scammers’ actions, arrests, etc. And most important limit their exposure to scammer photos.
Why This Matters For Scam Victims – And All Crime Victims!
Scam victims who have been traumatized by the crime they were a part of may experience a range of psychological and emotional symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear. Repeated exposure to crime information, such as news reports or social media posts about these crimes, can exacerbate these symptoms and make it more difficult for victims to recover.
SCARS has led the concern over scam victims being constantly exposed to scammer photos and hateful rhetoric in amateur anti-scam groups for a decade. SCARS understands the psychology of scam victims completely and has applied hard psychological science in the work we do.
In a major study published in 2020 called “Crime News Consumption and Fear of Violence: The Role of Traditional Media, Social Media, and Alternative Information Sources” by Matti Näsi, Maiju Tanskanen, Janne Kivivuori, Paula Haara, and Esa Reunanen – conducted through the Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 24 (Unioninkatu 40), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland, found:
“When all our analyses are compared, it appears that fear of … violence is influenced by active consumption of all types of media. The more widespread the consumption of social media and alternative information sources was, the more likely respondents were to report fear of … violence. ”
“Furthermore, the use of alternative information sources on consumption on violent crime news seems to have a particularly strong association with fear of violence.”
“In terms of both fear of … violence and avoidance behavior, we also found that respondents with secondary or tertiary education were more likely to project fear of violence, and to avoid certain areas near their homes, than those with just primary education.”
“a possible explanation could be that people with higher levels of education are more sensitive to crime-related threats. Prior research suggests that those with higher levels of education deploy a wider concept of violence, and manifest above-average sensitivity to defining conflicts as violence (Kivivuori, 2014). “
What this study found was that the more crime victims are exposed to news about crime (scams) the more fearful they became. Fear is of course a trauma response. This translates into greater fear of being victimized again, but it can also, conversely translate into a greater bias into believing they are immune from being victimized again – both false assumptions based upon cognitive biases and coping mechanisms.
In another study by the United States Department of Justice: NVAA 2000, Chapter 18 The News Media’s Coverage of Crime and Victimization
“The constituency most affected by the news media’s coverage of violence and victimization is crime victims. While sensitive coverage of victim’s cases can be helpful and, in some cases, even healing, media coverage that is sometimes viewed as insensitive, voyeuristic, and uncaring can compound victims’ emotional and psychological suffering.”
There is little more uncaring or insensitive that an endless stream of scammer photos as paraded by most anti-scam hate groups. However, to be fair, SCARS also publishes scammer photos but in a way designed to limit emotional response, and for the purpose of helping victims to find their way to quality professional care that SCARS provides.
Reasons Why Scam Victims Should Abstain
There are a number of reasons why repeated exposure to crime information can be harmful to scam victims.
- First, it can trigger memories of the traumatic event, which can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of PTSD.
- Second, it can increase feelings of anxiety and fear, making it difficult for victims to feel safe and secure.
- Third, it can reinforce negative beliefs about themselves and the world, such as the belief that they are not safe or that the world is a dangerous place. It can also trigger ever greater frustration about law enforcement making it appear that no one is doing anything – a completely false assumption.
Harmful Effects On Scam Victims
The harmful effects of repeated exposure to scams/fraud/crime information are not limited to just the short-term effects. In the long term, it can lead to a number of psychological problems or disorders, including:
- Increased aggression and hostility (leading to hate)
- Inability to accept the real situation they are in, including the inability to recognize expert professional support as something they need
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating (increasing cognitive impairment)
- Avoidance of activities that remind them of the crime (coping and avoidance mechanisms)
- Social withdrawal
- Problems at work or school
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
These are typical of what scam victims who continue to engage in exposure can face, but trauma is complex and it can manifest in other ways too. This is why getting both professional competent support and seeing a trauma counselor are so important.
Our Guidance For Scam Victims
If you are a scam victim who has been traumatized by the crime, it is important to limit your exposure to scam/crime information.
This may mean avoiding news reports about crime, unfollowing people or pages on social media who post about scams, scammers, and related crimes, or changing the channel when crime shows come on TV. If you find that you are unable to limit your exposure to crime information on your own, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms for dealing with the stress of repeated exposure to crime information and can help you work through the trauma of the crime.
Here are some tips for coping with repeated exposure to crime information:
- Talk to someone you trust. Talking about your feelings can help you to process the trauma and reduce your stress levels.
- Join a professional scam victims’ support group – SCARS offers free confidential and private support groups for scam victims – click here to learn more
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones can all help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
- Seek professional help if you need it. If you are struggling to cope with the trauma of the crime, a therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and work through your feelings. To find trauma counseling or therapy click here.
More Research:
Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!
SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!
Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!
SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!
To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org
We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.
Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member
SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!
SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:
- FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
- Exclusive members-only content & publications
- Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
- And more!
To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org
To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Article Rating
Table of Contents
- Scam Victims Should Limit Their Exposure To Scam News & Scammer Photos
- The Importance Of Limiting Trauma After The Scam Is Over
- After Scam Victims Have Experienced Trauma
- It Is Important For Scam Victims To Limit Their Exposure To More Crime News & Criminal Photos For At Least The First 6 Months To A Year After Their Scam
- NOTE:
- Why This Matters For Scam Victims – And All Crime Victims!
- Reasons Why Scam Victims Should Abstain
- Harmful Effects On Scam Victims
- Our Guidance For Scam Victims
- More Research:
- Do You Need Support?
Get It Now! - Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member - 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 Common Tactics & Types Of Relationship Scams: “Having this information now is critical for preventing being scammed again and again. Understanding that the landscape is constantly changing,…” Apr 25, 18:39
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 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.
This article is very good. I have not had this issue – I have no desire to watch scam news. Scars replays of certain videos are not interesting nor appealing to me. I don’t like being preached to under the circumstances. I have no desire toward vigilantism nor in excessive pouring over of scammer photos. The crime I was involved in was expressly confidential as I was supposed to be dealing with a celebrity who didn’t want the news media getting news for “our” relationship. In other words “no one could know!” I was not even allowed to post a photo of “himself” to “him”. There were no photos coming from their side. I will never know just with whom I was involved in my crime. So to look at photos does me no good whatsoever. It was like dealing with a ghost.
I’m all for limiting my exposure to scam news. Even SCARS articles are uncomfortable reminders sometimes. I never felt the need to look at scammers photos since they are all stolen or fake photos.