SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ CURRENT ONLINE SCAMS THREAT INDEX
Romance Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
Blackmail Scams
MODERATE
Scam danger at moderate levels – significant probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – elevated victimization
419 Advance Fee Scams
CAUTION
Scam danger at normal levels – probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – normal or lowering victimization
Tech Support Scams
CAUTION
Scam danger at normal levels – probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – normal or lowering victimization
Email Phishing Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
Phone / IRS / SSI Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
Sextortion Scams
MODERATE
Scam danger at moderate levels – significant probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – elevated victimization
Grandparent Scams
CAUTION
Scam danger at normal levels – probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – normal or lowering victimization
Lottery
Scams
CAUTION
Scam danger at normal levels – probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – normal or lowering victimization
Facebook Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
Hangouts Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
Dating Site Scams
WARNING
Scam danger at extreme levels – high probability of stranger contacts from all potential media – increased victimization
COPYRIGHT © 2018-2019 SOCIETY OF CITIZENS AGAINST ROMANCE SCAMS INC.
PREPARED BY THE STAFF OF SCARS AND PUBLISHED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. SCARS CAN MAKE NO GUARANTEES ABOUT THE LEVEL OR QUANTITY OF SCAMMERS OPERATING AT ANY TIME. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ASSUME THAT THE RISK LEVEL TO YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITY IS HIGH. NEVER ACCEPT CONTACT REQUESTS FROM STRANGERS ONLINE – YOU ACCEPT THE RISKS BY DOING SO. ALL ONLINE USERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AGAINST SCAMS. SCARS, ITS AGENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, PARTNERS, OR AFFILIATES ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR USE OF THIS OF THIS. PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
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Table of Contents
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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ARTICLE META
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
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
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.
Hello I recently got scammed last month and I need your help??
Laura, we would invite you to join one of our scam victims support groups so we can help: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSN.Support.Group.27/