SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS Files Complaint With The Department of Justice Inspector General’s Office
Regarding Crime Victims Rights by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
SCARS Victims’ Advocacy
The following is the text of that complaint:
Attention: Office of the Inspector General, Department of Justice
Regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IC3.gov – Systematic Institutional Violation of the Rights of Crime Victims.
September 8, 2021
Our organization SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. a Florida nonprofit corporation) is a crime victims’ assistance organization that provides support, education, and assistance to approximately one million victims per year. We are based in Miami, Florida. www.AgainstScams.org
Since the inception of the FBI’s creation of the www.IC3.gov website, we have actively encouraged the victims of cybercrime & cyber-enabled crime to report to the FBI by this mechanism. We estimate that the FBI has received over one million complaints in this way.
Recently, our organization has polled the victims we serve and have come to an important conclusion. Namely that the FBI has violated the civil rights of nearly every U.S. resident or citizen that filed a complaint to that website.
The FBI publishes their own acknowledgment of the Rights of Crime victims on their website at: https://www.fbi.gov/resources/victim-services/rights-of-federal-crime-victims
Yet, the FBI does not comply with a single one of these rights of crime victims to complaints taken through the IC3.gov reporting portal – not only in violation of the right they claim to provide, and of CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ACT (CVRA): 18 U.S.C. § 3771 as well.
To be specific: in our communications with numerous victims (thousands), victims have received NO follow-up from the FBI, informing them that this was a violation of the law or informing them of any status of any investigation or their rights as victims. This includes no information about services or referrals that they as a victim might be entitled to under the law.
In submitting this complaint to the DoJ Inspector General’s office we desire to make sure that:
All complainants are, now and in the future;
1. Contacted and informed of their rights as crime victims.
2. Informed if the FBI investigates or does not investigate, that victims receive reasonable communications on the status of their complaints.
3. That all victims are informed about resources available through the Federal Government or the States, such as victims’ counseling services and others that are available to them.
4. That they receive a formal confirmation of a complaint being filed that they may need when interacting with local governments or financial institutions.
In short, that these victims receive their rights under statute and the FBI’s own claimed adherence to these rights.
We further ask for an opportunity to regularly consult with the FBI about victims’ issues to better help them understand the severe emotional impact on victims that this has caused to victims.
We believe that this is easily resolved and the confidence of crime victims restored in the FBI. Currently, victims feel that the FBI is doing nothing with these complaints, which both demoralized already traumatized crime victims, and undermines confidence in the institution itself.
We hope that your office will address this important issue to the benefit of the victims involved.
Sincerely,
Tim McGuinness
Director,
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
-/ 30 /-
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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.
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