SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS Institute Halloween 2024
Scam Monster Identification Guide
If You See Any Of These Monsters, RUN!
Just For Fun – A SCARS Institute Insight
Romance Scam Monster
Typosquatter Scam Monster
Money Mule Monster
Chatbot Monster
Healthcare Scam Monster
Ghosting Scam Monster
Sextortion Scam Monster
Natural Disaster Scam Monster
Fake Doctor Scam Monster
Money Laundry Scam Monster
Fake Arrest Scam Monster
Fake Bank Scam Monster
Fake CEO Scam Monster
Fake Girlfriend Scam Monster
Ransomware Scam Monster
Fake General Scam Monster
Fake Oil Rig Worker Scam Monster
Fake Soldier Scam Monster
Fake News Scam Monster
Fake Tech Support Scam Monster
Fake Shopping Scam Monster
Gift Card Scam Monster
Deep Fake Scam Monster
Emergency Scam Monster
Travel Scam Monster
Cryptocurrency Scam Monster
Phishing Email Scam Monster
Lotto Scam Monster
Phone Scam Monster
Credit Card Skimmer Scam Monster
Fake Kidnapping Scam Monster
Fake Delivery Scam Monster
Grandparent Scam Monster
AI Voice Cloning Scam Monster
Psychic Fortune Teller Scam Monster
Fake Ads Scam Monster
Pig Butchering Scam Monster
Rug Pull Scam Monster
Fake Lawyer Scam Monster
Fake Investigator Scam Monster
Crypto Tracing Scam Monster
Investment Scam Monster
These Are Not Scams But You Should Avoid These Monsters Anyway!
Hate & Outrage Monster!
Denial Monster
Shame and Blame Monster
Trauma Monster
Anxiety Monster
Depression Monster
Grooming Monster
Gaslighting Monster
Manipulation and Control Monster
Amygdala Hijack Monster
Fear Monster
Love Bomb Monster
The One You Should Try To Be!
Its Ok To Be A Police Informant Monster!
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how!
All Images and Artwork are from the mind of Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Copyright © 2024 SCARS
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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.
I love it, i was romance scam but my favorite monster is money mule .
Looks funny but is not. It is very important to know what is out there. I am a visual person so illustrations makes a better sense to me. Too many ways to be scammed. Thanks for showing all the dangers we can encounter.
Great reminder to be watchful . These monsters are everywhere!
Another good way to remind us to be watchful.These terrible monsters can be met everywhere!!!!