SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Every Scam Victim Need To Tell Their Story
An excerpt from our upcoming SCARS Gold Book on Telling Your Story
First, understand that this is not going to be easy! But it is easier than hiding the secret inside!
By sharing your story you will reduce your trauma and improve your chances for a solid recovery!
How Can You Explain What Happened To Family And Friends? If you do this, no one should blame you. No one should shame you.
- The simplest explanation is the best explanation.
- They mostly want to know if you are alright!
- They will be concerned about your future stability!
- Be honest – do not conceal – but you can exclude
- Share your true emotional state! It begins with your initial preparation of the facts.
This is presented by SCARS Directors: Dr. Tim McGuinness and Debby Montgomery Johnson
Duration: 69 Minutes
Learn more about telling your story here: How To Explain It To Others
To learn more about the topics covered in this webinar visit:
- How To Explain It To Others
- Reporting Scammers – How To Tell Your Story To Your Local Police!
- 3 Steps For New Victims
- A Scam Victim’s Checklist
- Understanding Law Enforcement
- How Do You Get Closure?
- Why Reporting Matters?
- Reporting To The Local Police
- Reporting Romance Scams: Why Survivors Often Don’t
- 2022 Scam Update – A Podcast With Dr. Tim McGuinness And Debby Montgomery Johnson
- Psychology of Scams & Victim Trauma – Article Catalog
- Recovering from Scams – Article Catalog
- Information For Family & Friends – Article Catalog
- Money Mules & Money Laundering – Article Catalog
To learn more about who SCARS is visit www.AgainstScams.org To find a local counselor or therapist visit either: www.opencounseling.com and www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/trauma-and-ptsd If you are looking for a support group please contact us at: www.facebook.com/groups/SCARS.Avoidance.Information.Public.Group
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Table of Contents
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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.
![SCARS Webinar: Telling Your Story Part 2 - Telling Your Family & Friends [VIDEO] niprc1.png1 150x1501 11](https://scamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/niprc1.png1_-150x1501-11.webp "SCARS Webinar: Telling Your Story Part 2 - Telling Your Family & Friends [VIDEO] niprc1.png1 150x1501 11")
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