SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Insight: Receiving Gifts From Scammers
Have You Ever Been Asked By A Scammer For Your Address To Send You A Gift?
A VICTIM RECENTLY ASKED:
” I have a question to the group. What can it mean if a scammer wants to send me a Christmas surprise? I know that his passport is a fake and he asked for money, but I refused. What I have to expect if he is sending me a gift. That I have to pay for it? I am grateful for any help.”
OUR REPLY:
Let’s consider what this means first.
The scammer wants to know your real physical address! It is astounding how many people actually to a scammer – a complete stranger where they live!
Just addressing the issue of the gift request – there are TWO MAIN RISKS of giving out your address to a scammer for them to send you a gift:
- If the scammer sends you something illegal and you then become a criminal accessory to whatever the scammer is doing. It could be stolen merchandise that was purchased with stolen credit cards, or something worse. Scammers use Parcel Mules all the time, and many scammers are looking for DRUG MULES.
- ALSO, while this is very rare, they could have someone come calling for something they sent. Meaning you could have a gangster show up at your door. While the risk of someone ever contacting you in the real world is very low, if you become a drop-box for a scammer this increases the risk.
What if the scammer is grooming you to gain access to another family member, such as a child? By giving out your address you have drawn a direct line to them. Romance scams are not just from African scammers – there are real criminals in your own country that use cons to gain access to victims. Pedophiles, Stalkers, Burglars, Rapists, even Serial Killers. Are you sure you want to give your address to a total stranger?
Frankly, Just Use Common Sense!
But if you were seriously thinking of giving your address out so you could get a gift from your charming stranger think twice! Is anyone that greedy that they would accept a gift from a scammer? You have to know that whatever it is it was purchased with the stolen money (credit card) from another victim(s) – could you enjoy something like that? What are you thinking?
So the simple answer is yes, you will have to pay for it: in guilt, possible criminal or civil liability, and just maybe a physical risk.
Were you also asked for your credit or bank card information?
Most of the time your credit card company would have stopped a charge from Africa, but not an online purchase made in your own country for a gift to another victim! For all you know, if you gave them your address and card info it has been used! You should check thoroughly!
Nothing is free in this world. The attention of an online stranger comes with a cost that may just be everything you have – your money, your freedom, or even your life!
Is It Worth It?
Tell us what you think in a comment below?
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: Parcel Mule, Stolen Credit Cards, Gifts, Scammers, Fraudsters, Home Address, Physical Danger, Stolen Property, Criminal Liability, Civil Liability, Accessory, Receiving Stolen Goods, Bad Idea,
END
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov)
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network HERE or on www.Anyscam.com
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information
To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE or on www.Anyscam.com
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Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
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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
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.
Hi
I reported the local police in Israel
Money was collected in Turkey
Nothing happened,,,,,,
They can’t do anything about it
Did you report it into the SCARS|CDN Network for distribution worldwide – either here on this website or http://www.Anyscam.com?