SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Resources – Recognizing Fake IDs & Profiles
This will provide useful information that will help you identify fakes on Facebook and social media.
Remember, there are well over 1 billion fake profiles on Facebook alone. The photos and the names do not matter, it is the behavior or the story that matters! But you can use the hints in this to help you.
Spotting Fakes On Facebook
A SCARS™ Quick Guide
FAKE MILITARY ID CARDS
Right Up Front – If Someone Sends You A Photo Of Their Military ID Card They ARE A Scammer!
That is because it is illegal for United States Military personnel to copy their ID cards. It is that simple!
However, so many people want to understand how to make sure they are fakes that we have created the following.
United States Military ID Cards Are Called “CAC” – Common Access Cards. The CAC, a “smart” card about the size of a credit card, is the standard identification for active duty uniformed Service personnel, Selected Reserve, U.S. Department of Defence [DoD] civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. It is also the principal card used to enable physical access to buildings and controlled spaces, and it provides access to DoD computer network and systems.
Find the information you need to know if someone is real or fake here: https://romancescamsnow.com/dating-scams/rsn-guide-how-to-spot-fake-united-states-military-id-cards/
FAKE PASSPORTS
Fake passports are also easy to spot!
Using Passport Photos Standards To Spot Fakes
The first rule is just to look for the obvious! Fake passport sent to you as a photo has been altered in photoshop so they have replaced the text. Look for the details to be in a different font, or different sizes, or not properly aligned. This alone identifies them almost every time!
Learn more here:
- SCARS™ Guide: How To Spot Fake U.S. Passports [UPDATED]
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SCARS™ Anti-Scam Training Course: Scammer Fake Passport Recognition
FAKE FACEBOOK VERIFICATION
Remember That Scammers Are First, And Foremost Liars!
So they will try to trick you into believing that they have a verified profile. However, only true public figures have the real blue checkmark and then in only appear in ONE PLACE – following their Profile Name.
Unfortunately, Facebook is not consistent with this and many verified profiles do not have the checkmark.
These are real Verified Profiles that appear in a search – Fakes Will Never show in this way!
Here is how it appears on a real Verified Profile:
Do you see the BLUE CHECKMARK?
It will NEVER be any other place on a real verified profile. However, not all verified profiles show the checkmark. Facebook is very inconsistent in adding them. Many people have been verified but Facebook has not displayed the checkmark.
It will NEVER be any other place on a real verified profile. However, not all verified profiles show the checkmark. Facebook is very inconsistent in adding them.
These are FAKES
FAKE PHOTOS – STOLEN SCREEN CAPTURED
Spotting photos that have been “Screen Captured” is not so hard either. Usually, there are telltale artifacts:
REMEMBER FAKES ARE EVERYWHERE ONLINE
In fact, more than ONE BILLION FAKE profiles are on Facebook – 1 in every 2 profiles is a fake!
Assume anyone that contacts you that you do not know is a fake unless they have a valid reason to contact you and you can fully verify them.
STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Online Fraud, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Scam Avoidance, African Scams, Fake Documents, Fake IDs, Fake Passports, Fake Photos, Impersonation, infographics, Relationship Scams, Stolen Photos, Fake Profiles
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THE NEXT VICTIM MIGHT BE YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBER OR BEST FRIEND!
By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
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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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