SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Scam Basics: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
Why Does It Matter Anyway?
It is essential that law enforcement and the government knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
By knowing better how many of these crimes take place, the government can plan and prioritize more resources and the need for international cooperation. Remember the squeaky wheel gets oiled.
But if only 3% of victims report these crimes, it does not seem to be as big a problem. This is one of the major reasons why so little action was taken during the last U.S. Administration. Now real actions are being taken, that resulted in more than 21,000 scammers being arrested in just 2018.
Reporting (Exposing Scammers) On Facebook And Other Websites
In most cases, exposing or reporting scammers and fakes on amateur pretender or scam-hater social media pages/groups or amateur anti-scam websites is a waste of time.
There is some value to help other victims discover they have been scammed, but ONLY SCARS developed a true worldwide scam data reporting network (SCARS|CDN™ connected to this website, Anyscam.com », and dozens more) that connects our data with agencies around the world. No one else does anything other than paste it on a page.
SCARS also have dedicated Reporting & Action Groups on Facebook to removed fake profiles from Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to volunteer and help in that activity, please go here: www.facebook.com/groups/RSN.Army »
Do Your Duty
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 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.
If you Did Not Lose Money
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov »)
- The Scars Worldwide Reporting Network HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
It Takes Just A Few Minutes
Remember how much time you spent being scammed? The hours and hours you spent believing in a fantasy?
Reporting only takes a few minutes. You don’t have to write a book, just provide the basic facts! What he said or she said is not so important. Provide the contact info, the names, the locations, and the money details. That is enough to help, and if they need more then law enforcement will contact you.
Do They Follow Up?
In most cases, you will not hear from anyone because either there is not enough information to act on, or it has to accumulate into a solid case. The information that you report does not automatically trigger an investigation, it is a seed that in time will sprout and take on a life of its own.
Remember that there are over ONE BILLION fake identities in use online. So each report matters, but no one has the time to respond to each one.
If You Need Help
Remember that SCARS is a legitimate registered incorporated crime victims’ assistance and support nonprofit organization. We have helped millions of other victims and we can help you too!
We are here if you need us!
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: Reporting Scams, Reporting Scammers, Report Fake Profiles, Report Social Media Profiles, Fake Identities, Police Report, FBI Report, Anyscam.com, How To Report,
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MORE INFORMATION
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Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »
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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 »
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|WORLDWIDE, 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|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
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Table of Contents
- Why Does It Matter Anyway?
- Reporting (Exposing Scammers) On Facebook And Other Websites
- Do Your Duty
- If you Did Not Lose Money
- It Takes Just A Few Minutes
- Do They Follow Up?
- If You Need Help
- Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »
- Please be sure to report all scammers HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
- Legal Notices:
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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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
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.
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