SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Scammer Methods: A Scammer’s Primer – Part 1
A Guide To Help You Better Understand Why Scammers Do What They Do!
Based Upon Actual Scammer Training Guides
The Scammer’s Introduction
Scammers Have A Variety Of Guides They Follow To Learn And Expand Their Knowledge Of Scamming
They use these guides to learn their manipulation techniques and how to dominate their victims.
In this series, we will be presenting excerpts from such scammer guides to help you recognize common styles and patterns that scammer use on their victims.
From One Of Their Guides – Unedited:
WAYS OF SAYING HI TO A CLIENT PICK ONE BELOW
- Hi, how was your weekend?
- Hey, how’s your week going so far?
- Hi. What have you been up to lately?
- Hey, how are things with you today?
- Hi, any fun plans for the weekend?
- Hi, I hope your week is going well.
- Hi, how are you? ??
- Hi there. How’s life treating you today?
- Hey, what are you up to today?
- Just stopping by to say hello. Hello!
- I just had to say hi to you. Hi!
- What’s up? How are you?
- How’s your day going so far?
- I hope you’re having a nice day ??
- Hi there, how are you?
- Just wanted to say hi!
- Hey there! ??
- Hi, I hope you’re having a great day.
- Saw your profile and just had to say hi.
- Hey, what are you up to right now?
FLIRTY/FUNNY HELLOS:
- I can’t think of anything better than getting a reply from you.
- I want this message to be the reason you smile at your screen.
- Do you ever feel like something really great is about to happen? I kind of feel that way now.
- If you respond to one message today, let it be mine.
- I kind of, sort of, well, pretty much think you seem amazing. Want to chat sometime?
- If you wanted to talk, it’d definitely make my day… or maybe year.
- Hello. Also, you are amazing.
- Could you please reply to this message and make me feel like the luckiest person in the world?
- You have no idea how happy it would make me to talk to you.
- You had me at It’s a Match.
- I tend to wear my heart on my profile. ??
- Hello, bonjour, aloha, salut! (I wasn’t sure how to say hi, so I tried a bunch.)
- Rawr means hello in dinosaur. RAWR!
- That awkward moment when you try to message a guy/girl and all you can think of is hello.
- Just saying hi. Because I’m annoying like that.
- I’m willing to risk the cooties if you are.
- I like how your nose is in the middle of your face. That’s really cute.
- I like hugs.
- I will always tell you when you have something in your teeth. That’s just the kind of person I am.
- I’d love to talk to you. For reals. No fakesies.
- I think I quite fancy you.
- You seem super duper.
- Double thumbs up to you.
- Anyone can be cool but awesomeness like yours takes practice.
- You (yes, you) are the person I want to talk to.
- I don’t flirt, but I will totally seduce you with my awkwardness.
- I’m looking for someone I can be a complete nerd with. You interested?
- I like it when a guy/girl talks nerdy to me.
- I’m the good kind of weird. How about you?
- You deserve a whole sheet of gold stars.
- The truth? I like you a lot. And I don’t even know you yet. I just have an idea.
- I passed by your photo too many times not to stop a say hi.
- My atoms are attracted to your atoms. It’s chemistry.
- Hello amazingness.
- You make me smile. That is all.
- You had me at online now.
- I want to be the reason you look into your phone and smile.
- I was more excited to see your profile photo than pizza. And I really like pizza.
- I bet my dog would like you.
- I bet my cat would like you.
These are directly from one of their guide books that they copy and paste in messages to new prospect victims.
Note that when they refer to a “Client” they mean a victim – this is a peculiar carryover from how scamming emerged from telemarketing centers in Africa and Asia.
If you are not a native English speaker you would not notice the odd phrasing of many of these intros. Also since they copy and paste them they keep the bad grammar as is.
Keep an eye out for any of these, assuming you are still talking to strangers! Just remember, that ANYONE that contacts you directly that you do not know or have a prior affiliation with is going to be a scammer!
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, A Scammer’s Primer, Scammer Manipulation Process, Scammer Methods & Techniques, Scammer Prepared Scripts, Scammer Questions, Scammer Training Guides, Scammer Methods, The Love Story
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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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Table of Contents
- A Guide To Help You Better Understand Why Scammers Do What They Do!
- Scammers Have A Variety Of Guides They Follow To Learn And Expand Their Knowledge Of Scamming
- From One Of Their Guides – Unedited:
- PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
- By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
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
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.
It is unbelievable how structured these criminal are!