SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Never be afraid of offending someone or being judgmental!
These are survival traits
One of the reasons that people become victims is their fear of offending. Being afraid to slam the door in someone’s face. Or being afraid to ask difficult questions.
Being judgmental is the difference between Little Red Riding Hood being eaten by the wolf or not.
We both judge our friends and families, and we accept them, it’s just part of being human. Judging is our way to deciding risk in ourselves and others. Voicing our judgments can cause offense, but keeping it in is also not helpful for the person you might be able to help.
After all, a person that never wants to offend will calmly stand on the sidewalk and watch you walk in front of a bus! If you are not judging someone, you have nothing invested in them.
If you encounter a potential victim on a fake profile, are you going to warn them, or stay silent? Which is the greater good? Which is the greater harm? What if that person could have been saved just by a word or two, but you didn’t want to offend someone? Imagine that was you on that fake profile, would you have appreciated it if someone had the courage to tell you before it was too late?
You are here because of a failure of decisionmaking. But that was based upon your failure to judge another person, and probably your fear of offending them in the process. You are here to fix something about yourself. We suggest that you are not enough judgmental for your own good!
Kick yourself in the backside, and turn up your critical thinking. Start judging – you have our permission. If you go to far, we’ll let you know (you will see the baseball bat), otherwise become wise and look at the world as it is not as you fantasize it to be.
SECRET ANTI-SCAM TIP!
If you have fantasy art in your timeline and photo gallery, you are a target for scammers. Those are what we call “Scammer Magnets” because you are advertising to the world your inner fantasy life. Just saying!
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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.
This saw so true about myself not being judgemental of others. I always been careful not to offending others. Always wanting to help to underdogs. Concerning myself about people’s mental and emotional health. Ever since this terrible experience in my life and how I help others totally change me. Those days are forever gone. I can now count on one hand with fingers left over whom I allow in my circle. I never felt so much hate and prejudice in all my life against any living soul. These people are monsters and wild beasts that don’t deserve to be free out of their cages.