SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Spotting Fake Identities:
A Guide To International Names
A SCARS Guide
A Guide To Help Understand The Form & Construction Of International Names
Identification of suspects, victims, and witnesses is critical to effective law enforcement as well as for helping victims or potential victims identify criminals.
Police officers and victims often interact with persons of international origin or background, whether nationals or immigrants (legal or illegal). Additionally, they may be interacting with criminals impersonating persons of other nationalities.
America is the land of immigrants, and many jurisdictions contain communities populated with persons from around the world. But online it is a different story, since the internet is the World!
Police, Victims, and the public often contend with organized crime organizations from Russia, Mexico, West Africa & the Middle East, and Asia, among many other locations, and proper identification of these and other international groups is imperative. However, when criminals use aliases to impersonate others there are a confusing array of fake names.
A name can be a source of information about that person, including his/her gender, heritage/race, country of origin, marital status, social status, occupation, and religion. The listed order and significance of names vary by country, region, religion, and other factors. Paying close attention to the various international naming conventions will be beneficial in understanding something about the person, such as their region of origin, but it may also help you spot a fake name by its improper structure. Being able to understand the order and significance of international names alone can provide information, regardless of possible language barriers that may exist. Also, many times online criminals have associates – understanding the origin of their names (regardless of where they say they are from) can help you spot inconsistencies in the storylines!
This guide on international naming conventions is designed for law enforcement but can be used by victims and the public alike to better understand how names from various countries are formed and what information can be obtained from these names. The guide is generalized; naming conventions can vary by regional and familial practices. If you are unsure whether a person switched his/her naming order, you can type the given and/or family name into a search engine (Google.com or Yahoo.com for example) for assistance in determining the order listed.
Good hunting!
Law Enforcement Guide To International Names
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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.
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