SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Spotting Scammers: Overly Religious
Scammer Lay On The Religion!
A SCARS Anti-Scam Tip
Scammers Believe In God!
Or they would like you to believe that they do!
Ok, a bit melodramatic, but Ghanaian and other West African scammers are virtually oozing God Fearing Old-time Religion as they break a handful of commandments in their desire for your money!
A Pattern Of Beliefs
Romance & Nigerian Prince Scammers do this primarily because they think most people on dating websites are “Bible Thumpers” (We won’t tell them any different!) They also do it as a manipulative technique to help victims lower their guard.
Here is a collection of the religious Scammer Speak / Scammer Grammar that you will see from time to time.
These are actual quotes from scammer profiles, messages, and emails (spelling & grammar left unchanged):
- I know in life no one is perfect but God is
- God fearing man who will care and love me
- God fearing and responsible man to live the rest of y life with
- Born and brought up in a God fearing way
- woman who also believes in God,The Bible says” Seek the Kingdom of God first and every other thing shall be added on to you”
- I am also looking for a man with Good Family Values and Morals
- i am a real christian and im looking for a christian and God fearing man
- i believe only God knows what is right for me
- i am God fearing
- My heritage is English,may be u may ask what i mean by my heritage is English is all cuss our Colonial masters was the British and my dad is a British man, my religion is a Christian,never mind about me been a Christian so let us see what the future would hold for me and u.
- I repest People. Belive in God
- I love God. I try to treat people the same way I would like to be treated
- a true believer of God
- I am a passionate about my God. I want to share my journey with a beautiful passionate on fire Christian man. I respect you but I want someone I share my relationship with God with. I am tall. So I would like a man who is at least 5’4″ tall. I can handle shorter if you’re really on fire for Jesus. :-) I want a man who also wants to reach the lost for Jesus. Lord, bring us together for Your sake and for Your glory! I believe in taking care of a man and treating him as a gift that God meant him to be. I consider myself to be quite spiritual.
- a devoted christian. Yours in Christ
- As the bible says: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? The one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
- I’m a loving, caring, faithful Christian woman. I attend church on a regular basis and focus on my faith as it keeps me grounded and pointed in the right direction.
- Am a gentle lady of dignity who is here to look for her second half, i work as a Missionary
- I want my next relationship to be my very last one which i have been praying to God about and i’m sure he won’t let me down…i prayed about things about You and I and so good God is leading me through and our meeting could be a reality or some sort of….
- my life here is hard, i pray thats things change
- Religion is a big part of my life, I attend church Sunday morning and night… I like to spend part of my day reading the bible,tossing a ball with the kids, gardening or long walk honest, quiet guy that likes to help others. They’ll tell you that they go away feeling better about themselves after they’ve talked to me. Materialism isn’t for me, life is to short to get caught up in trying to acquire things that wont last.
Not All …
Of course, not all scammers speak this way now. Many are college-educated and are using much more professional scripts as they manipulate and groom their victims. Just keep this in mind as they are massive red flags!
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, Married Scam Victims, Internet Infidelity, Scam Victim Divorce
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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
- Scammer Lay On The Religion!
- Or they would like you to believe that they do!
- Here is a collection of the religious Scammer Speak / Scammer Grammar that you will see from time to time.
- PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
- By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. - The Issue Of Race In Scam Reporting
Click Here To Learn More!
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.
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