The Hidden Crisis: Why Scams and Cybercrime Deserve Greater Global Attention
Editorial & Commentary – Presented by the SCARS Institute
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Article Abstract
Scams, fraud, and cybercrime have grown into the largest global crime category, with an economic impact estimated at $3-6 trillion annually, surpassing human trafficking and the drug trade combined. Despite affecting millions worldwide and representing a massive transfer of wealth, scams remain underrepresented in public discourse and policy. Crimes like immigration violations dominate attention due to their visibility and simplified narratives, leaving scams and cybercrime inadequately addressed. This imbalance, described by criminologists as “visibility bias,” results in underfunded cybercrime units and limited enforcement. Shifting societal focus requires reframing narratives, prioritizing data-driven resource allocation, and increasing public awareness to reflect the true impact of these crimes, ensuring that global efforts can tackle this escalating crisis effectively.

The Hidden Crisis: Why Scams and Cybercrime Deserve Greater Global Attention
Overview
-
Scams, fraud, and cybercrime constitute the largest and fastest-growing global crime category in history.
-
Scams are larger than human trafficking and drugs combined.
-
The overall economic impact is estimated to be between USD$3-6 TRILLION dollars per year.
-
China, West Africa, India, and Brazil are its heart, but organized scammers are in every country.
-
People die from scams every single day.
-
Scams target the elderly, the very young, and everyone in between – no age or demographic is safe – everyone becomes a victim and everyone will become a victim.
-
Scams represent the largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world.
-
Scams Fraud and Cybercrime represent the world’s 3rd largest GDP – only less than the U.S. & China.
-
Public discourse and policy focus disproportionately favor high-profile but less impactful crimes.
-
Limited public and political attention creates systemic barriers to tackling scams effectively.
The Current Crime Prioritization Problem
Crimes that dominate public and political discourse often align with their visibility, not necessarily their impact. For example, in the United States, immigration-related offenses frequently occupy center stage in political rhetoric and media coverage. Politicians and commentators regularly discuss border security, asylum applications, and related enforcement. While these issues carry undeniable significance, their prevalence overshadows crimes like scams and cybercrime, which affect exponentially more people and have far greater economic implications.
Criminological research highlights this “visibility bias” as a major barrier to prioritizing impactful but less publicized crimes. As sociologist David Garland notes in his study of crime and social control, “media amplification creates a distorted hierarchy of crime concerns, favoring the sensational over the substantive.” This misalignment between perceived and actual threat levels leads to a policy landscape ill-equipped to address pervasive crimes like fraud.
The Scale and Scope of Scams and Cybercrime
Scams and cybercrime are pervasive and devastating. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), cybercrime costs the global economy an estimated $8 trillion annually—a figure larger than the GDP of most nations. These crimes affect individuals, corporations, and governments alike, eroding trust and creating a ripple effect across industries.
According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 8% of U.S. adults reported being scammed within the past year (2022-2023,) which translates to roughly 21 million Americans being victims of scams in just one year, highlighting a significant rise in scam activity across the country; this data was collected in collaboration with the Stop Scams Alliance nonprofit organization. Based on this over 60 million U.S. residents are scam victims.
Key statistics illustrate the gravity of this issue:
-
Economic Impact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022, a 30% increase from the previous year. But since less than 5% of victims report these crimes (per the FBI) this number is likely 20x or more larger.
-
Prevalence: One in four adults in the U.S. has experienced some form of cyber fraud. But it may be 1 in 1.5 since so few report.
-
Vulnerability: Elderly individuals, teens, and marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted, compounding existing inequalities. However, in the end, everyone will be targeted and every economic activity.
Despite these alarming figures, scams and fraud receive minimal airtime compared to crimes with more tangible narratives. Immigration offenses, for instance, are routinely framed in terms of borders, sovereignty, and national identity, offering clear storylines that resonate with audiences. Scams, by contrast, often involve faceless perpetrators and complex methods, with victims that are often universally blamed, making them less compelling to cover.
Why Visibility Matters
Public perception heavily influences crime policy. High-profile crimes—such as violent offenses or drug-related arrests—often lead to immediate and robust governmental responses. Criminologist Stanley Cohen’s theory of “moral panics” explains how media and political attention can amplify certain crimes, creating a sense of urgency that drives policy action. In contrast, crimes like scams and cyber fraud operate in the shadows, receiving scant attention despite their widespread impact.
This discrepancy has real-world consequences. Limited visibility and reporting means fewer resources for prevention, investigation, and enforcement. While crimes like immigration violations or street-level drug offenses receive dedicated task forces and substantial budgets, cybercrime units remain universally underfunded and understaffed.
For example:
-
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement budget exceeds $25 billion annually.
-
By comparison, the FBI’s entire cybercrime budget is less than $1 billion and resulted in less than 500 scammer & cybercriminal arrests per year.
Addressing the Root Causes of Attention Bias
To prioritize scams and cybercrime effectively, systemic changes are needed in how society perceives and addresses crime in general, and these crimes specifically.
These include:
-
Reframing Narratives: Media outlets and policymakers must shift their focus from sensationalism and the exploitive to substance. Highlighting the personal stories of scam victims and the societal costs of cybercrime can create emotional resonance, sustaining greater public engagement.
-
Data-Driven Prioritization: Policymakers should allocate resources based on empirical evidence of harm, that includes realistic projections not just reports, rather than media-driven narratives. For instance, directing more funding toward scams and cybercrime units would reflect the economic and social toll of these offenses.
-
Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can demystify scams and cyber fraud and more importantly the psychological damage being done to our peoples, making them more relatable and comprehensible. Educational initiatives should focus on prevention, equipping individuals with the tools to recognize and avoid scams, and equally important to find the help they need in mental healthcare and recovery – this is a primary focus of the SCARS Institute.
Clearing the Conversation
To fully address scams and cybercrime, society must first confront and resolve competing crime narratives. High-profile issues like immigration crime dominate because they are perceived as immediate and visible threats. By addressing these concerns and reallocating attention and resources, the global community can create space to focus on crimes that, while less visible, are far more impactful.
Consider the analogy of clearing a cluttered desk. Tackling the visible items first creates room to address deeper, systemic issues. In the same vein, resolving contentious but less impactful crimes allows policymakers and the public to concentrate on scams, fraud, and cybercrime. This approach does not diminish the importance of high-profile crimes but recognizes the need for proportional attention.
Conclusion
Scams and cybercrime represent an urgent and ever-growing crisis. Yet their invisibility in large-scale public discourse and policymaking hinders effective action. Addressing this imbalance requires a fundamental shift in how society prioritizes crime—one that values impact over visibility. By clearing the conversational space and focusing on evidence-based harm, governments and communities can allocate resources where they are needed most, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for victim-survivors and society as a whole.
To learn more about the SCARS Institute™ visit www.AgainstScams.org
To contact us email us at contact@AgainstScams.org
Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth Managing Director (Volunteer), SCARS Institute (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.) Miami Florida USA, Monterrey NL Mexico, Poland, Japan, and Worldwide
SCARS Institute is a proud partner of the Global Cyber Alliance
ScamVictimsSupport.org SCARSeducation.org AgainstScams.org RomanceScamsNOW.com ScamsNOW.com ScamPsychology.org AnyScam.org
Reprinted from X: https://x.com/RomanceScamsNow/status/1880814290346598566
Please Rate This Article
Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.
Leave a Reply
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
Recent Reader Comments
on Scammers Anger – Losing Their Temper – How Scammers Operate: “Very informative article. I was in two scams in 2024, the first beginning in March with innocent seeming emails. The…” Feb 16, 16:35
on How Can Scammers Be So Convincing And Deceptive – 2024: “It is still so incredible to realize and face the fact that scams are so proliferate in this world and…” Feb 16, 15:45
on 7 Psychological Principles of Scams: “I wish I had known all this BEFORE I was pressured in my crime. They targeted my needs and desires…” Feb 16, 14:59
on The Meaning Behind Scammer Gifts Sent To Romance Scam Victims – 2024: “I did receive a gift from the scammer in my crime. It was a necklace with a pendant in the…” Feb 16, 13:07
on Sense of Failure And Scam Victims – 2024: “Great article, I live in total isolation and i feel like you guys are the only ones i can talk…” Feb 16, 09:06
on You Made A Mistake: “I totally made a mistake, I questioned and there were inconsistencies and I continued. I know that there is no…” Feb 16, 09:01
on The Amygdala Hijack And Scam Victims [Infographic] – Expanded 2024: “A great article and info pictures. This has consolidated some of my previous learning but this is more understandable. Thank…” Feb 16, 08:32
on How To Spot A Gaslighter – Gaslighting As A Scam Technique – 2024: “I feel the same as other commenters on this article about how the gaslighting language was used against me to…” Feb 15, 15:50
on Love Bombing And How Romance Scam Victims Are Forced To Feel: “This article takes everything a step further and it explains things in a way that I can process. Yes the…” Feb 15, 15:26
on The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions – 2024: “Thank you for this article. I see most if not all the cognitive biases listed here to have been in…” Feb 15, 10:05
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 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.
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started Right: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- Sextortion Scam Victims: Sextortion Victims Support – The Essentials (scamvictimssupport.org)
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Join our Scam Survivors United Chat & Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/scam.survivors.united
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Scammer photos ScammerPhotos.com
- SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/
Other Cyber Resources
- Block Scam Domains: Quad9.net
- Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org) https://act.globalcyberalliance.org/index.php/Actionable_Cybersecurity_Tools_(ACT)_-_Simplified_Cybersecurity_Protection
- Wizer Cybersecurity Training – Free Security Awareness Training, Phishing Simulation and Gamification (wizer-training.com)
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
To Learn More Also Look At Our Article Catalogs
Scam & Crime Types
More SCARS
- ScamsNOW Magazine – ScamsNOW.com
- ContraEstafas.org
- ScammerPhotos.com
- AnyScam.com – reporting
- AgainstScams.org – SCARS Corporate Website
- SCARS YouTube Video Channel
I hope we begin to see better proportioned funding and accountability of budgets to losses in the crime categories. It’s definitely a huge problem of current day. It’s already out of control which is scary for our world and it’s future. I remember after my fraud was done and I was at the stage of facing it and reporting it, I was asking questions and having thoughts about the complacency worldwide of this type of crime. Questioning why do authorities want this sort of crime to be so easy to get away with? Of course I was hurting and feeling hopeless at the time. I just posed the question though to myself and had deep thoughts on the whys to how it appeared too easy for the criminals and too hard for the victims. The world appeared FAKE to me, just one big cesspool of fakery. It was too difficult to decipher fake from reality.