SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
The Issue Of Race In Scam Reporting
A SCARS Insight
A Question Of Race
We recognize that all victims, regardless of skin color share the same color of pain from being scammed and we are here to help them all, regardless of: race, nationality, origin, religion, gender, or politics
- Scammers are NOT all African – they come from almost every country on Earth. There are Latin American scammers, American scammers, Chinese scammers, Russian scammers, Jamaican scammers, Iranians, North Korean, etc. It just turns out that West Africans are more prolific than most so more people encounter them online. But if you receive scam phone calls – these are more likely Indian or Pakistani.
- African scammers rarely use stolen photos of African Americans or other African Descendants in their scams. We think this is because of their belief that most people around the world are racist against them. We also think they believe that if a victim sees an African descended face, they would believe immediately it was a scam.
- Additionally, African scammers use few Asian faces, but this is mostly because it is harder for them to find useable faces to steal – not so much from a racial perspective.
- African scammers will sometimes use their real face – sometimes their real identities – to engage in several different kinds of scams. These include fake marriage scams to lure a victim to their country and extort money from them when they have physical control of them. Or when they drain the money from a victim they may reveal themselves claiming they really did fall in love – this is just another ploy to get even more money from the victim.
- We are especially sensitive to African American and African descendants living outside of Africa that are scammed because the African scammers are especially brutal towards them for many culturally biased reasons.
- When we display REAL SCAMMERS – they are what they are. If from Africa they will be African; if from India they will be Indian; if from Asia, European, American, Latina American, Philippines, etc. The same goes for any country. Scammers in some regions are predominantly one race – it just is what it is.
To learn more about us please visit www.AgainstScams.org
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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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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.
Someone I met is using pictures from a real person to scam people. Romance scam. How can I send the picture from the person that the scammer is using?
Thanks
You can report them on http://www.Anyscam.com
You should also report them as a fake profile on the platform that they appear on, such as Facebook.
Does the scammer have a personality? I have been scammed out of $18,000. The scammer is using an area code from Somali, which I know now, thanks to your information. This person (persons?) gets concerned if I’m sick, worries when I talk while driving, has a sense of humor. I think that’s why I was confused and thought it was a real person. I have given information to the local police, because scammers gave me a real address near me. I want to give info to the FBI. I’m so afraid my kids will find out what I’ve done.
Do they have a personality? Well, of course – they are human. However, most of the time they are playing a role. So nothing they say can be considered the truth. Please see our webinar on how to tell your family. You need to tell them or it will eat you alive.
I am Japanese. I am using the translation function. The profile initially says “engineer”. The scammers approached me with an Instagram message. “Chinese and British parents died in an accident at an early age and were orphans. Korean wife died of illness and two teenage children are in England. Now in China.
Akane, how can we help you?