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SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

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Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims

Scam Victim Recovery – A SCARS Insight

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Article Abstract

As a scam victim, you might grapple with intense anger fueled by guilt, wondering if you’re losing control of your emotions. Three guilt-driven forms of anger often emerge: the inability to forgive yourself, resistance to or abandonment of recovery, and the struggle to forgive the scammer. You might blame yourself for the scam, feeling I should’ve known better, despite being manipulated, leading to self-loathing and rage. Resisting recovery—skipping support groups, not reporting the crime, or keeping it secret—breeds shame, as I just wanted to forget it, a victim shared, stalling healing. Holding onto hatred for the scammer, even years later, creates internal conflict, especially if forgiveness aligns with your beliefs, fueling more anger. These emotions can disrupt relationships and mental health, but you can break free by acknowledging you’re not to blame, seeking counseling, sharing your story with trusted friends, and gradually working toward forgiving the scammer. Letting go felt like lifting a weight, a victim said. By addressing these guilt sources, you can ease anger, rebuild trust, and reclaim your emotional stability, navigating a path to recovery.

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  1. Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims - 2022 [Updated 2025] 1
    Thuy Conde October 26, 2024 at 8:07 pm - Reply

    It took a few weeks for my trauma to subside followed by a lot of soul searching and being able to comprehend and process the multitude of SCARS Institute articles. I have accepted the financial loss and the pain the criminals inflicted on me. I have begun to forgive them bit by bit for what they did, because I deserved better. Feeling the pain and allowing myself to let go of that pain has been difficult but liberating. The lessons learned is something I can carry with me throughout my life’s journey and I am in the process of clearing the way for a better and brighter future.

  2. Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims - 2022 [Updated 2025] 2
    Corey Gale October 2, 2024 at 8:34 am - Reply

    I still am finding I hard to show forgiveness towards my scammer. They should be imprisoned for what they are doing.

  3. Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims - 2022 [Updated 2025] 2
    Corey Gale July 10, 2024 at 4:07 pm - Reply

    Anger wasn’t the first emotion I felt after realizing I had been a victim of fraud and my new romance had been no more than a scam. First was shock followed by more disappointment than anger.

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Important Information for New Scam Victims

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

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.