The Growing Risk for European Scam Victims: European Free Speech is Under Threat! Be Careful about Talking About African or Middle Eastern Scammers!

In recent years, the SCARS Institute has become increasingly concerned about scam victims in Europe regarding the way they discuss scammers, particularly those from Africa and the Middle East.

While identifying the origins of scam operations is a crucial part of raising awareness and fighting online fraud, the way in which these discussions are framed is becoming increasingly scrutinized by European governments. In some cases, comments made by scam victims may be categorized as hate speech, leading to potential legal consequences.

The European Union’s shift towards censorship and restrictions on free speech is an alarming development, especially considering that scam victims often speak out in frustration, anger, and emotional distress after experiencing severe financial and emotional harm. Many victims share their experiences in online support groups, public forums, and social media platforms, detailing the tactics used by scammers and, at times, referencing their geographic origins. However, in some European nations, even mentioning the nationalities or ethnic backgrounds of scammers may be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive if someone takes offense and reports it, regardless of the intent behind the comment.

The Shift in European Free Speech Policies

Unlike in the United States, where free speech is protected under the First Amendment, many European nations are enacting strict policies and laws against speech deemed hateful, offensive, or discriminatory. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavian nations have taken a particularly strong stance on regulating speech, particularly in the context of race, ethnicity, and national origin.

For example, in Germany, Section 130 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch) makes it illegal to incite hatred against a national, racial, religious, or ethnic group. While originally designed to combat extremist rhetoric and prevent hate crimes, the application of this law has expanded over the years to include a wide range of online speech. Individuals have been investigated and even prosecuted for making statements that authorities interpret as discriminatory, regardless of whether they were made out of frustration or factual observation.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Public Order Act and the Malicious Communications Act allow authorities to prosecute individuals for making statements online that are deemed “grossly offensive” or incite hatred. There have been multiple cases where people have been arrested for comments made on social media, including those criticizing foreign groups or communities.

The Stand of the United States

On February 14, 2025, United States Vice President JD Vance addressed these issues at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. We encourage you to watch this:

Scam Victims at Risk

Scam victims are often unaware of these evolving legal standards and may unknowingly place themselves in legal jeopardy when venting their frustrations online.

A scam victim who posts on Facebook, “Most romance scammers are Islamist scumbags from Nigeria” may think they are simply stating a fact. However, in some European jurisdictions, this could be interpreted as perpetuating negative stereotypes or engaging in racial discrimination, even if the comment is backed by statistical data.

Additionally, anti-scam groups that allow open hate-filled discussions about scammer origins may find themselves facing increased scrutiny. Some social media platforms have begun enforcing stricter moderation policies, leading to the removal of posts or even account suspensions for users who mention specific nationalities or regions when discussing scammers, as well as the groups or pages that publish them.

One recent case involved a British scam victim who publicly shared their experience on X/Twitter, mentioning that their scammer was from Ghana. A complaint was made, and within days, the individual was contacted by authorities for allegedly engaging in “hate speech” online. While no legal action was ultimately taken, the incident serves as a warning that such comments can lead to real-world consequences.

SCARS’ Position on Free Speech and Scam Awareness

The SCARS Institute has always maintained a clear stance: we do not support or engage in hate speech, but we firmly believe in the right to discuss scams openly and factually. Identifying scam networks and their geographic origins is an important aspect of educating the public and preventing further victimization. However, we also acknowledge that the legal landscape in many European countries is shifting in ways that may criminalize certain forms of speech, even when those statements are based on facts.

As a result of these reasons and the threats made by the UK Metropolitan Police (which is also Action Fraud) against citizens of the United States, the SCARS Institute has taken the difficult decision to withdraw all offers of support for British government agencies and British law enforcement due to their increasing crackdown on speech related to scam discussions. In the case of Germany, SCARS is closely monitoring the political climate and awaiting the outcomes of the next elections to determine whether this restrictive trend will continue.

How Scam Victims Can Protect Themselves

Given the current legal climate in many parts of Europe, scam victims must exercise caution when discussing their experiences online. Here are some steps to help avoid potential legal trouble:

• Avoid Mentioning Nationalities or Ethnic Backgrounds – Instead of specifying that a scammer was from Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisian, Egyptian, or Morocco, use broader terms such as “international scam networks” or “overseas fraud operations.”

• Focus on Scammer Tactics, Not Identity – Describing how scams operate, rather than focusing on the geographic origins of scammers, can help victims share their experiences while avoiding unnecessary legal risks.

• Be Mindful of Past Comments – If you have previously made posts that could be misinterpreted, consider reviewing and deleting them to avoid potential scrutiny from authorities or social media moderators.

• Stay Informed About Local Laws – If you reside in a European country with strict hate speech laws, take the time to familiarize yourself with what is considered legally acceptable speech to avoid unintended violations.

• Use Private Support Groups – Instead of discussing scams in public forums where they can be misinterpreted or reported, consider joining private, vetted support groups where discussions can be moderated in a more controlled environment. However, this is not necessarily protection as those comments can still be reported and viewed by governments.

Elections Have Consequences

As the SCARS Institute has repeatedly warned, elections have far-reaching consequences, including changes in how speech is regulated. The recent developments in Europe demonstrate that laws can evolve in ways that significantly impact victims’ ability to speak freely about their experiences.

If European citizens value their ability to discuss scams and fraud prevention openly, they must be aware of how their governments are shaping speech policies. The best way to protect free speech is to remain informed, participate in discussions about legislation, and vote for parties and policies that uphold the right to discuss crime and fraud prevention without fear of persecution.

Final Thoughts

The SCARS Institute strongly condemns any legal action that silences victims of scams rather than addressing the real issue—the criminals perpetrating these crimes. While we urge scam victims to be cautious about how they discuss scams in certain jurisdictions, we also call on European governments to focus their efforts on combating fraud and protecting victims, rather than punishing those who speak out against scammers.

If you are a scam victim in Europe, take this warning seriously. Review your online posts, be mindful of your language, and remember that in some countries, even factual statements can be considered offensive under new legal frameworks. Until there is greater clarity on how these laws will be enforced, it is better to exercise caution than to risk facing legal consequences for simply sharing your experience.