SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Victims Scamming Victims Warning
We recently had to ban someone from our social media pages and groups who is indeed a real victim, but she was trying to obtain money from other victims. When she was caught doing this, she denied it but the evidence is very clear. She thought she would try to scam other victims into giving her money to make up for what she lost to her scammer.
In effect, this was a victim who was in dire financial difficulty trying to scam other victims by making up stories, just like scammers do.
This is the first time we have seen this tactic, though it does not surprise us. There must be many victims that try to recover their money from other victims. While this is unforgiveable, it is understandable. Many victims are in terrible financial straights after their scam.
The point of this warning is that you can trust no one online! Not even other victims 100%.
Always be on guard for unethical or dishonest behavior regardless of who it might be.
Even good victims can turn to the same tactics as their scammers use if they have no other place to turn.
It is tragic that we have to ban people in need, but we have to look out for the greater number of honest victims and their safety.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE RULES:
- Never identify yourself as a victim on social media pages. You never know who is watching. If you need help contact us directly and we will help – you can message us by email or through our social media, we are always here. Keep in mind that commenting on this website is safe since the public cannot contact you except by leaving another comment.
- Never accept a request for direct messages or contact with a person leaving comments. Again you do not know who that is.
- If anyone asks you for something block them. Even a “victim” who sends you a friend request should be blocked, and you should notify us so we can take action or investigate.
- Be careful what you believe. You need to understand that you are pre-disposed to believe made up stories. You were scammed once, and most victims are scammed multiple times.
- No place is 100% safe. We block scamming countries and police our social media pages, groups, and websites for scammers, but you never know. Be careful what you say about yourself in public, and lock down your personal social media profile NOW!
THE BAD GUYS ARE STILL OUT THERE AND YOU ARE STILL VULNERABLE!
BE SMART ONLINE
STOP | THINK | THEN CONNECT!
RSN Team
a division of SCARS
Miami Florida U.S.A.
FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov)
- The Scars Worldwide Reporting Network HERE or on www.Anyscam.com
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
Visit our Main SCARS™ News & Information Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.Victims.Support.And.Recovery
To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE or on www.Anyscam.com
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2018 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide – RSN/Romance Scams Now & SCARS/Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams Inc.
#ReportingScammers #WhereToReportScams #Anyscam #SCARS #RSN #CatchScammers #ScammerWatchLists #ArrestScammers #REPORTSCAMMERS #ANYSCAM #AVOIDSCAMS #ROMANCESCAMS #ACTAGAINSTSCAMS #NIGERIANSCAMMERS #ROMANCESCAMSNOW #SCARS #GHANASCAMMERS #FAKEPROFILES #FACEBOOKSCAMMERS #BOYCOTTAFRICANCOFFEE
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Rapid Report Scammers
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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.
I received a post from a ” scam heater” from Europe. I investigated her, it turned out she was a he, and a well-known scammer. How can one report somebody without evidence? I see the same faces over and over again, with differnt names ore different pics. I am not communicating with anybody. I have no evidence to report them. They leave little traces behind.
When a report is filed on our websites it is forwarded to government agencies as a criminal report. So it should not be done unless there is proof. However, when you find suspected fakes on social media we also have another approach. You can join our Facebook Anti-Scam Army and help report them, and ultimately Facebook is the one that decides. https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSN.Army/