Last Updated on September 7, 2020 by SCARS Editorial Team

WARNING: Anti-ScamScam A Scam is a confidence trick - a crime -  is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their trust through deception. Scams or confidence tricks exploit victims using their credulity, naïveté, compassion, vanity, irresponsibility, or greed and exploiting that. Researchers have defined confidence tricks as "a distinctive species of fraudulent conduct ... intending to further voluntary exchanges that are not mutually beneficial", as they "benefit con operators ('con men' - criminals) at the expense of their victims (the 'marks')". A scam is a crime even if no money was lost. “CounselingCounseling Counseling is the professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes. A mental health counselor (MHC), or counselor, is a person who works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Such persons may help individuals deal with issues associated with addiction and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging. They may also work with "Social Workers", "Psychiatrists", and "Psychologists". SCARS does not provide mental health counseling.”

What About Counseling?

We are beginning to see more anti-scam groups claim they offer “Counseling” services of one type or another.

You should be aware that all “counseling” is regulated and licensed in North America and Europe, and many other countries as well. Groups that have used that word, regardless of their intention are offering an unlicensed service and are breaking the law, and subject to criminalCriminal A criminal is any person who through a decision or act engages in a crime. This can be complicated, as many people break laws unknowingly, however, in our context, it is a person who makes a decision to engage in unlawful acts or to place themselves with others who do this. A criminal always has the ability to decide not to break the law, or if they initially engage in crime to stop doing it, but instead continues. investigation and prosecution.

BUT WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental healthMental health Mental health, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". According to WHO, mental health includes "subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one's intellectual and emotional potential, among others". From the perspectives of positive psychology or of holism, mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines "mental health"., wellness, education, and career goals.

• There are psychologists that offer counseling as well as therapists
• There are school counselors
• There are Career counselors

All Are Regulated, Certified Or Licensed!

In a counseling session, the identified and licensed counselor meets with another person and allows him or her to talk about what is bothering him or her and helps him or her to resolve their conflicts in a way that makes him or her feel better and better able to cope. In many respects counselor, it is synonymous with Therapist.

There are many different types of counseling that are performed in many different subject areas – most involving your health in some form or another, and this is why they must be licensed and registered.

Unlicensed Counselors Are Either Ignorant Of The Law, Ignorant Of What They Are Even Doing, Or Just Another Kind Of ScammerScammer A Scammer or Fraudster is someone that engages in deception to obtain money or achieve another objective. They are criminals that attempt to deceive a victim into sending more or performing some other activity that benefits the scammer. Preying On People’S Moment Of Need.

As the only registered online crime victims assistance and support organization SCARSSCARS SCARS - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. A government registered crime victims' assistance & crime prevention nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. SCARS supports the victims of scams worldwide and through its partners in more than 60 countries around the world. Incorporated in 2015, its team has 30 years of continuous experience educating and supporting scam victims. Visit www.AgainstScams.org to learn more about SCARS. (including RSN) understands where the lines are drawn and what cannot be crossed without the appropriate licenses or certifications.

What is important here is to understand that professionals understand the distinctions made by the law, professional practice, and where they are allowed to operate. Amateurs do not understand these distinctions and cause more harm than good, which is why it is outlawed – not to protect the professionals, but to protect the victims of these amateurs.

If you encounter any anti-scam group online claiming to offer “counseling” please notify us. This is for YOUR safety. After all, we do not allow unlicensed therapists or psychologists either.

Thank You

Society of Citizens Against Romance ScamsScams A Scam is a confidence trick - a crime -  is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their trust through deception. Scams or confidence tricks exploit victims using their credulity, naïveté, compassion, vanity, irresponsibility, or greed and exploiting that. Researchers have defined confidence tricks as "a distinctive species of fraudulent conduct ... intending to further voluntary exchanges that are not mutually beneficial", as they "benefit con operators ('con men' - criminals) at the expense of their victims (the 'marks')". A scam is a crime even if no money was lost. [SCARS] a registered crime victims assistance and support non-profit non-governmental organization Miami Florida USA.