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SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
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on Victim’s Bias – A Cognitive Bias Affecting Crime Victims: “I did in the early days after my crime ended tend to think only another crime victim would understand me…” Jun 9, 19:52
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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
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.
This article with the list of steps toward recovery and the video are thoughtful, beautiful and thought provoking. With the help of SCARS and the wonderful people in the support group and my therapist, I am slowly progressing through these steps. The last 8 years have been very hard on me caring for my parents, helping my dad when my mother passed away from Covid, the pandemic itself, finding myself a caregiver when my dad was assessed as not being able to live alone any longer, family dynamics both on my side and with my in-laws. The list goes on. Just last week my therapist determined I’m still in survival mode. She is helping me relax and leave that mode. What I experienced in my crime should not happen to anyone. The reality is that it still is happening, every day. But to whomever reads this comment you have come to the right place for understanding, education, healing and recovery. You, like I have, will need to put in the hard work for your recovery. You are worthy of this hard work!
When I am able to and more fully in recovery I definitely want to help and want to be a volunteer for SCARS.
I have been blessed by so many people who didn’t know me yet helped me throughout my life. From someone who volunteered their time to help me learn English, to donate clothes and food when I had nothing. I reciprocated often throughout my life and I am willing to do so when I can regain my footing. Please count me in to be a SCARS volunteer when I am able.
BTW: The video that accompanied this article is fantastic!
This was my second read on this article. This time I was thinking more about how I look forward to recovering to the point where I have the ability & courage to help others.
I appreciate how a few of the key parts of recovery are again repeated in this article.
This was a crime, I was a victim, it was not my fault and this was a traumatic experience that will take time to recover from. I also a feel reporting and helping others is important to the recovery process.