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

Article Abstract
The complexity of being a scammer, fraudster, or con artist is unveiled through various definitions and nuanced behaviors. While dictionaries define them as perpetrators of deceit, the reality encompasses a spectrum.
Scammers employ social engineering, manipulate victims emotionally, and devise traps to extract valuables. Some revel in control and exploitation, using religion or justifications for their actions. The truth, however, reveals a more intricate narrative: many are not inherently evil but view victims as business opportunities. Scammers span diverse backgrounds, and while some regret their actions, others remain indifferent until consequences arise.
Scamming brings material gains but corrodes the soul, leading to sociopathy and constant fear of retribution. Understanding their actions without condoning them is crucial. Hating scammers only inflicts inner turmoil. Victims must decide their stance, ultimately aiming to move forward without letting scammers dominate their thoughts and emotions.
So? What Does It Mean To Be A Scammer/Fraudster/Con Artist?
Is this complicated or simple?
The dictionary defines ‘Scammers’ or ‘fraudsters’ as:
One who perpetrates a scam, a person who commits or participates in a fraudulent scheme or operation.
The Urban Dictionary defines a Scammer as:
One who does everything in his/her power to steal from another, usually by means of trickery, deceit, and force. With the accessibility and anonymity that the internet provides, scammers have become increasingly prevalent in modern times. Usually driven by personal greed or even outright amusement, they are unhindered by sympathy or morals and are the very face of human corruption.
The Cambridge University Dictionary defines a Scammer as:
Someone who makes money using illegal methods, especially by tricking people
Synonyms: a dishonest person; a cheat; a liar; a cheater; a crook; a fraud or fraudster; a cowboy; a shark
That is getting closer to the truth, but still is not quite right!
First, let’s look at what a Scammer Does!
A Scammer Does:
- They use social engineering to lure in unsuspecting victims.
- They create a set of deceptions or lies – a story to justify their intent.
- They often use a personal relationship as a control mechanism.
- They groom and then manipulate a prospective victim.
- They create a trap that requires the victim to give the scammer something of value (money).
- They maintain the situation as long as possible to extract everything of value possible from the victim.
- They often threaten the victim when they cannot pay more.
- When the scam ends they want the victim broken and silent.
But there is More:
- Some scammers take sadistic pleasure in commanding a victim to do what they want and then leave them on the floor penniless and emotionally broken.
- Some scammers use mystical religion and ritual to give them divine powers to engage in doing wrong to others.
- Many scammers seem to enjoy the feelings of conquest every time to manipulate another victim to do what they want.
- Many scammers feel completely justified because of delusional anti-colonial justifications.
- Many scammers enjoy their greed and justify it because they are entitled to it.
- Many scammers laugh when they read victims’ stories.
However, the Truth is also More Complex:
- Most scammers are not really evil people.
- Most scammers work this as a business and victims are just a business opportunity – telemarketer thinking.
- Many scammers actually care about the victims, though this does not stop them. We have actually had scammers contact us because they were worried about a victim.
- Many scammers get up, go to work, and this is what they do.
- Scammers come from over 100 countries.
- Scammers are of almost every race, religion, and culture.
Are they Sorry about doing it?
- Some are very troubled by it but they do not stop until they have enough money for their needs.
- Many are not troubled at all – until they get arrested.
- Many incorporate their families, girlfriends, and even children into scamming.
- Scamming buys them cars, homes, and luxury.
- Scamming allows them to educate themselves.
- Scamming allows them to travel – usually, so they can continue scamming from someplace new.
But here is what SCARS Believes:
- Scamming is profoundly corrupting of a person’s soul, in very similar ways to aggressive telemarketing sales (maybe that is scamming too after all).
- Many scammers become more sociopathic the longer they do it.
- But all scammers live in fear of being caught, no matter what they say.
- Scammers enjoy luxury for a while but spend their life looking over their shoulders because the internet never forgets.
- Even though most victims do not report these crimes the information is out there just waiting for a scammer to make a mistake.
We believe Scammers are Human Beings who have allowed themselves to do something evil!
We would never justify what they do, but we strive to understand it. You cannot defeat something unless you can.
Evil and corruption are contagious. They spread from person to person subtly like a virus. Unless your ethics are clear, it will creep up on a person – it happens with politicians, businesspeople, activists, dictators, and so many others. Scammers are just one of the flavors of this corruption.
Almost all people have done something wrong in their lives. It makes it more understandable, though never justifiable.
In Summary
In summary, scammers are all of this and much more. But just maybe, while we work hard to stop them for the criminals they are, we should not hate them personally. After all, hating scammers only harms the person hating. Instead, we should just recognize them for what they are: they are just criminals and not deserving of our pain, our emotions, and our thought. We can condemn them while still feeling pity for a life gone wrong.
Each victim has to make up their own mind on this but remember that the hate you feel for a scammer is not worth what it will do to you!
The most important thing you can do, is move forward with your life and don’t allow scammers to live rent-free in your mind any longer!
Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!
SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!
Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!
SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!
To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org
We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.
Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member
SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!
SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:
- FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
- Exclusive members-only content & publications
- Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
- And more!
To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org
To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org
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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.
Great article. To move forward is the key for recovery, although is not easy to accept. I was able to close the fake relationship door behind me and start moving forward. My promise to myself is to never look back.
Great article, I thought there was something wrong with me because I never felt hate for the man who scammed me. I felt some anger, shame and confusion. I also am aware of the part I played. I can honestly say I reached a point when I knew I was paying for a service. I will send you money and you tell me nice things so I can feel young, beautiful and desirable. I had some soul searching to do. I didn’t like myself much. After awhile l was chasing the dragon like any other addiction and came to a place where I wondered who was scamming who. Today I am grateful to be out of the scam and have leaned a lot about myself from the experience. Still going through a grieving process and looking forward to life in the real world.
Thank you for your comment. Would you be interested in joining one of our safe and confidential support groups? If so, please visit https://support.AgainstScams.org to sign up!