SCARS Institute's Encyclopedia of Scams™ RomanceScamsNOW.com Published Continuously for 25 Years

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

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Where Do Romance Scammers Find You?

Scammers target Facebook buy and sell, and other groups for new victims!

A SCARS Insight

Facebook Groups Is Where They Find You!

There are, of course, many places where they find you but Facebook is a prime choice!

How Many Scammers Are In Your Facebook Groups?

If you belong to any type of a BUY & SELL or DEALS Group on Facebook you are an automatic target for scammers! However, most groups you have joined are probably full of scammers and the admins don’t even know!

Scammers have profiled typical victims to be members of these and many other kinds of groups.

You will find them full of scammers targeting their members just like YOU!

Scammers know that the BUY & SELL and other affinity groups are easy hunting grounds because their members have a predisposition to being fooled – meaning you are looking for fantasies – the best product for almost nothing. Of course, some of these groups offer great value, but it does not change the scammer’s view of them.

What Can You Do?
Leave Them! Right Now!

You know you have been scammed or you would not be here. You need to know that once scammed you are susceptible to being scammed again. You must take extra effort to change your habits and behaviors to protect yourself and that means not being in places where scammers are.

It is not complicated. Avoid the places where scammers look for victims!

You also must make sure that you have done everything you can to lock up your private information and block strangers from contacting you.

This Is The Only Way To Stay Safe Online!

Scammers target Facebook buy and sell, and other groups for victims

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

Go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how

U.S. FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn more!

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LEAVE A COMMENT?

  1. Where Do Romance Scammers Find You? 72452d4f48ec856aa10038243588c90b23c7be420032c2fdc6b14a2db57d77f9?s=54&d=identicon&r=g
    Pat O'Connell January 1, 2026 at 11:12 pm - Reply

    I do not have Facebook or any social media platforms for this reason, and I do not use any dating websites.

  2. Where Do Romance Scammers Find You? 27e45bd7baaec410d062ae35ef3133b13d200dfa137aef971ba61ecb5d576eef?s=54&d=identicon&r=g
    Wendy Guiher February 15, 2025 at 9:28 am - Reply

    Need a bit more clarification – what about LOCAL buy/sell groups, set up in my nearby neighborhoods or surrounding urban/rural area? This is incredible! Living where we do these local state area groups are very important to finding everything from snow roof rakes to children’s clothing or even used wedding apparel. I don’t do Pinterest, have used ebay on occasion especially to find parts for old equipment that is obsolete.

  3. Where Do Romance Scammers Find You? 63582558ce0ccf1c5f303d28de6b3f3fbf2d97650d56e01669db69924706da10?s=54&d=identicon&r=g
    Corey Gale August 20, 2024 at 1:33 pm - Reply

    I was even approached by a recovery scammer on the SCARS Facebook group. Fortunately SCARS discovered them and removed them from the group.

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Important Information for New Scam Victims

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.orgScamsNOW.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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.