SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Who We Can Help?
A SCARS Policy On Our Services
SCARS Policy Clarification:
SCARS is an organization that assists victims of online fraud and scams.
Our support groups are specifically for those affected by these crimes – meaning online crimes where the victim never really knows the criminal. You can learn more about us at www.AgainstScams.org
We do not offer support group services for victims of all crimes – our funding simply does not permit this.
Specifically, we are not for those who have actually met their criminal – who is in their same region – that is a different kind of crime – more normal fraud. While there may be a romance element, and even an online component, it does not make it a romance scam. There have been “bunco” or con artists since the beginning of time. While all of these are fraud, they are not online or romance scams or cybercrime.
If we do not accept someone for our support groups it is because they do not fit with the victim category that we support.
We provide services for a specific category of victims, and not for everyone.
As a nonprofit, we provide services for those that we can help and are happy to refer other types of victims to services that may be able to help them.
We cannot do everything. We do what we can and help those that we can. Even as the largest provider of support services of scam victims we have the services that we have.
Unfortunately, this produces conflict when a victim who is desperate cannot join one of our groups. But it is what it is. We cannot help everyone, but we do try to direct everyone to help they may need.
However, this is not always what someone wants.
We also refer victims to professionals who may have more serious mental healthcare needs. Not everyone can be helped by a support group setting. Or if they need legal or financial services. This is in compliance with our own ethical standards, and the NOVA standard for crime victims’ assistance.
Anyone that is in need of professional trauma support, here is a directory of trauma counselors and therapists: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/trauma-and-ptsd
Those that need legal or financial support should visit their state/province or national licensing bodies or professional associations for directories of these professionals – such as the American Bar Association.
We provide the services that we provide and are the world leader in what we do. We make determinations if each person is suitable for the services that we provide. If we feel they are not, we refer them, whenever possible to other services or professionals.
We also publish extensive free information to help victims through avoidance, recognition, and recovery on our www.RomanceScamsNOW.com. We also publish our recovery program guide in book form at the SCARS store at http://shop.AgainstScams.org
Additionally, we do not allow spectators or outside observation in our support groups for the confidentiality of these groups and their victims/members who place their faith in us. Any professional or entity that would like access to our support groups may contact us at contact@AgainstScams.org to explore this with us.
We wish every victim well, and we do our best to help all that we can.
SCARS Management
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
An incorporated nonprofit crime victims’ assistance and crime prevention organization.
U.S. State of Florida Registration N20000011978 [“SCARS” DBA Registered G20000137918]
www.AgainstScams.org //www.RomanceScamsNOW.com // contact@AgainstScams.org
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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.
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