SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Insight: Why Do You Think You Were Scammed?
Are You Still Doing The Same High-Risk Things That Got You Scammed?
- You Wanted To Believe
- You Did Not See What Was There
- You Made False Assumptions
- You Did Not Question Anything
PROBLEM IS THAT MOST VICTIMS ARE STILL DOING THAT!
ARE YOU?
Why Were You Scammed?
Are You Still Doing The Same Things?
- Are you still doing that in the Social Media Friends you accept online?
- Are you still doing that in the Facebook Groups you join?
- Are you still doing that in the Social Media Pages & Websites you believe?
It Is Time To Stop!
STOP | THINK | CONNECT
Stop | Think | Connect Is A Program Of The United States Department Of Homeland Security – SCARS Is An Official DHS Partner.
LEARN MORE AT:
www.StopThinkConnect.org & www.AgainstScams.org
Remember To Report All Scammers Here Or On www.Anyscam.com
Remember That Understanding Your Own Psychology And Why You Do Things Is Critical Is Preventing Scams In Your Future!
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HELP OTHERS STAY SAFE ONLINE
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: SCARS, Important Article, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, SCARS Insight, Why Do You Think. You Were Scammed, High-Risk Things, Got You Scammed
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MORE INFORMATION
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Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our
« Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI « www.IC3.gov »
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network « HERE » or on « www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
– – –
Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: « www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information »
To learn more about SCARS visit « www.AgainstScams.org »
Please be sure to report all scammers
« HERE » or on « www.Anyscam.com »
Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
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Table of Contents
- Are You Still Doing The Same High-Risk Things That Got You Scammed?
- PROBLEM IS THAT MOST VICTIMS ARE STILL DOING THAT!
- ARE YOU?
- Are You Still Doing The Same Things?
- It Is Time To Stop!
- STOP | THINK | CONNECT
- Remember That Understanding Your Own Psychology And Why You Do Things Is Critical Is Preventing Scams In Your Future!
- The Latest SCARS|RSN Posts
- Ethereum ETHM Token Trap and Pig Butchering Scams – 2026
- New U.S. Law – S.3643 – 118th Congress – Will Dramatically Impact Scammers and Terrorists – 2026
- How Scam Survivors Can Survive Valentine’s Day – 2026
- U.S. Veterans Benefits Scams – 2026
- New AI Voice Cloning Phone Scams – 2026
- An Essay on Justice and Money Recovery – 2026
![SCARS™ Special Report: Rubberband Bank Wire Transfer Scams [Infographic] rubberband bank wire trasnfer scams](https://romancescamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rubberband-bank-wire-trasnfer-scams.png "SCARS™ Special Report: Rubberband Bank Wire Transfer Scams [Infographic] rubberband bank wire trasnfer scams")
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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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.
I have been talking to a Sargent Mario Fordham for more than four years now. I have no idea if he is fake due to the fact he states he is in a small town northeast of Toronto Canada. He states he is an electrical engineer who trains other including the Canadians at the base and at one off the base. He states he is not allowed to chat in person via Skype or other forms. We usually talk and text via Viber. He stated to me he has a side business of selling electrical parts to a contractor and had me accept money into my bank accounts from one and then send to another. He states he has no idea when he is coming home. He gets upset with me when I tell him it is hard for me at times to believe he is the military, especially just recently when he told me his commanding officer is seeing a woman but he told me I could not see him. I asked him how come he can and we could not. His response was that he is dating a Canadian woman he sees on their day off and he is his commanding officer. He tells me he is not a scammer cause he has never asked for money but I tell him, no but you have had me send money via MoneyGram or western union for you to Nigeria or Egypt. He tells me that is where his suppliers are located. The one guy I sent money to Nigeria for also has a bank account I have put money into. I am really wondering if I am being paranoid and I lost a real guy or if he is a really good scammer.
Because you received money and forwarded it, you will need to go to your local police to files report about this. If you do not and they come to you you may be in problems for money laundering.
what if it has been a while since I have done it? He states it is all legit and he tells me he is not afraid of any investigation cause he did nothing wrong and has the proof. I did have my one bank account frozen due to this and when I told him about it he told me it was all legit and not to worry about it. I am still worried and wondering. He told me recently he has stopped having me help him due to the fact of me. My question is if he is right and it is legit and I do a police report what happens after?
In our opinion you are living in denial. There is almost no chance that he is anything but a scammer.
What if I sent the money from about four years ago and maybe the last time a couple years ago? I had one account frozen at my bank due to me sending large amounts of money and I was mad due to this fact. When I asked him about it he told me to let them investigate cause they would find nothing wrong. He always encouraged me to turn in people when my bank accounts were hacked and I told him if he did know them then I would press charges and he told me to do it. Due to this it made it hard for me to believe he was a scammer. Especially since I told him I would turn him in also and he said if he was a scammer then I should but he was not. Can I still file a police report and if he is not a scammer can that affect him?
It is not up to us to say what you can or cannot report. Talk with your local police. However, if you live in the U.S. you may be able to take a deduction form your taxes for the casualty loss, we suggest you talk with your tax professional.
I thought I had found the perfect person. My marriage was dead, little did I know that like any fantasy reality sets in. Nothing coinsided and was logical. She was not the person she said she was. Then I rented a house, paid for everything. Gifts, money, favors ensued. I wanted more than anything for this to be real, but it wasn’t. Now I can’t trust anyone, even myself. I am ashamed, scarred, and worse have no recourse. In my culture I’m considered stupid for falling for this. When does it end???
You are not stupid, you did a stupid thing! You understand the difference? It takes time for the pain to go away, but it will. For most it takes between 6 months and a year.
to explain this better my husband and I were married for 11 years was some kind of a scammer and it was not a cybercrime.
I think I like some kind of people, those who talk well and touch our heart with words so I believe in everything they said. no, I am not able to see what is behind those words even when I don’t know who is behind those beautiful sentences empty of value. Mos of the times, I don’t I don’t ask but when I start to ask, the things are prey hugely.
yes, I have a lot of social media groups and some of my friends come from there but never bored me but I believe that scammer studied his lessons pretty well although some of them seem to like to give a shot in the dark. It’s easier to read the reaction directly with my answers nice at the beginning, from cold to ice when they start to say that their heart beats for me
I have to pages of my own one for photography works, other for the wright. when I refer to social media groups I was talking about pages from Poetry and Photography
I just think I was trusting and lonely simple as that really. I had divorced after thirty five years of marriage and suddenly there he was.I had led a secluded life in the country. Falling for a scam taught me a lot about opportunists and the ways in which they operate and also about many people in general. Now I mostly make myself scarce and not even begin to entertain them for these insidious people can sink their hooks in and it can get difficult to extract yourself, its their job after all just like a used car salesman but worse for the targets involved
I agree with you scammers are opportunists, they can be also murders. Idirectly they can kill someone who gives to much or eho belives to much. They can be salesmen, docters, militaries…. what ever they want. Friends of a passed way military saying that you are beneath his nees.
They can say you are the love of of their lifes and you belive and when you saw they try to transform you on money mule or on is privet bank.
we always need to trust someone and loneliness help a lot. It’s so good to hear what we forgor during years of marriage. It’s so easy to fall in love with a scammer, they promise to a new life full of perfection and where everything is happy. My first scammer, when I gave him the money I told him that I would not give him more. of course, he tried but no more. At this time I didn’t what a scammer is and I didn’t know for at least 2 years.
The big problem with fraudsters and scammer is that if they are used car salesman they are trying to sell the car and you are not seeing and you will never see it. their profession is thievery.
But if read with attention all the articles published here I think you will understand the world of the scammers