SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Why Should You Help Support Scam Victims By Donating To SCARS
Please Let Us Explain!
You Can Help Support Scam Victims
And Others Avoid Scams!
You Can Help Scam Victims by Making a Small Donation to SCARS
After all, the next victim might just be someone you know!
We are SCARS the world’s leading Nonprofit Online Crime Victims’ Assistance Organization
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A nonprofit corporation based in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. established in 2015 to be a crime victims assistance & crime prevention organization.
Why Was SCARS Created?
Scam victims are not getting the message in time to avoid scams, and they are listening to the wrong voices to be able to successfully recover from the trauma of their scams. We needed a new professional approach based upon methods that have been proven over and over in other areas.
We needed professionalization, organization, occupational standards, a deep understanding of the experience of relationship scams without the rage and vigilantism so common with amateurs, and we need to stand up in real and meaningful ways to prevent crime. We needed a new voice against cyber-enabled online fraud.
SCARS is that voice!
We are an incorporated nonprofit based in Florida (Nonprofit Corporation Registration #N20000011978 confirm our status here. EIN 85-3761559)
How Has SCARS Helped?
We help tens of thousands of scam victims every month, some have lost everything they have and are ready to take their own lives because of the unbearable shame and trauma. We direct victims to professional services and counselors while educating victims about how scams happen and how to recover. Our teams work directly with victims to help them through recovery in our professional support groups and much more.
As a site visitor, you know the quality of our educational work and how important this is for victims of online crime!
SCARS is a real organization that is partnered with government agencies worldwide. But we need everyone’s help to continue reaching victims and potential victims worldwide!
Your generous contribution of Just $10 will help us continue to educate & support the victims of relationship scams.
You will be helping to support free scam avoidance education for adults & children, free victims’ assistance & support, free victim recovery programs, real advocacy on behalf of victims, online crime prevention programs, and so much more that SCARS delivers every day.
SCARS is a nonprofit Florida corporation with offices in Miami Florida & Monterrey N.L. Mexico. With your help, we can help scam victims recover their lives!
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Online Fraud, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Scam Avoidance, Married Scam Victims, Internet Infidelity, Scam Victim Divorce
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HELP OTHERS STAY SAFE ONLINE – YOUR KNOWLEDGE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
THE NEXT VICTIM MIGHT BE YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBER OR BEST FRIEND!
By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
To Understand All Scams, Read This:
The SCARS Institute Relationship Scams Formula Checklist
This is the Formula that all Relationship Scams Follow
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Table of Contents
![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")
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Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- SCARS Institute Editorial Team on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Knowing they are criminals, why would you want to talk to them? Avoid all strangers online.” Aug 19, 12:54
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “THERE ARE THREE DANIELLE DELAUNAYS ON FACEBOOK RIGHT NOW USEING HER NAME AND PHOTOS. I’M BEING TOLD THEY ARE ALL…” Aug 19, 11:15
- on Natalie Sparks: Have You Seen Her? Another Stolen Face / Stolen Identity: “John, we are sorry, but you are still being scammed.” Aug 19, 09:52
- on #1 Worldwide – SCARS Anyscam.com: “You have been scammed. The unfortunate part about the images is difficult to address. You can learn more about Sextortion…” Aug 19, 09:48
- on SCARS™ Scam News Now: Six Ghanaian Scammers Arrested in the U.K. For Online Fraud: “Ann, recognizing that it was a scam is the first step in healing. We can help in your after-scam healing…” Aug 19, 09:47
- on Natalie Sparks: Have You Seen Her? Another Stolen Face / Stolen Identity: “She my wife to be, She is well holding down a job & is taking care of her grandma, both…” Aug 15, 22:25
- on #1 Worldwide – SCARS Anyscam.com: “Good day, I was in contact with Jenny Florence Albert, a doctor from Afghanistan. She claims to be from England…” Aug 2, 14:38
- on SCARS™ Scam News Now: Six Ghanaian Scammers Arrested in the U.K. For Online Fraud: “I’m a victim read my sad story: What followed was a relentless, agonizing descent into financial trickery. Ann wired the…” Jul 28, 13:52
- on Romance Scams Detection Training Tool – 2026: “Wow, it could be really difficult to spot this as AI generated when not knowing about scammers tactis. This tool…” Jul 24, 14:50
- on Bank Impersonation Scams – 2026: “It is truly sad that technology and all of these soohisticated tactics are employed for commiting crimes. It is always…” Jul 24, 10:20
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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