Search results for: Tim McGuinness

Sunk Cost Bias or Chasing The Money – A Cognitive Bias Affecting Scam Victims – 2024

Sunk Cost Bias or Chasing The Money - A Cognitive Bias Affecting Scam Victims Cognitive Biases Play a Role In Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility To Scams The Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2023 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Understanding the [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-03-30T07:19:26-04:00March 30th, 2024|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2024, Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Victim Vulnerability, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Chasing the Money, Cognitive Biases, Confirmation Bias, Psychology of Scam, Recovery Psychology, scam victims, Sunk Cost Bias, Victim Psychology|

Anchoring Bias – A Cognitive Bias Shaping Scam Victim Decision Making – 2024

Anchoring Bias - A Cognitive Bias Shaping Scam Victim Decision Making Cognitive Biases Play a Role In Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility To Scams The Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2023 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract The Anchoring Bias, a powerful [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-03-30T07:25:28-04:00March 30th, 2024|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2024, Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Victim Vulnerability, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Anchoring Bias, Cognitive Biases, Confirmation Bias, Psychology of Scams, scam victims, vulnerability|

Preserving The Evidence Of Scams And Safeguarding Justice For Scam Victims – 2024

Preserving The Evidence Of Scams And Safeguarding Justice For Scam Victims Reporting Scams Fraud & Cybercrimes and What to Do Next! Reporting Scams - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Preserving evidence is paramount in combating cybercrimes, scams, and frauds. Victims, often acting as digital detectives, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-03-25T05:36:34-04:00March 12th, 2024|Categories: ♦ NEW SCAM VICTIMS, 2024, How To Report Scams & Scammers, Insights, ♦ LAW ENFORCEMENT - JUSTICE - INVESTIGATION|Tags: Crime Evidence, Criminal Justice, Evidence of Scams, Preserving Evidence, Safeguarding Evidence, scammers, Scams|

SCARS In-The-Moment Questions Intervention Technique For Scam Victims – 2024

SCARS 'In-The-Moment'™ Questions or Prompting Intervention Technique for Scam Victims Helping Financial Institutions, Businesses, or Even Families Intervene with Scam Victims During the Scam Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Guide Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-03-05T02:36:38-05:00March 5th, 2024|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2024, Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities, Grooming & Manipulation, Guides, Impact of Scams on Victims, Psychology of Scams, Scam Victims In Denial, ♦ FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS|Tags: Breaking Free of Scams, In Denial, In The Moment Questions, Intervention Technique, scam victims|

The Meaning Behind Scammer Gifts Sent To Romance Scam Victims – 2024

The Meaning Behind Scammer Gifts Sent To Romance Scam Victims How Romance Scammers Use Gifts To Manipulate Their Victims How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authored By: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The strategic use of gifts in romance scams is a complex manipulation tactic aimed at exploiting [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-02-15T13:53:11-05:00February 15th, 2024|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2024, Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities, Grooming & Manipulation, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, Scammer Techniques & Methods, Victim Vulnerability, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|Tags: Gift Giving, How scams work, Manipulation, Romance Scams, scam victims, Scammer Gifts|

Importance of Learning in Scam Victims’ Recovery from Scams 2024

The Importance of Learning in Scam Victims' Recovery from Scams Overcoming the Scam Through Understanding Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The article underscores the imperative of comprehending scams for scam victims. Understanding the diverse forms of scams, from email phishing to relationship [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-01-30T21:25:27-05:00January 24th, 2024|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2024, For New Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: Learning, scam victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

All The Fake Videos That Scam Victims Cannot See! 2024

All The Fake Videos That Scam Victims Cannot See! Understanding The Need To See Fake Videos As Real! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authored By: Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scam victims, often lacking technical skills, succumb to scammers who exploit advanced technology to create convincing fake videos. [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-01-19T11:37:47-05:00January 19th, 2024|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2024, Editorial & Commentary, Impersonation & Identity Theft Scams, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, ♦ SCAM BASICS|Tags: Deceptive Videos, DeepFake Videos, Fake Videos, Generative AI, Psychology of Scams, scam victims|

Sense of Failure And Scam Victims – 2024

Sense of Failure And Scam Victims Understanding A Scam Victim's Reactions To Scams Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Insight Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., Mexico • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., USA Article [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-01-11T10:41:49-05:00January 11th, 2024|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2024, For New Victims, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: failure, Financial Fraud, Guilt, scam victims, Scams, Shame|

Understanding the Victim Complex/Victim Mentality In Relationship Scam Victims – Psychology Of Scams

Understanding the Victim Complex/Victim Mentality In Relationship Scam Victims - Psychology Of Scams

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-10-14T03:18:17-04:00October 14th, 2023|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2018, 2023, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, Syndromes & Delusions, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|Tags: martyr complex, Psychology of Scams, scam victims, victim complex, Victim Mentality, Victim Syndrome|

Local Law Enforcement/Police Scam Victims’ Experience Study 2022-2024

Local Law Enforcement/Police Experience Study A SCARS Research Study Advocating for Scam Victims 2023 SCARS Scam Victim Local Police Reporting Experience Study SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams) is spearheading an important study aimed at improving the understanding of the scam victim experience during the local police reporting process of relationship scams. With a significant number of victims expressing negative encounters when attempting to report these [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-01-26T00:08:23-05:00June 10th, 2023|Categories: ♦ SCARS ADVOCACY, 2022, 2023, 2024, Law Enforcement Support, SCARS Analysis & Research, SCARS Research, Victimology|Tags: Local Law Enforcement, Local Police, Police Reporting, Reporting Crimes, SCARS Study, Study, Survey, Understanding Scam Victims, Victim Experience|

Scam Victims Must Always Tell The Truth When Talking With Law Enforcement

Scam Victims Must Always Tell The Truth When Talking With Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Has Changed Their Attitude Toward Scam Victims - So Always Be Truthful Reporting Scams & Scammers - A SCARS Special Report We Have Seen Recently That Law Enforcement Can Be Very Supportive Of Scam Victims! But Not When They Lie Or Hide Information! We know that reporting these crimes can be very hard. Scam Victims feel [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-02-21T14:41:09-05:00February 21st, 2023|Categories: ♦ GOVERNMENT POLICY LAWS & REGULATION, 2023, How To Report Scams & Scammers, SCARS Official Videos, Special Reports, YouTube Video, ♦ LAW ENFORCEMENT - JUSTICE - INVESTIGATION, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Scam Reporting, scam victims, Victim Consequences|

Scam Victim Homelessness

Scam Victim Homelessness Understanding The Financial Impact On Scam Victims Cyber-Enabled Financial Fraud Victimology - A SCARS Insight Has Financial Fraud Become a Major Driver of Homelessness with Scam Victims? ♦ A SCARS Commentary by Dr. Tim McGuinness We all know that addiction, job loss, and mental health issues ranked as the top three responses from experts on homelessness up to 2019. However, something new is being seen across the [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-01-15T11:52:03-05:00January 15th, 2023|Categories: Insights, 2023, Victim Financial Recovery, Victimology, VICTIMS & MONEY|Tags: Financial Resources, Financial Support, Financial Survival, Homeless, Homelessness, scam victims, Victimology|

What Every Scam Victim Needs To Understand

What Every Scam Victim Needs To Understand The Basics For New Victims Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Insight 25 Things Every Scam Victim Needs To Understand 💔❤️‍🩹❤️ What is important for every scam victim to understand at the very beginning after the scam ends? You are not to blame, it was not your fault - period, no equivocations - there is no shame in being the victim of a [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-01-10T00:50:05-05:00January 9th, 2023|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2023, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim, SCARS Steps, Understanding, Victim Recovery|

Victims: Common Reactions To Crime

Victims: Common Reactions To Crime How To Help Victims' Assistance Providers & Supporters In Understanding Their Reactions Extracted From The SCARS Mentor Training Program A Crime Victim's Common Reactions to Crime It is useful to know the common reactions that victims may experience when trying to cope with the crime Special thanks to the government of Canada for source material used in this guide. Principal Editor: Dr. Tim McGuinness, Director, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-12-11T12:00:33-05:00December 11th, 2022|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2022, Impact of Scams on Victims, Scam Victims' Assistance & Support, ♦ FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS|Tags: Common Reactions To Crime, Crime Victims, scam victims, Victim Emotions, Victim Recovery, Victim Support, Victims Assistance, Victims of Financial Fraud|

Scam Victim Identity Crisis

Scam Victim Identity Crisis The Crisis That Comes After The Scam Ends! Victim Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Insight What’s An Identity Crisis And Could You Be Having One? In Additional to Everything Else, Who You are has Changed Because of the Scam A Scam Victim's Dilemma As you participate in a relationship scam, whether a regular romance scam or a "Pig Butchering" crypto investment scam, your whole persona is [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-11-14T15:38:24-05:00November 14th, 2022|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2022, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: After The Scam, Emotional Distress, Identity Crisis, TRAUMA, Victim Recovery|

Ambiguous Loss and Scam Victims – Scam Victim Recovery – 2022 [UPDATED 2024]

Ambiguous Loss and Scam Victims A Type Of Trauma Common To Victims Of Financial Fraud Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2022 - Article Updated: 2024 A Type Of Trauma Where Closure Is Not Possible Ambiguous loss is a loss that occurs [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-10-14T00:04:15-04:00September 26th, 2022|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2022, 2024, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology|Tags: Ambiguous Loss, Closure, Grief, scam victims, TRAUMA, Victim Psychology, Victim Recovery|

Scam Victim Panic Attacks

Scam Victim Panic Attacks Helping Scam Victims Through Their Recovery Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Insight How Scam Victims Can Deal With Fear And Panic Attacks This article is addressed to new victims mostly. New victims, in the first couple of months after the scam ends, can be very fearful for their safety, sometimes the safety of family members, and especially about their future. Of course, most scam victims have [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-09-03T22:22:46-04:00September 3rd, 2022|Categories: Victim Fear & Phobias, 2022, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: FEAR, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Scam Victim, scam victims|

Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims – 2022 [Updated 2025]

Three Main Causes Of Anger In Scam Victims Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Insight Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract As a scam victim, you might [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-05-02T02:38:09-04:00July 10th, 2022|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2022, 2025, Anger & Aggression, For New Victims, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, ♦ NEW SCAM VICTIMS, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Anger, Emotions, Guilt, Recovery, Recovery Psychology, Victim Recovery|

Terminology For Scam Victims – Scam Related Terms – Part 1

Terminology For Scam Victims Scam Related Terms An Etymology Part 1 Derogatory & Related Scam Terms Used To Describe Victims A SCARS Insight SCAM RELATED TERMS THE WORDS WE USE DEFINE WHAT WE THINK ABOUT SCAMS AND ABOUT OURSELVES "In order to change the way outsiders view victims it starts with the way victims name and blame themselves." - Dr. Tim McGuinness, SCARS Director "Remember ... Talk about yourself the [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-25T04:46:45-04:00March 13th, 2022|Categories: Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: Calling Victims Names, Changing You Mind, Definitions, Derogatory Terms, Mindset, Motivation, Scam Related Terms, Scam Terms, Victim Recovery|

2022 National Crime Victims’ Service Award Nominee

2022 National Crime Victims’ Service Award Nominee SCARS Again Recognized by the United States Government for Outstanding Service to Crime Victims A SCARS Announcement SCARS ANNOUNCEMENT We want to thank all of those that helped to nominate us. It is a great honor to be recognized again by the United States Department of Justice for the work that we do. While we were not this year's winner, we thank all [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-02T12:27:07-05:00March 2nd, 2022|Categories: ♦ ABOUT ADVOCACY & ACTIVISM, 2022, SCARS News & Announcements|Tags: Crime Prevention, Crime Victims' Assistance, DoJ, SCARS, Service Awards|

The SCARS Interview With Kevin Snook – Impersonation Victim! [VIDEO]

Kevin Snook Impersonation Victim Used in Romance Scams [VIDEO] An Exclusive SCARS Interview Presented by SCARS An Interview With Kevin Snook! Kevin Snook is a global businessman who has had his identity and his photos stolen and used by romance scammers & fraudsters worldwide - especially in West Africa. Of course, you have probably seen his photos thousands of times on social media and dating websites. He is a scammer's [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2021-10-19T03:09:05-04:00October 19th, 2021|Categories: Impersonation Victim Speaks Out, 2021, Impersonation Victim Galleries, Victim Interview VIDEO|Tags: Impersonation Victim, Kevin Snook, Photos Stolen By Scammers, Use in Romance Scams, Used by Fraudsters, Used by Scammers|

Living Under Manipulation for Too Long Leaves Victims Traumatized – 2021 [UPDATED 2024]

Living under Manipulation for Too Long Leaves Victims Traumatized An Exploration of the Short-Term & Long-Term Effects of Long-Term Relationship Scams Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2021 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Long-term exposure to romance scam manipulation can leave victims [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-10-14T00:33:26-04:00September 10th, 2021|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2021, 2024, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Victim Trauma & PTSD, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Long Term Scam Victims, Long Term Scams, Manipulated Victims, Psychology of Scams, Romance Scam Victims, Scam Manipulation, Victim Psychology, Victim Support|

Resilience Coping Recovery And Romance Scam Victims [UPDATED 2024]

Resilience, Coping, Recovery, And Romance Scam Victims 'Resilience' in Scam Victims is the Capacity to Cope and Recover Quickly from Difficulties; a Mental Toughness Helping Scam Victims/Survivors to Understand the Importance of Resiliency in Their Recovery Scam Victim Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2021 - [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-10-04T23:28:54-04:00August 22nd, 2021|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2021, 2024, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|Tags: Cope, Coping, Psychology of Scams, Resilience, Romance Scam Victims, Scam Victim Recovery|

Long Term Fear & Phobias From Scam Victim Trauma 2021 [UPDATED 2024]

Long-Term Fear & Phobias For Scam Victim Trauma Many Scam Victims Experience Ever-Present Fears And Phobias Following Their Scams! The Psychology of Scams - A SCARS insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2021 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract After experiencing a scam, many victims develop long-term fears and [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-10-14T00:17:23-04:00July 18th, 2021|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2021, 2024, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Other Videos, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery, Victim Fear & Phobias, YouTube Video, ♦ NEW SCAM VICTIMS, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Emotional Trauma, Long Term Fear, Scam Victim Trauma, Victim Fea, Victim Phobias|

An Urgent Call For Action To Save Victims’ Services – #VOCAfix – Act On July 14th – Part 2 [UPDATED – SUCCESS]

UPDATE - - SUCCESS - - WE WON! The VOCAfix Campaign Was Successful! The VOCAfix legislation passed the United States Senate on 7/20 and then on to the White House for the President's signature and enactment! On July 20, with an extraordinary vote of 100 to 0, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 1652, the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (“VOCA Fix”). The Alliance of the 1,700 Nonprofits that joined together [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:41:58-04:00July 10th, 2021|Categories: ♦ ABOUT ADVOCACY & ACTIVISM|Tags: #VOCAfix, Passed, SCARS Activism Campaign, SCARS Crime Victims' Assistance, Success, U.S. Senate, Urgent Action, Victims Of Crime Act, VOCA|

Impersonation Victim Robert Hyde Speaks Out [VIDEO]

Impersonation Victim Robert Hyde Speaks Out [VIDEO] Exclusive Interview With SCARS Directors Debby Montgomery Johnson & Dr. Tim McGuinness A SCARS Official Video • See More SCARS Videos Here • See More SCARS Videos on YouTube 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, Victim Recovery, [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2021-09-28T15:03:43-04:00May 24th, 2021|Categories: Impersonation Victims, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, U.S. Military & Scams, VIDEOS|Tags: Debby Montgomery Johnson, Dr. Tim McGuinness, Impersonation Victim, Robert Hyde Speaks Out, Romance Scams, Victim Speaks Out|

SCARS Commentary – April 13, 2021 – It’s Time To Remind Congress Who They Work For!

It's Time To Remind Congress Who They Work For! Things Were Getting So Much Better, But Now They Are Getting Worse Fast! A SCARS COMMENTARY The United States is now number ONE in the complete INSECURITY of our financial system. While Congress spent the last four years on witch hunts the U.S. congress gave nearly no focus on how bad the situation was becoming. The ruling party seems only interested [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-08-17T04:11:20-04:00April 14th, 2021|Categories: SCARS Editorials & Commentaries, 2021|Tags: Accountability, Communications Decency Act, Political Will, SCARS Commentary, Section 230, U.S. Congress|

A Scam Victims 7 Deadly Sins [UPDATED]

A Scam Victims 7 Deadly Sins After A Scam, Bad Decision Making By Scam Victims Continues And Leads Many Victims In Directions That May Feel Satisfying But Delays Or Avoids Recovery Originally Published April 2019 To Help Scam Victims Understand The Mistakes That Can Derail Or Prevent Their Emotional Recovery! When Scam Victims Turn To The Dark Side The Same Problems That Led Scam Victims To Be Scammed Are Still [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2023-06-08T03:59:33-04:00January 21st, 2021|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2021, Anger & Aggression, Anti-Scam Hate Groups, Avoid Haters & Trolls, Misinformation About Scams, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, Scam Baiting, Scam Victim Recovery, Special Reports, ♦ SCAMSNOW MAGAZINE|Tags: baiting scammers, Cyberstalking, Haters, Messiahs, Messiahs & Saviors, Mole, Mule, Scam Baiters, scam victims, Scambaiters, Scams, SCARS, Stalkers, Trackers, Trolls, Victim Panic|

Impersonation Victim Speaks Out: Pierre Bonilla, Marine Corps Vet [VIDEO]

Impersonation Victim Speaks Out: Pierre Bonilla, Marine Corps Vet [VIDEO] December 11, 2020: SCARS Directors Debby Montgomery Johnson & Dr. Tim McGuinness interview Pierre Bonilla. He has been an impersonation victim. Scammers regularly steal his photos and use them to scam women. In this interview with Pierre Bonilla talks about the theft of his identity and his experiences being contacted by hundreds of scam victims, and its impact on himself and his family. [...]

Clothes As Therapy For Scam Victims: When & How Does Enclothed Cognition Work?

Clothes As Therapy For Scam Victims: When & How Does "Enclothed Cognition" Work? You have all heard the phrase “Clothing Makes The Man” (or Woman) As trauma victims, finding ways to overcome your trauma and regain control in your life is very important and powerful. We talk a lot about trying to let go of the anger and the artifacts of the experience, but we humans tend to surround ourselves with other less obvious artifacts [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2020-09-04T11:21:30-04:00September 3rd, 2020|Categories: Insights, Closure & Recovery Techniques, Recovery Psychology|Tags: : Enclothed Cognition, Anti-Scam, Clothes As Therapy, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, For Scam Victims, Fraudsters, Important Article, Information About Scams, Romance Scams, scam victims, scammers, Scams, SCARS|

SCARS™ Special Report: A Victim’s Story Of Imprisonment By A Scammer In Nigeria

SCARS™ Special Report: A Victim's Story Of Imprisonment By A Scammer In Nigeria The ‘Yahoo Boy’ Who Kidnapped & Held Prisoner An American Woman In Lagos For Over 1 Year After Luring Her To Nigeria The police said the American was confined against her wish in a hotel in Lagos by one Chukwuebuka Obiaku, a suspected fraudster that “extorted her of about $48,000”. Nigerian Police officers have rescued a citizen of the United States of America [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-04-05T09:32:25-04:00July 13th, 2020|Categories: ♠ ARCHIVES & LEGACY CONTENT ♠|Tags: Chukwuebuka Kasi Obiaku, Crybercriminals, cybercrime, Fraudsters, Held Hostage, Imprisonment, Kidnapping, Nigerian Scammer, Romance Scams, scam victims, scammers, Scammers Arrested, Scams, SCARS, Trapped In Nigeria, YAHOO BOYS|

Humor As A Tool In Scam Victim Recovery – Recovery Psychology – UPDATED 2024

Humor As A Tool In Scam Victim Recovery Scam Victim Recovery Psychology A SCARS Insight Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2019 – Article Updated: 2024 [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-02-20T05:21:17-05:00July 21st, 2019|Categories: ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY, 2019, 2024, Insights, Recovery Psychology, Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: Anti-Scam Humor, Black Humor, Gallows Humor, Humor As A Tool, Making Fun Of Scammers, Recovery Humor, scam victims, Victim Recovery|

New Book From Best Selling Author Elina Juusola – Love on the Line:: How to Recover from Romance Scams Gracefully and Without Victimisation – SCARS™ Recovery

SCARS™ Recovery: New Book From Best Selling Author Elina Juusola - Love on the Line:: How to Recover from Romance Scams Gracefully and Without Victimisation A New Work from Elina Juusola, Bestselling Author and SCARS Board Member [lwptoc] Overview How can you become a victim of a romance scam and recover from the experience without harm? Elina Juusola, researcher and a feminist was living a low time of her life. She was struggling with her health and [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T20:11:08-04:00April 17th, 2019|Categories: Scam Victim's Stories|Tags: Author, Elina Juusola, Love on the Line, Recovery, Romance Scams, SCARS Recommended Book, Survival Guide|

SCARS™ A 27 Year History Of Service To Scam Victims

SCARS™ A 27 Year History Of Service To Scam Victims Our founder Dr. Tim McGuinness first started tracking scams and scammers in 1991 on the old America Online before the web came into existence for all. Over the years this activity migrated from AOL onto TigerDirect.com (our founder was a co-founder of TigerDirect's parent in those days), then onto another major website that he published, and then onto a stand-alone dedicated website. Over the years we [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2018-12-20T10:21:17-05:00December 20th, 2018|Categories: Editorial & Commentary, History of Scams, Scam Victims' Assistance & Support|Tags: America Online, AOL, History of Scams, Romance Scams, Romance Scams Now, RSN History, Scam History, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, TigerDirect|

The Amygdala Hijack And Scam Victims [Infographic] – Expanded 2024

The Amygdala Hijack And Scam Victims Understanding Automated Responses To Grooming Manipulation And Control During A Relationship Scam A SCARS Guide & Infographic The amygdala is a collection of cells near the base of the brain. There are two, one in each hemisphere or side of the brain. This is where emotions are given meaning, remembered, and attached to associations and responses to them (emotional memories). Learn more about this on ScamPsychology.org [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-05-22T03:44:34-04:00October 23rd, 2018|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2018, 2024, Grooming & Manipulation, Guides, Impact of Scams on Victims, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, Scam Victim Recovery, YouTube Video, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Amigdala, Amygdala Hijack, Gaslighting, Love Bombing, Physical Effects of Romance Scams, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Psychology|

SCARS Announcement: Completion Of New Zealand Victim Study

SCARS Announcement: Completion Of New Zealand Victim Study SCARS Is Very Pleased To Have Assisted In The Continuing Research Into The Psychological Effects Of Online Fraud Potentially Leading The Way To Better Recovery Solutions For All Victims We are very proud of our volunteers and staff for their support during the study by the University of Aukland, New Zealand, and to all of the victims and SCARS Members that participated. SCARS continues to lead the [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:23:25-04:00October 23rd, 2018|Categories: SCARS Research|Tags: Announcement, New Zealand, Research Study, romance scam, Scam Psychology, SCARS, University of Auckland, Victims|

This Is What It Feels Like To Be The Victim Of An International Romance Scam

This Is What It Feels Like To Be The Victim Of An International Romance Scam BuzzFeed News spoke to women who fell for men that turned out to be elaborate fake identities created by fraudsters. Includes an interview with SCARS' Chairman Dr. Tim McGuinness By Patrick Smith, BuzzFeed News Reporter - Posted on November 12, 2016, at 3:52 a.m. Preprinted to preserve this article for SCARS' History Archives - Copyright Acknowledged Mary can’t stand Kanye West. Her [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2020-09-05T21:24:31-04:00August 18th, 2018|Categories: AFRICAN SCAMS & SCAMMERS|Tags: BuzzFeed News, Dr. Tim McGuinness, interview, Patrick Smith, SCARS' Chairman, Victim Of An International Romance Scam|

RSN™ Guide: Victim Bashing or Blaming

RSN™ Guide: Victim Bashing or Blaming Victim Blaming or Bashing - The SCARS View Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime or any wrongful act is held entirely or partially at fault for the harm that befell them. The study of Victimology seeks to mitigate the perception of victims as responsible. There is a greater tendency to blame victims of rape or romance scams than victims of robbery if victims and perpetrators know each other. Hey, Don't Blame The Victim! [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:23:28-04:00August 4th, 2018|Categories: SCARS Research|Tags: AFRICAN APOLOGISTS, Crime Apologists, Ideal Crimes, Ideal Victims, Scammer Apologists, Victim Bashing, Victim Blaming, Victim Culpability, Victim Guilt, Victim Of A Crime, Victimology|

ATTENTION SCAM VICTIMS FROM NEW ZEALAND

ATTENTION SCAM VICTIMS FROM NEW ZEALAND A Scam Victims Research Study is being conducted by the University of Auckland, New Zealand, with the support of SCARS™ This study has been reviewed and formally approved by SCARS and the University of Auckland (NZ) for a study to help Romance Scam victims. The study is a formal study of victims to help find new solutions for assistance, support, and recovery. SCARS has created a private Facebook Group [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:23:29-04:00July 6th, 2018|Categories: SCARS Research|Tags: Facebook Group, Research Study, Romance Scam Victims, Scam Victim Trauma, scam victims, Study Group, Victims Residing in New Zealand|

Scam Victim’s Selfishness – A Common Behavior That Leads To Romance Scams? [Updated] – 2025

Scam Victim's Selfishness Not All Selfishness Is Bad For Scam Victims, As You Will Discover! Scam Victim Recovery - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Scam victimization is often framed in terms of manipulation and deceit, yet recovery [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2025-09-03T19:55:47-04:00May 3rd, 2018|Categories: ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS, 2018, 2023, 2025, Impact of Scams on Victims, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Romance Scams & Relationship Scams, Scam Victim Recovery, Self Help - Supporting Yourself, Victimology, ♦ SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY|Tags: Psychology of Scams, Recovering After A Scam, Recovery Programs, Romance Scams, scam victims, Self-care, Selfishness, Victim Recovery|

SCARS STEPS – SCARS GREEN BOOK -Scam Victim Recovery Program

SCARS Steps Self-Paced Recovery Program Now Available In Book Form The SCARS GREEN BOOK To Purchase the SCARS Green Book visit Shop.AgainstScams.org SCARS OFFICIAL GREEN BOOK THE SCARS STEPS PROGRAM - SELF-HELP SELF-PACES SCAM VICTIM RECOVERY PROGRAM GUIDE A SCAM RECOVERY GUIDE FOR SCAM VICTIMS FROM SCARS The SCARS GREEN BOOK helps you get over your scam! This publication is to help Scam Victims recover from their scam experience - A Self-Help Self-Paced 8 Step Recovery Program From Scams & [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2022-03-24T21:43:02-04:00May 6th, 2016|Categories: Scam Victim Recovery|Tags: Dating Scams, Relationship Scam Victim Recovery Program, Romance Scam Victim, Romance Scam Victim Recovery Program, Scam Victim, Scam Victim Recovery Program, SCARS Steps, Victim Recovery|

Hostility Toward Scam Victims Is A Common Manipulative Technique Of Scammers – UPDATED 2024

Hostility Toward Scam Victims Is A Common Manipulative Technique Of Scammers Understanding Hostility as a Manipulative Technique How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2016 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract The hostility displayed by online scammers towards their victims is a disturbing [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2024-02-27T14:17:45-05:00March 31st, 2016|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, 2016, 2024, Grooming & Manipulation, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Scammer Techniques & Methods, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|Tags: Red Flags, Romance Scams, scammer hostility, scammer threats|

The Psychology of Self-Justified Harm to Others – 2026

The Psychology of Self-Justified Harm to Others Moral Disengagement, Criminal Rationalization, and the Psychology of Self-Justified Harm by Online Criminals Criminology / Criminal Psychology / How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Moral disengagement explains [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-07-19T19:16:54-04:00July 19th, 2026|Categories: ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, 2026, Culture Of Scamming, For New Victims, Insights, Psychology of Scams, Recovery Psychology, Scam Baiting, SCARS Research, Victimization, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, ♦ PHILOSOPHY OF SCAMS, ♦ PSYCHOLOGY OF SCAMS|

Updated Analysis of West African Scammers – 2026

Updated Analysis of West African Scammers Beyond Poverty and Boredom: Understanding the Motivations of West African Romance Scammers Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Research, field observations, and criminological analysis increasingly indicate that many West African romance scammers [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-06-03T03:35:44-04:00June 3rd, 2026|Categories: CRIME TYPOLOGY OVERVIEW, 2026, AFRICAN SCAMS & SCAMMERS, Analytics & Information, Culture Of Scamming, Cybercrime Analysis, Insights, SCARS Research, ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, ♦ CYBERCRIMINAL PROFILES, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ SCAMPEDIA: CATALOG OF SCAMS|

AI-Artificial Intelligences is Smart Enough to Manipulate Better than Scammers – 2026

AI-Artificial Intelligence is Smart Enough to Manipulate Better than Scammers Are AIs Already Better at Manipulating Humans Than Humans Are? Yes, They Are! Artificial Intelligence - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • xAI Grok & ChatGPT • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Artificial [...]

The Spanish Prisoner Scam – A Foundational Fraud from History – 2021 UPDATED 2026

The Classic Spanish Prisoner Scam The Spanish Prisoner is a Confidence Trick Originating in the Early 19Th Century As Eugène François Vidocq Described In His Memoirs History of Scams / How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2021 - Article Updated: 2026 Abstract [...]

15 Things That Nearly Every Online and Phone Scams Have In Common – 2026

15 Things That Nearly Every Online and Phone Scams Have In Common Things Almost All Online and Phone Scams Seem to Share How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Recoverologist, Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Online and phone scams share [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-04-01T16:29:40-04:00April 1st, 2026|Categories: ♦ HOW SCAMS WORK, 2026, Insights, Scammer Techniques & Methods, Social Engineering, Spotting Scammers, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ HOW SCAMMERS OPERATE, ♦ SCAM BASICS, ♦ SCAMPEDIA: CATALOG OF SCAMS, ♦ SPOTING SCAMS - ANTI-SCAM TIPS CLUES & RED FLAGS|

The Crazy Gregor MacGregor and the Country of Poyais Scam – History of Scams – 2026

The Crazy Gregor MacGregor and the Country of Poyais Scam The Poyais Scheme: When a Man Invented a Country, and Hundreds Paid the Price History of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish adventurer with a mixed [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-03-23T19:02:48-04:00March 23rd, 2026|Categories: ♦ BRIEF HISTORY OF SCAMS, 2026, History of Scams, Insights, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ SCAMPEDIA: CATALOG OF SCAMS|

The Danger of Using AI in Law Enforcement – The Grandmother Wrongly Arrested as a Fraudster – 2026

The Danger of Using AI in Law Enforcement - The Grandmother Wrongly Arrested as a Fraudster The AI’s Accusation: How a Tennessee Grandmother Lost Everything to an Artificial Intelligence Mistake A True Victim's Story - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-03-22T14:49:25-04:00March 22nd, 2026|Categories: ♦ AI - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 2026, AI - Artificial Intelligence, Arrests Convictions & Court Actions, Criminal Trials & Court, Insights, Law Enforcement Agencies, WARNINGS, ♦ ADVOCACY & ACTIVISM, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ LAW ENFORCEMENT - JUSTICE - INVESTIGATION, ♦ VICTIM'S STORIES|

Cannibal Scams – The Intersection of Violent Predators and Scamming Techniques – 2026

Cannibal Scams - The Intersection of Violent Predators and Scamming Techniques When Violent Predators Use Online Grooming and Fake Personas to Target Victims Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Abstract Violent predators have, in rare but [...]

SCARS Institute Editorial Team2026-03-21T17:13:39-04:00March 21st, 2026|Categories: ♦ CRIMINOLOGY / VICTIMOLOGY, 2026, CRIME TYPOLOGY OVERVIEW, Grooming & Manipulation, Insights, Victimization, ♦ ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCAMS, ♦ SCAMPEDIA: CATALOG OF SCAMS|

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