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United States Scam Center Strike Force As Promised - President Trump Has Created the New United States Scam Center Strike Force Law Enforcement Action - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the United States Government Article Abstract The United States Trump Administration has kept its [...]
The Scam States of Southeast Asia How the “Scam States” of Southeast Asia Developed and are Now Dominating the Region Geopolitics of Scams - A SCARS Institute Article 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 states in Southeast Asia have emerged as [...]
The United States Scam Center Strike Force We have told you that this administration has been taking scams seriously for a while, but now the action plan has been revealed. What the Scam Center Strike Force is: The Scam Center Strike Force is a newly established (November 2025) interagency U.S. law enforcement initiative created in late 2025 to combat large-scale cryptocurrency investment scams and other cyber-fraud operations run from “scam centers” in Southeast Asia [...]
New United Nations UNODC Report on Corruption and Cybercrime Corruption - Cybercrime Feedback Loop: How Bribery, Complicity, and Digital Tools Supercharge Transnational Fraud Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the UNODC Article Abstract Corruption and cybercrime form a mutually reinforcing system that lowers [...]
“Pao Fen” Payment Laundering Understanding “Pao Fen” Payment Laundering and What It Means for Scam Recovery How Scams Work / Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight & Analysis Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Based on Research by: Fangzhou Wang and James D. Kelsay See Author Biographies Below [...]
Russia/Ukraine Cybercriminal Profile - Scammers & Fraudsters Criminal Profile: Typical Russian/Ukrainian Online Cybercriminal/Scammer/Fraudster Criminology / Cybercriminal Profiles - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A typical Russian or Ukrainian online scammer is described as a tech-savvy adult, commonly male and between 20 and 40, operating from loose [...]
FBI Warning - IC3.gov Government Impersonation IC3.gov Impersonation: The Rising Threat of Law Enforcement & Government Impersonation Scams Scampedia - Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) IC3.gov division Article Abstract Government impersonation scams [...]
How to Write/Email to Congress - Every Survivor's Guide Why Every Scam Victim and Family Member Should Email Congress Right Now Scam Survivor Activism - A SCARS Institute Guide 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 Online scams have reached epidemic proportions, impacting [...]
Manipulative Underspecification A Powerful Manipulation Technique Used by Scammers Manipulative Underspecification: A Tactic of Psychological Manipulation and Control Psychology of Scams / Manipulation - 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 Manipulative underspecification is a psychological manipulation tactic that [...]
A New Scam - My Photos Money Recovery Scam A New Kind of Social Media Money Recovery Scam or Scam Victim Assistance Scam The Rise of "Scam Savior" Scams: A New Layer of Deception on Social Media How Scams Work // Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [...]
What Happens to Your Money when You Send It to a Scammer Where Scam Victims’ Money Really Goes and Why Recovery Is So Rare Following the Money: How Scammers Move and Hide Stolen Funds Law Enforcement // Money 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. [...]
Nigerian EFCC Scam Fighting Overview How the Nigerian EFCC Finds, Builds, and Wins Cybercrime Cases The Nigerian EFCC - Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Action in Nigeria Law Enforcement - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes [...]
Bitcoin ATMs - A Scammers' Favorite Tool & Public Menace Are Bitcoin ATMs Doing More Harm Than Good? How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Bitcoin ATMs began as a tool for financial inclusion but now serve as a key instrument in a [...]
Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detection Toolkit Scam Detection: The Fine Art of Scam Awareness and Avoidance Based on Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detection Toolkit Scam & Deception Avoidance - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Based, in part, on and interpreted from the work of Carl Sagan Article Abstract [...]
Sextortion Scam A Relationship Scam Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - A SCARS Institute Article Catalog Sextortion Scam is a Kind of Romance Scam where Criminals Exploit Emotional Vulnerability & Desires to Gain Financial, Personal, or Psychological Advantage over Their Victims A Sextortion Scam is a part of a broader category of Trust-Based Relationship Scams Sextortion scams have become a growing global [...]
Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam A Relationship Scam Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis CRIMINOLOGY & VICTIMOLOGY - A SCARS Institute Article Catalog Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam is a form of investment fraud where criminals exploit emotional vulnerability & desires to gain financial, personal, or psychological advantage over their victims. A Pig Butchering Scam/Crypto Investment Scam is a part of a broader category of Trust-Based [...]
ICE Impersonators - New Extortion Scam Targeting Illegal Aliens in the U.S. The Deportation Threat: ICE Impersonators Engaged in a New Extortion Scam Targeting Undocumented Hispanic Immigrants in the U.S. How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract A dangerous new ICE Importsonators Extortion Scam is targeting [...]
Fraudster Glossary - 2025 How Scams Work - Presented by the SCARS Institute Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Fraudster Glossary © 2023-2025 by Eric Huber is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Fraudster Glossary - 2025 Understanding Fraudster/Scammer Terms Term/PhraseDescriptionActual Fraudster UsageCommentary3PTThree-peatJust Popped Again Off The Same September Grub 🚨🚨 3PTBasically, it's when a [...]
Wrong Number Text Scam - Opening the Door to Relationship & Crypto Investment Scammers Understanding the Wrong Number Text Scam: A Growing Digital Threat for Smartphone Users Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Scam Alert Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The wrong number text scam is an increasingly common and dangerous [...]
UNODC Asian and Asian Transnational Organized Scam Enterprises Inflection Point New Report by the United Nations (UNODC) on How Southeast Asian and Asian Transnational Organized Scam Enterprises have Reached an Inflection Point - 2025 Global Transnational Crime - A SCARS Institute Analysis Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from the United Nations Office [...]
Seller Impersonation Fraud - A Business Impersonation Scam When Scammers Pretend to Be Trusted Sellers to Exploit You Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Seller impersonation fraud is a rapidly growing threat in the digital marketplace, targeting both consumers and businesses by exploiting trust and [...]
Why Young Adults and the Elderly are Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime Digital Danger Zones: Young Adults and Seniors Face the Highest Risk of Cybercrime Psychology 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. Article Abstract Cybercrime affects everyone, but young adults and older adults face especially [...]
Analytical Overview of West African Scammer Gangs & Organizations Analyzing the Operational Dynamics of Scammer Gangs, Groups, and Organizations in West Africa - Including Ghana and Nigeria How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract West African scammer gangs exhibit complex and highly adaptive operational dynamics driven [...]
What Do Nigerian Scammers Do After They Retire? What Nigerian Scammers Do After They Quit and How They Use Their Stolen Money How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Nigerian scammers who leave active fraud do not simply vanish; instead, many use their stolen wealth to [...]
Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud FBI Warning About How Criminals Exploit Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Escalate Fraud, Impersonation, and Extortion Schemes FBI WARNING - Presented by the SCARS Institute Authors: • United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The FBI has issued a [...]
Hypothesis: The Expansion of Fraud is Only Limited by the Availability of Trained Criminals The Expansion of Fraud: Is It Limited Only by the Availability of Trained Criminals? Criminology - A SCARS Institute Analysis Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The expansion of fraud is increasingly viewed as being [...]
Fake Kevin O'Leary Pig Butchering Scam An Example of Celebrity Impersonators Lure in Victims to Crypto Investment Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract We were recently contacted by a Fake Kevin O'Leary about a cryptocurrency investment. Of course, it was a Pig Butchering Scam. [...]
Social Engineering - An Updated Overview - 2024 Social Engineering is an Approach to Psychological and Neurologic Manipulation that can be done for Good or Bad and is at the Heart of Marketing, Politics, and Crime - Especially Cybercrime, Scams, and Fraud! Psychology 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 [...]
Beware of Comment Scammers Offering Money Recovery Double Victimization: How Money Recovery Scammer Comments Exploit Desperate Scam Victims on Social Media How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Money recovery scams on social media target individuals who have already lost money to scams, exploiting their desperation [...]
SCARS Institute Halloween 2024 Scam Monster Identification Guide If You See Any Of These Monsters, RUN! Just For Fun - A SCARS Institute Insight These Are Not Scams [...]
The United Kingdom Gets Serious About Money Mules An In-Depth Analysis of the UK Money Mule and Financial Exploitation Action Plan: Key Steps and Enforcement Strategy Government Policy - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The "Money Mule and Financial Exploitation Action Plan" details a [...]
Website Spoofing and Typosquatting - Social Engineering and Cybercrimes Website Spoofing and Typosquatting: How Scammers Use Fake Domains to Trap Scam Victims through Social Engineering Techniques How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Guide Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Website spoofing and typosquatting are common cybercriminal tactics used [...]
Subliminal Messaging: A New Scammer's Tool Against Scam Victims How Online Scammers May Be Using Subliminal Messaging to Control Their Victims Now and in the Future Part 1 of a 2-Part Series - Part 2 is on ScamsNOW.com Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [...]
A Brief History of Nigerian Yahoo Boys Scammers The Rise of Yahoo Boys: Exploring the Phenomenon of Scams, Scammers, and Cybercrime in Nigeria History 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. Article Abstract Yahoo Boys are Nigerian cybercriminals involved in internet fraud, also known as [...]
Evil Corp. - A Russian Organized Crime Group - Overview Evil Corp (aka Indrik Spider) a Major Russian Cybercriminal Organization Organized Crime - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from the UK National Crime Agency Article Abstract Evil Corp, also known as Indrik Spider, is a notorious Russian cybercrime [...]
Cybercriminal Profiles: Pig Butchering/Crypto Investment Scammers Understanding Cybercriminals Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Pig butchering scams are sophisticated, long-term schemes that rely heavily on social engineering, emotional manipulation, and the use of fake cryptocurrency platforms. These cybercriminals are patient, methodical, and adept at building trust with [...]
Cybercriminal Profiles: Ransomware Hacker Understanding Cybercriminals Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Ransomware cybercriminals are highly skilled, organized, and financially motivated, using sophisticated tactics such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, phishing, and social engineering to carry out their attacks. Often operating within global networks and safe havens with [...]
SCAM WARNING: Fake Therapy and Therapists - a Scam Targeting Traumatized Scam Victims Scammers Running Fake Therapy and Fake Therapist Services Now Target Individuals Who Have Already Fallen Victim to Other Scams! How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute 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, [...]
The Strange History of Nigerian Super-Scammer & Cybercriminal 'Hushpuppy' A Nigerian Super-Scammer & Cybercriminal Laundering Cash for North Korean Hackers and Dark Web Criminal Enterprise: The Case of Hushpuppi (Ramon Olorunwa Abbas) Organized Crime - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions Based on Research from Other sources Article Abstract [...]
Preparing for the Next Scam Fraud or Cybercrime Often Scam Victims are Scammed Multiple Times, But Preparing For the Next One Can Make All the Difference! Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens [...]
Scammer Manipulation Tool Box - 102 Ways Scammers Manipulate Scam Victims A Catalog of Manipulative and Control Techniques Used by Scammers How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers use a wide array of manipulation and control techniques to exploit their victims [...]
Scamouflage - SCARS Institute Term for Scammer's Hiding In Plain Sight Scam Terms - 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: 2011 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Scamouflage is a SCARS Institute term used to describe how scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals use deceptive tactics to [...]
U.S. IRS Tax Payer Identity Theft - What Is It and How To Protect Yourself Helping Scam Victims Understand the Supplemental Risks and Dangers that come After Their Scam is Over! How Scams Work - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scam victims are at [...]
Vigorish Viper Syndicate Organized Crime Group - Cybercrime Gang Organized Dark Web Cybercrime Gang Organized Crime - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The 'Vigorish Viper' Syndicate is a Chinese cybercriminal organized crime group operating on the dark web, notorious for its involvement in a range of illegal activities including cybercrime, financial fraud, and [...]
SCARS Anti-Scam ToolBox UPDATED 2026 Resources for Every Scam Victim/Survivor Tools to help you avoid scams, fraud, and cybercrime are crucial in today's Internet age where these threats are increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. These tools, including antivirus software, secure password managers, two-factor authentication, and phishing filters, provide essential layers of protection by detecting and blocking malicious activities before they cause harm. These tools help safeguard personal and financial information, [...]
Search Engine Scam Ads/Advertisements - How To Spot And Avoid Them Understand that Search Engines are also full of Scams! How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the U.S. FBI and ADLOCK Article Abstract Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake or scam ads on search engines [...]
New U.S. Government Scam Classifier Model ScamClassifierSM Model Government Policy - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract The Scam Classifier model is an advanced tool designed to enhance the detection and classification of scams across the U.S. government. Utilizing machine learning and data analytics, it identifies and categorizes various types of scams, improving reporting accuracy and resource allocation. By integrating with the FraudClassifier model, it offers a comprehensive view of fraudulent [...]
Scam Alert: Toll-Road Money Due Scam - U.S./Canada Beware of Messages, Texts, and Phone Calls Claiming You Owe Toll-Road Fines! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers are targeting travelers in the United States and Canada. They are employing a new toll-road money-due scam, reaching victims via phone calls, messages, and texts, [...]
WARNING: Social Media Ads Paid For By Scammers With Stolen Money Scammers are increasingly turning to Social Media Ads to Lure In their Victims! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract Scammers exploit the vast user bases using the sophisticated targeting options of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, using social media ads to lure unsuspecting scam victims into various deceptive fraud schemes, including fake [...]
For Law Enforcement Officers: Helping Local Police Interact with Scam Victims and How to Make a Difference A Guide for Police Officers to help them better understand Scam Victims and What They Can Do! Criminology - A SCARS Guide Article Abstract The SCARS Guide for Police Officers offers essential insights into interacting with scam victims, addressing their immediate needs, and taking effective actions to combat cybercrime. With over 50 million [...]
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