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Fake Missing Persons Money Scam An Emotionally Charged Scam that Tugs at Scam Victim's Heartstrings! 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: 2024 Article Abstract The missing person scam is a sophisticated fraud tactic that preys on people's kindness [...]
Missing Person Extortion Phone Scam A Phone Scam Targeting the Families of Missing Persons 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: 2024 Article Abstract The phone extortion scam targets families who post missing person notices on social media. Scammers [...]
Considering A Lawsuit Against A Transnational Organized Criminal Scammers Unfortunately, When Desperation Strikes Any Idea Sounds Good Money 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 Victims of trust-based relationship scams, such as romance or crypto investment scams, often find themselves in desperate situations after realizing [...]
Online Grooming In All Of Its Forms It is Important for Everyone to Understand this Critical Phase in Almost All 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. Article Abstract Online grooming and online manipulation and control are related but distinct concepts. Grooming involves predators [...]
SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com Turns 24 Years Old! The Evolution of RomanceScamsNOW.com - 24 Years of Service to Scam Victims An Official SCARS Website Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Founded in 2000 by Dr. Tim McGuinness, RomanceScamsNow.com is the world's leading resource dedicated to educating the public about online romance and relationship scams in all their forms. The [...]
![Don't Call Scammers Names - You Are Personalizing It And Making It Harder To Recover - Please Just Stop It! - 2024 [UPDATED] - on SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com](https://romancescamsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Dont-Call-Scammers-Names.png "Don't Call Scammers Names - You Are Personalizing It And Making It Harder To Recover - Please Just Stop It! - 2024 [UPDATED] Dont Call Scammers Names")
Don't Call Scammers Names You Are Personalizing It And Making It Harder To Recover Please Just Stop It! You Are Not Hurting Them, You Are Hurting Yourself and Other Victims! Recovery Psychology - 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 in 2018 - updated in 2024 Article Abstract When individuals resort [...]
Being A Convicted Criminal/Scammer/Fraudster in Nigeria - What Does That Really Mean? What is the Impact on Convicted Criminals and Their Families Criminal Justice - 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 Being a convicted criminal in Nigeria entails a profound and enduring impact on various aspects [...]
The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions There are Universal Principles that a Deception Needs to be Successful How Scams Work - 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 [...]
Confronting Scammers & The Consequences Of What Can Follow It Is A Bad Idea To Confront Them When You Catch On To Them! What Happens When You Confront Your Scammer? Only Bad Things! 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: 2019 - Article Updated: 2024 [...]
Negative Contrast Effect - A Cognitive Bias That Makes Things Worse Than They Are Cognitive Biases Play a Role in Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility to Scams and Create Difficulty Recovering from them! 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. Article Abstract The Negative Contrast [...]
Social Comparison Bias - A Cognitive Bias That Causes Psychological Challenges Cognitive Biases Play a Role in Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility to Scams and create Difficulty Recovering from them! 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 [...]
A Brief History of Malware, Malicious Code, and Computer Viruses Helping Everyone Understand the Cybersecurity Nightmare's Beginnings Criminology - A SCARS Insight Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the FBI Article Abstract The evolution of malware, malicious code, and computer viruses spans decades, from theoretical musings by mathematicians [...]
Cognitive Biases: Authority Bias Playing a Role In Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility To Scams The Psychology of Scams - 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. [...]
Urban Legend: Being Smart Does Not Save You From Scams! People Believe Far Too Many Urban Legends & Myths Urban Legend - 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 urban legend that intelligence shields individuals from scams and fraud is debunked as a dangerous misconception. Despite [...]
Cognitive Biases: Dunning-Kruger Effect Playing 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. Article Abstract The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias wherein individuals with limited knowledge or skill in a particular area tend to overestimate [...]
Cognitive Biases: Rational Actor Fallacy Playing 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. Article Abstract The rational actor fallacy posits that individuals consistently make decisions based on logical reasoning and self-interest, overlooking the influence of [...]
Urban Legend: I Am Not Worth Scamming Or Hacking! People Believe Far Too Many Urban Legends & Myths Urban Legend - 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 urban legend that individuals are too small to be hacked or scammed persists due to various misconceptions and [...]
Ambiguity Aversion Bias - A Cognitive Bias Playing a Role In Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility To Scams And Creating Challenges To Scam Victim Recovery The Psychology of Scams - 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 [...]
Actor-Observer Bias - A Cognitive Bias Playing a Role In Your Vulnerability & Susceptibility To Scams The Psychology of Scams - 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. [...]
Scammers Learn A Whole Toolkit Full Of Psychological Manipulation Techniques! Paradoxical Persuasion Is One That Can Be Very Effective!
Sending Money By FedEx To Scammers Scammers Now Want Your Money In Cash Via Courier How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Mail Me The Money! As It Becomes Harder And Harder For Scammers To Get Money, They Are Changing To Asking For Cash Via Mail, UPS, and FedEx! There are reasons why cybercriminals and scammers are now asking for money to be sent by mail or courier instead of [...]
Open Letter To Local Police Officers & Police Leadership Helping Law Enforcement Understand Why Reporting Matters Open Letter to Local Police - SCARS Commentary Attention Police Officers And Leadership - Local Police Please Take Victims' Reports We have to change the mentality of the local police in the United States regarding Scams & Financial Fraud crimes. Our local police do a great job, but the fact is that crime victims [...]
Trauma Grief & Humor As A Coping Mechanism Helping Scam Victims Understand How To Use Humor As A Coping Mechanism Scam Victim Recovery Psychology - A SCARS Insight Authors: • 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 use of humor as a coping mechanism [...]
The Communications Decency Act CDA Section 230 Meets The U.S. Supreme Court Section 230 - Deciding The Future of the Internet SCARS Commentary by Dr. Tim McGuinness SCARS Commentary: On the topic of the Communications Decency Act, Section 230 specifically. As some of you may know, in 1996 a new law was created that allowed websites (and everything is a website) to display content created by the site visitors. This is [...]
Top Lies Romance Scammers Tell Insights from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission How Scams Work - A SCARS Special Report 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 SCARS Encyclopedia of Scams Article Abstract Romance scammers employ elaborate lies and stories to manipulate their victims, ultimately [...]
Fraud: Threat to National Security Reclassifying These Crimes To Create Real Awareness & Action Advocating On Behalf Of Victims - A SCARS Special Report The United Kingdom Has Already Accepted This, But Now The United States Is Feeling It Too! Fraud Set To Be Upgraded As A Threat To National Security The United States Government and the UK Government plan will see the crime reclassified and treated as seriously as [...]
An Overview of Romance Scams A VICE Article Presented by SCARS Beware of the Perfect Gentleman The men whose photos are used for catfishing have little recourse other than to continuously report fake profiles across social media platforms. An article by Motherboard, by VICE This is an excellent overview of impersonation-based relations scams (romance scams) from our friends at VICE. Vice first interviewed us about 6 years ago. The article [...]
SCARS Journalism & Ethical Publishing Standards About RomanceScamsNOW.com A SCARS Policy About SCARS Publishing on RomanceScamsNOW.com Masthead Owner: Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., a Florida Nonprofit Corporation. Publisher in Chief: Dr. Tim McGuinness, Managing Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer Press Contact: Debby Montgomery Johnson, Director, Board Member, and SCARS Officer Editorial Advisory Board: Vianey Gonzalez, and others. Corrections We will revise our website and articles as needed [...]
A SCARS EDITORIAL ON AI SAFETY Artificial Intelligence & Machines Learning Is Emerging In Relationship Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight See more SCARS Videos on our YouTube Channel - click here Knowledge Is Not Enough To Stop A Scam! A SCARS Editorial by Dr. Tim McGuinness The Dawn Of AI In Scams AI is beginning to take over the communications between victims [...]
SCARS Q&A Questions & Answers 11/9/2022 With Special Guest Erin West A SCARS Presentation A SCARS Question & Answers Presentation With Special Guest Erin West, Prosecutor, Santa Clara County, California And SCARS Board Members: Dr. Tim McGuinness (USA), Debby Montgomery Johnson (USA), and Vianey Gonzales (Mexico) On today's SCARS Q&A we explore Pig Butchering Crypto Relationship/Investment Scams, Real Money Recovery, Money Mules, the Criminal Justice Systems and Law Enforcement, Scams, [...]
The Diane Webb Story - Who Died From Her Romance Scam As Told By Her Family A SCARS Presentation Diane K. Webb - Who Died From Her Romance Scam Diane Webb was a 70-year-old woman from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho who had been manipulated into a romance scam. She sold her home and sent every dollar she had to a scammer in Nigeria. She then traveled to Nigeria and was kidnapped [...]
SCARS Testifies Before The FTC About Data Privacy Victims' Advocacy A SCARS Special Report The Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. was invited to testify before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission regarding data collection and surveillance, and data security regulation.The FTC is developing a new set of data limits and responsibility regulations to cover all user data - consensual or not.Our Dr. McGuinness, Chairman of SCARS was able to deliver [...]
Normalcy Bias - A Cognitive Bias The Normalcy Bias: Understanding the Cognitive Bias that Can Put You in Danger Cognitive Biases - What Could Go Wrong, Right? 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. Originally Published: 2022 - Article Updated: 2025 [...]
Panic & Urgency Scams [VIDEO] SCARS Webinar May 21, 2022 In this edition of our SCARS Webinar Series, we talk about short-term scams where the scammers place the victim in panic and create a sense of urgency!. These scams are typically about some form of emergency or urgent situation where the victim has to send money immediately to avoid serious consequences. Hosted by SCARS Directors: Debby Montgomery Johnson & Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, [...]
Romance Scams Life Cycle SCARS Webinar May 14, 2022 Report The Crime You are the victim of organized transnational criminals! Take this seriously. The reason scams are so out of control is that only about 1% of victims report these crimes! Every report matters! Police may not chase after the scammers but the reports help the government to extradite them! Reporting also restores your power and [...]
SCARS Webinar: Money Mules [VIDEO] Understanding How Victims Are Manipulated Into Becoming Accessories A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] May 7, 2022 It Is Common For Scam Victims To Be Manipulated - Against Their Will Or Knowledge Into Becoming Money Mules Don’t Be a Mule: Awareness Can Prevent Crime What Is a Money Mule? A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone [...]
SCARS Webinar: Romance Scams #1 [VIDEO] Pig Butchering Fraud & Military Impersonation Fraud A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] April 30, 2022 Romance Fraud has been with us for hundreds of years at least. Fraudsters pretending to be in love to gain money is commonplace! But they have been online since the early 1990s. Our team began educating about them starting in 1991. Did You Know? It is estimated that 50% [...]
SCARS Webinar: Telling Your Story Part 2 [VIDEO] Telling Your Family & Friends A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] April 23, 2022 Every Scam Victim Need To Tell Their Story An excerpt from our upcoming SCARS Gold Book on Telling Your Story First, understand that this is not going to be easy! But it is easier than hiding the secret inside! By sharing your story you will reduce your trauma and improve your [...]
Telling Your Story - Part 1 The Police [VIDEO] A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] April 16, 2022 Every Scam Victim Need To Tell Their Story That Process Begins With Telling The Police! We explore the topic of how to do this in great detail, starting with getting organized - how to talk to them and what you need from them in the process. Our SCARS Webinar Presentation on How To Tell [...]
Pig Butchering Investment Scams Official FBI Podcast Presented by SCARS Building A Digital Defense Against A New Romance + Cryptocurrency Scam Called "Pig Butchering" Listen to the Podcast below - Podcast will automatically play The Pig Butchering scam pulls on heartstrings and purse strings, and it is much easier to execute than regular emergency-based romance scams! The fraud is named for the way scammers feed their victims with [...]
Justice - What This Means For Scam Victims A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] April 9, 2022 Every Scam Victim Wants Justice But What Is It Really? We explore the topic of what Justice is, how it works in the Criminal Justice System worldwide - how police work, and who victims should report to. Our SCARS Webinar Presentation on JUSTICE deals with something that few scam victims really understand and what is [...]
Trust - What This Means For Scam Victims A SCARS Webinar [VIDEO] April 2, 2022 Trust Is A Very Big Deal If You Are A Scam Victim Trust is a very difficult topic, full of guilt and shame, but if you can fully understand the truth of what trust is and means to all the people involved before, during, and after the scam - only then can you really begin [...]
Scam Victim's 8 Steps To Improvement After The Scam A New Addition To The SCARS Recovery Program Books SCARS Publishing Book SCARS Wrote The Book On Scam Victim Recovery! In addition to the massive information published here on RomanceScamsNOW.com - free for all scam victims, families, and friends - SCARS also published guides and useful books available on our SCARS Company Store at shop.AgainstScams.org 100% of all profit goes to [...]
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Pivots In Major Change On Impersonation Scams This is the first significant action to help protect consumers since 2020 A SCARS Special Report On December 16, 2021 SCARS Was Invited By The U.S. Federal Trade Commission To Testify On that day, the FTC held a meeting to vote on new rulemaking to outlaw certain impersonation scams. SCARS was there in the meeting to support the new [...]
Scammers Pretending To Be Anti-Scammers The New Trend In The War On Scams! A SCARS Special Report Scammers Pretending To Be Against Scams! It Should Be No Surprise That Scams & Scammers Are Always Evolving! Online scammers, especially on social media, have always looked for ways to reach more potential victims. They started on just dating websites but quickly moved onto social media, messaging, and even game platforms. Today's scammers [...]
After A Scam, No One Can Tell You How You Will React Trauma and the Psychology of Scams A SCARS Insight Victim Trauma Response After The End Of A Relationship Scam Is Complex It is always important to remember that trauma does not always manifest the same in everyone. So much depends on a person's resilience to determine the lasting effects of their trauma. Additionally, many victims may believe that [...]
SCARS Files Complaint With The Department of Justice Inspector General's Office Regarding Crime Victims Rights by the Federal Bureau of Investigation SCARS Victims' Advocacy The following is the text of that complaint: Attention: Office of the Inspector General, Department of Justice Regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IC3.gov - Systematic Institutional Violation of the Rights of Crime Victims. September 8, 2021 Our organization SCARS (Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams [...]
SCARS Publishes New Self-Help Recovery Guide SCARS Re-Launches The SCARS Steps Program In Book Form From SCARS Publishing SCARS Is Very Proud To Launch Its Latest Publication: The SCARS GREEN BOOK! Our New Self-Help SCARS Steps Recovery Guide SCARS Re-launches the SCARS Steps Program in book form to provide easier access and more flexible availability of this important program! It is a scam recovery guide for scam victims that [...]
Thoughts from the War on Scams ... July 17, 2021 Things Have to Change! A SCARS Commentary on Privacy A Commentary on The State of Scams & Privacy By Dr. Tim McGuinness, Member of the Board of Directors, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. I recently heard from a friend who was applying for a new position and was declined because of #data that was discovered - [...]
Corporate Blame In Cybersecurity Cybercrime Victims Are Being Targeted By The Employers For Their Mistakes Many companies have gone so far as to litigate against employees! The Subtle Sabotage Of Blame In Cybersecurity & Online Safety A SCARS™ Insight by Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth This article is for business owners and mid-level or senior managers! We All Do It, We All Blame Someone For Something Sometimes [...]
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