SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Never Chase Your Money To Africa
A SCARS Victims’ Advisory
A SCARS Victims’ Advisory
Never Go To Visit Someone You Only Met Online!
You Might Go In A Suitcase and Come Back In A Casket!
If you are going to meet someone, have them come to you! Always – it is much safer to be on your home ground in case something goes wrong!
More Important However …
NEVER TRY TO GO AFTER YOUR MONEY
ODDS ARE VERY HIGH YOU WILL NOT COME BACK
Many victims think that they can go to West Africa (or wherever) to recover their money. This is just another case of Magical Thinking on top of other bad decisions.
STOP – after a scam, stop trying to rush around and fix everything. In most cases, it is too late. Making decisions in this state will only create more bad judgments.
The fact is that the number of “tourist” deaths in these countries are some of the highest in the world. Local police have no incentive to keep you safe, and corruption means that is easy for the police to be part of the risk.
Who Do You Think Scammers Are?
Astoundingly, most victims believe that scammers are lazy shiftless individuals.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Regardless of what you see in photos, scammers are mostly part of gangs or larger organizations (cartels).
These gangs can have a handful of members or thousands. These are truly organized criminals with the police (many times) in their pockets. Worse still is that at least 30% are actively financing and supporting ISIS or Al Qaeda Terrorists. Do you think you are really ready to face these criminals on their home territory?
THIS IS WHO YOU ARE GOING TO CONFRONT!
Here is a map of the most dangerous places on Earth for foreign travelers. So ask yourself: You made an impulsive decision once, are you doing it again?
Very likely you are.
Your Money Is Not Worth Your Life!
Let law enforcement do their job. You may not like it or have confidence in it, but you are not a super crime fighter – you are a victim!
Remember, that this is also true for most of the world. Criminals know their territory and they can operate easily. If you show up chasing a criminal, regardless of the country, you are placing your life at real risk!
Stay home and stay safe!
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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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
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U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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Recent Comments
On Other Articles
- on The SCARS Institute Relationship Scams Formula Checklist – 2026: “As I read this I could see myself in every step with my scam. I gained a lot more knowledge…” Aug 28, 19:51
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Unfortunately, you are being scammed. She is using a fake name regardless. At this point, your best option is to…” Aug 26, 20:16
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Dear Sirs, I have met this woman with the name Abigail Boateng in Ghana. I have an intensive mail contact…” Aug 26, 12:28
- on Trauma-Induced Fear May Cause Paranoia: “Very interesting article. I’m wondering if someone would likely recognize that they’re becoming increasingly paranoid, or hypervigilant, or does it…” Aug 24, 12:07
- on Spotting AI Scams – Using AI to Catch Artificial Intelligence Scams – 2026: “Wow, very useful and thorough advice! I don’t plan on talking to any strangers online ever again, at least not…” Aug 22, 22:11
- 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
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.
Be warned about a David Betham–claiming to be a Project Engineer living in the UK –travels to Nigeria for work. And also a Richard Cole…all are on facebook.
David Lopez Halfpenny is still at it trying to scam women. Dealing in gold, shop opening in London, granddaughter named Lilian, wife and daughter died 7 years ago in car accident and son-in-law in mental home! Off in Sardinia at the moment buying gold !! He will come up with the address of 1Buckland Close, Hull, HU8 9SU phone 0113 328 1317 mobile 07938 200660. When confronted that he is a scammer will say that his identity was stolen and used previously and he is not the scammer! Why can’t these guys be prosecuted one asks. His new email address is whitedove1012@gmail.com Latest development would like you to buy him a cologne that you think would be nice for him, you’d perfume so that he knows what you smell like and an Xbox for Lilian as he couldn’t get it before he went to Sardinia and it’s her birthday on the 13rh August but will pay you back as soon as he’s back from his trip!!
Good Afternoon, I would like to warn women about a so called David Lopez-Halfpenny whom claims he from hull and has fooled me into believing his wife and daughter died in a tragic car accident,He claims to be raising a grandchild called Lillian aged 8 and lives in Hull supposedly?? He has an office in Leeds and claims to opening a jewellers in London, He claimed to have gone to Sardinia to bring gold bars back (what a joke) He asked for £300 and then 1k …..No way was I going to give him money when not even met!!!!! BE wary ladies he is a scammer
Also goes by the name whitedove@gmail.com
The way to do that is use our report forms not put it in a comment that won’t be seen.
can you find the real person through the email and phone number they are using to scam people and if so are they prosecuted?
Have you reported the information on our Report forms? Report the information first please.