ALERT: Avoid Amateur Support For Your Recovery!

ALERT: Avoid Amateur Support For Your Recovery!

Key Topics:

  • Emotional & Psychological Toll on Romance Scams – Including Profound Trauma and Complex Grief – Requires Competent Professional Care

  • Victim Support is a Complex and Professional Practice

  • Certified Professionals in Trauma-Informed Care are essential to Scam Victim Care

  • Finding Trauma Therapy or Counseling are also Important

The Critical Role of Professional Scam Victim Support Services

Every recent scam victim wants to help others, but the reality is they are mostly not competent to do so

Are You Getting Your Support from Amateurs? Almost Every Scam Victim Wants to Help Others! But it does NOT mean they are Competent To Do It!

Avoid Putting Your Mind and Your Future in the Hands of Amateurs!

It’s vital for traumatized scam victims to seek support from certified trauma-informed care professionals during their recovery because these experts have the necessary training and credentials to provide appropriate care. Certified therapists, counselors, psychologists, and victim service providers possess specialized knowledge in dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that can arise after being scammed. They are equipped to offer science-based services and support helping victims process their experiences and rebuild their sense of security.

Working with certified professionals ensures that scam victims receive ethical and confidential care. Certified professionals adhere to strict professional standards and codes of conduct, which protect clients’ privacy and ensure their successful recovery is the primary focus. This professionalism creates a safe and supportive environment, crucial for victims to openly discuss their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment with the appropriate educational support to help victims understand why it was not their fault, the impact that betrayal trauma will have on them, how their minds have been injured by these crimes and the overall process of recovery. Additionally, certified professionals can help victims through education recognize and address the complex psychological issues that may arise, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping scam victims find the right resources to ensure that victims receive comprehensive and effective support throughout their recovery journey.

SCARS is fully trauma-informed care certified and holds numerous other certifications in many other related and allied areas.

Amateurs Involved in Supporting Crime Victims can be Dangerous to the Victims they Claim to Want to Help

Lack of Training and Expertise: Amateurs lack the proper training and professional expertise required to handle sensitive situations involving crime victims. Handling such cases demands a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, victim rights, legal considerations, and the psychological impact of crime. Without this knowledge and training, they exacerbate the trauma experienced by the victim and cause additional harm.

Risk of Re-traumatization: Amateurs are not aware of the potential triggers or re-traumatization risks that crime victims might face during interactions. Certain actions, even if well-intentioned, could inadvertently deepen the victim’s trauma, leading to further distress.

Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns: Supporting crime victims requires the utmost respect for confidentiality and privacy. Amateurs do not fully comprehend the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and their duty of care, and their involvement frequently leads to unintentional breaches of confidentiality, potentially putting the victim at risk. This is especially true in poorly managed groups on social media.

Misinformation and Misguidance: Without proper training & certifications, awareness of current research, and their own biased perspectives on victims’ experiences, amateurs do not have accurate information about these crimes and the impacts they have on their victims. Nor do they have familiarity with the legal processes, or appropriate steps to take when assisting crime victims. Providing incorrect guidance or advice could lead to detrimental outcomes for the victims, both emotionally and legally, and violate governing regulations.

Interference with Professional Services: Amateur involvement might unintentionally or intentionally interfere with the work of trained professionals such as law enforcement officers, victim advocates, counselors, or attorneys, which can be a violation of the law. This interference could hinder the proper resolution of the case or the victim’s recovery process.

Legal Implications: Interacting with crime victims involves understanding the legal aspects of victim support, including professional standards and best practices, leading to unintended consequences and possible legal issues for both the victims and the amateurs engaged in misguided support activities.

Lack of Boundaries: Amateurs often conflict with establishing appropriate boundaries when supporting crime victims. This could lead to an unhealthy level of emotional involvement, which may not be in the best interest of the victim or the supporter.

To avoid these potential dangers, it’s important for crime victims to receive support from trained professionals and accredited organizations that specialize in victim advocacy and assistance. These professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide appropriate care and support while minimizing the risk of further harm to the victims.

SCARS is proud to be the most certified and award-winning nonprofit organization focused on supporting scam victims worldwide! However, regardless of who a victim may use, always check their professional credentials.

We urge you to carefully consider the choices you make after you become the victim of a scam. Your future truly does depend on it!

SCARS Support & Recovery

Important Things For Scam Victims To Know

SCARS Resources

SCARS Scam Victims' Support - email us at contact@AgainstScams.org

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