SCARS Support Team

How to Evaluate Your Own Mental Health After a Scam

How to Evaluate Your Own Mental Health After a Scam After a scam, you protect your safety and rebuild stability by evaluating your mental health, recognizing signs like betrayal trauma, dissociation, and brain fog, and choosing clear next steps. Key Topics: Understanding Betrayal Trauma Basics Recognizing Dissociation & Its Impact Assessing Cognitive Dysfunction - How You Think You Are Thinking Awareness of Other Potential Disorders Moving Forward with Self-Compassion After the Scam Ends, Your Mind is in Turmoil About 97% of Scam Victims Suffer from Betrayal Trauma - You are Not Alone Please Note: This is to help you understand your mental health. Experiencing trauma does not mean you are crazy or mentally ill. It means you have experienced something terrible and have been injured. The only goal should be to heal. A Compassionate Guide to Evaluating Your Mental Health After a Scam You've taken a courageous step by exploring how a scam may have impacted your mental health. Being scammed isn't just a financial hit; it can shake your sense of trust and stability. This brief guide helps you assess your well-being, focusing on betrayal trauma, dissociation, cognitive dysfunction, and other potential challenges. We'll use simple questions and tips to reflect on your experiences in a safe, non-judgmental way. You're not alone, and healing is possible. Let's begin. Understanding Betrayal Trauma Betrayal trauma often hits hardest after a scam, especially when someone you trusted, like in a romantic partner or investment advisor, turns out to be deceptive. It is a betrayal of your trust, and it hits hard, harder than you could have imagined. It feels like a personal violation, an act of violence, as if the ground beneath you has shifted. You might feel angry at the scammer, frustrated with yourself, or struggle to trust others. Physical signs can include restlessness, headaches, or a tight feeling in your chest. To check if betrayal trauma is affecting you, ask yourself these questions: Are you finding it hard to believe in people's good intentions? Have you pulled back from friends or family out of Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-08-15T05:09:32-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: Mental Health, Scam Victim, Scam Victims|

How to Recognize You are in the Multiple Scam Trap and How to Climb Out

Breaking the Cycle of Repeat Scam Victimization How to Protect Yourself from Being Scammed Again! Understand: repeat victimization happens to many intelligent, capable people, especially after a romance or investment scam. Being scammed once does not mean you are immune to the next time, and it does not mean you are at fault if you are targeted again. Key Topics: A Step-by-Step Recovery Process on How to Avoid Future Scams Why Avoiding Repeat Victimization Is So Difficult Separate the Scammer’s Actions from Your Sense of Self Practice Structured Self-Protection You have been Scammed Multiple Times. Now What Do You Do? About 15% of Scam Victims are Scammers 3 or More Times - You are Not Alone You are Caught in a Multiple Scam Trap. Now Let's Get You Out of It! You have already endured the emotional and financial harm of a scam. The betrayal has left scars that may not be visible, but they are real. You may still be dealing with the shock of realizing the person or relationship you trusted was built on lies. Yet, without noticing it, you might be moving toward another trap. This is not because you are careless or unintelligent. It is because the same vulnerabilities that were exploited once can be exploited again, and the emotional state following the first scam can make you more, not less, susceptible. Many victims of romance scams experience this painful cycle. After losing substantial sums to a scammer, you may be contacted by someone who claims they can help you recover your money, arrest the criminal, or even restore your lost relationship. They may present themselves as a police officer, an investigator, a lawyer, or an insider who knows exactly what happened to you. They speak in ways that match your hope for justice or resolution. This is where the danger grows. Instead of recognizing these new people as potential scammers, you may feel relief that someone finally understands and wants to help. That relief can quickly turn into trust, and trust into another financial loss. The stakes are not Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-08-10T03:01:42-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: Multiple Scam Trap, Scam Victim, Scam Victims|

Forgiving Yourself After Surviving a Romance or Investment Scam

Forgiving Yourself After Surviving a Romance or Investment Scam How to Forgive Yourself After Surviving a Scam! Understand this: everyone can be scammed, and everyone deserves forgiveness Key Topics: A Step-by-Step Recovery Process on How to Forgive Yourself Why Self-Forgiveness Is So Difficult After a Scam Separate the Scam from Your Identity Practice Structured Self-Compassion A Step-by-Step Recovery Process: How to Forgive Yourself After Surviving a Relationship or Investment Scam Falling for a trust-based scam leaves deep emotional wounds that go beyond financial loss. Romance scams and investment cons often depend on emotional connection, personal trust, or the belief that you were building something real with another person. Scammers create false relationships, carefully designed to lower your defenses and exploit your hopes. When that illusion collapses, the damage cuts through more than your bank account. It strikes at your sense of judgment, your confidence, and often your identity itself. After this kind of betrayal, self-blame becomes almost automatic. You may tell yourself you should have known better or believe the lie that you were weak or naïve. Shame sets in quickly, making you question your intelligence, your ability to judge character, or even your worth as a person. These feelings do not just appear temporarily. If left unchecked, they can solidify into distorted beliefs that damage your mental health and trap you in cycles of regret or emotional paralysis. Self-forgiveness is the only way to break that cycle. Forgiving yourself does not mean excusing what happened or pretending the scam was acceptable. It means reclaiming your emotional stability and self-worth. It gives you permission to separate the scam from your identity. When you choose to forgive yourself, you stop allowing the scam to define your future or destroy your confidence. This process is grounded in well-established recovery tools. It draws on trauma psychology, self-compassion research, and proven methods for rebuilding mental and emotional resilience. Learning to forgive yourself is not about false positivity or ignoring reality. It is about facing what happened with honesty, rebuilding your sense of control, and making sure the scam remains Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-06-26T08:53:22-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: Forgive, Forgiveness, Forgiving Yourself, Scam Victim, Scam Victims|

Victimology – Understanding Philippines Women Scam Victims Aged 30-60 – 2025

Philippines (Filipina) Women Scam Victims Aged 30 to 50 We Know the Challenges You Face Acknowledging that you've been scammed takes courage and is an important first step in recovery. You're not alone, and the emotions you're experiencing are completely valid. We're here to provide guidance, clarity, and support as you begin your journey forward. Together, we'll help you identify practical steps to regain your confidence, find effective support, and rebuild your life. Silent Suffering: The Cultural Challenges Philippines (Filipina) Women Aged 30-60 Face as Romance Scam Victims You’re a Filipina woman between 30 and 60, and you’ve just been scammed—your savings have been drained by a romance scam, your trust in others is shattered, and you’re left grappling with a mix of fear, anxiety, and shame. As a romance scam victim in this demographic, you face unique cultural issues that make reporting the scam, trusting others afterward, and seeking emotional recovery particularly challenging. You might find yourself consumed by fear and anxiety, focusing solely on recovering your money rather than addressing your psychological wounds, and hesitant to open up to family, friends, or support groups. Let’s explore these cultural dynamics, the types of romance scams you’re most vulnerable to, your views on mental healthcare, the challenges you face in communicating with loved ones, and your attitudes toward support groups, so you can better navigate your path to healing. Cultural Barriers to Reporting Romance Scams in the Philippines When you’re a Filipina woman aged 30 to 60 who’s been scammed, reporting the crime can feel like an overwhelming hurdle, and cultural factors in the Philippines play a significant role in this reluctance. One major barrier is the cultural value of hiya (shame), which emphasizes maintaining face and avoiding embarrassment for yourself and your family. Admitting you’ve been deceived in a romance scam can feel like a public failure, bringing shame not just to you but to your entire family, especially in a society where women are often seen as the emotional and moral anchors of the household. A 2022 study found that only 2% Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-03-29T04:23:48-04:00Categories: Victimologies, Victimology Profiles|Tags: Female Scam Victims, Filipinas, New Victim, Philippines Women, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery, Women Scam Victims|

Victimology – Understanding American Women Scam Victims Over the Age of 50 – 2025

American Women Scam Victims Over the Age of 50 We Understand What You're Facing Acknowledging the experience of being scammed is an important step in helping you understand that you're not alone, your emotions are valid, and recovery is within reach. This information is here to help you identify the most effective ways to seek support and begin moving forward with clarity and confidence. Facing the Fallout: Cultural Struggles of American Women Scam Victims Over 50 You’re an American woman over 50, and you’ve just been scammed—your savings have been drained, your trust in others is shattered, and you’re left grappling with a mix of fear, anxiety, and shame. As a scam victim in this demographic, you face unique cultural issues that make reporting the scam, trusting others afterward, and seeking emotional recovery particularly challenging. You might find yourself consumed by fear and anxiety, focusing solely on recovering your money rather than addressing your psychological wounds, and hesitant to open up to family, friends, or support groups. Let’s explore these cultural dynamics, the types of scams you’re most vulnerable to, your views on mental healthcare, the challenges you face in communicating with loved ones, and your attitudes toward support groups, so you can better navigate your path to healing. Cultural Barriers to Reporting Scams in the U.S. When you’re an American woman over 50 who’s been scammed, reporting the crime can feel like an overwhelming hurdle, and cultural factors play a significant role in this reluctance. One major barrier is the societal expectation of women as caretakers and nurturers, roles that often come with an unspoken assumption that you should be cautious and discerning, especially in financial matters. Admitting you’ve been deceived can feel like a failure to live up to this ideal, leading to deep shame. A 2022 study found that women over 50 are 55% less likely to report fraud than younger women, often due to fears of being seen as naive or incapable. “I didn’t report it because I was too embarrassed—I’m supposed to be the one who keeps things Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-03-26T18:30:27-04:00Categories: Victimologies, Victimology Profiles|Tags: Female Scam Victims, New Victim, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery, Women Scam Victims|

Victimology – Understanding American Men Scam Victims Over the Age of 40 – 2025

American Men Scam Victims Over the Age of 40 We Understand What You've Been Through Recognizing the reality of scam victimization is essential in helping survivors see that they are not alone, that their feelings are valid, and that recovery is possible. We hope this information helps you better understand what happened and how to take the next steps toward getting the support you need. Understanding American Men Scam Victims Over 40: Cultural Challenges and Recovery Dynamics You’re an American man over 40, and you’ve just been scammed—your hard-earned money is gone, your trust in others is broken, and you’re grappling with a storm of emotions. As a scam victim in this demographic, you face unique cultural issues that make reporting the scam, trusting others afterward, and seeking emotional recovery particularly challenging. You might find yourself consumed by anger and rage, or choosing silence, while focusing solely on recovering your money rather than addressing your psychological wounds. Let’s explore these cultural dynamics, the types of scams you’re most vulnerable to, your views on mental healthcare, the challenges you face in communicating with family and friends, and your attitudes toward support groups, so you can better navigate your path to healing. Cultural Barriers to Reporting Scams in the U.S. When you’re an American man over 40 who’s been scammed, reporting the crime can feel like a daunting task, and cultural factors play a significant role in this hesitation. One major barrier is the cultural expectation of masculinity in the U.S., which often equates strength with self-reliance and stoicism. You’ve likely been socialized to believe that admitting vulnerability—such as being deceived by a scammer—is a sign of weakness, clashing with the societal ideal of a man who can handle his own problems. A 2022 study found that men are 600% less likely than women to report fraud, often due to fears of being perceived as less competent or incapable. “I didn’t report it because I didn’t want to look like a fool,” a 45-year-old scam victim shared in a 2023 survey, reflecting a sentiment you Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-03-26T17:09:14-04:00Categories: Victimologies|Tags: Male Victims, Men Victims, New Victim, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

Victimology – Understanding Latin American Scam Victims – 2025

Latin American Scam Victims We Know What You’ve Been Through Recognizing the reality of being a scam victim is key to helping you, as a survivor, realize you’re not alone, your emotions are legitimate, and there’s a path to healing ahead. Our intent for this information is to guide you in finding the best ways to seek support and move forward with confidence. Understanding Latin American Scam Victims: Cultural Challenges in Recovery A Victimology Profile: Navigating the Aftermath - The Unique Struggles of Latin American Scam Victims You’ve been scammed, and the fallout feels overwhelming—your savings are gone, your trust is shattered, and you’re left picking up the pieces in a cultural landscape that adds layers of complexity to your recovery. As a Latin American scam victim, you face unique challenges shaped by your region’s cultural norms, economic realities, and societal attitudes. Reporting the scam, trusting others afterward, and prioritizing emotional healing over financial recovery can feel like insurmountable hurdles. Let’s explore these cultural issues and understand why you might focus on getting your money back while also examining your views on psychology as a tool for healing. Cultural Barriers to Reporting Scams in Latin America When you’re scammed in Latin America, reporting the crime to authorities might not be your first instinct, and cultural factors play a significant role in this hesitation. One major barrier is the deep mistrust of institutions, a sentiment rooted in a history of corruption and inefficiency in many Latin American countries. You might fear that reporting a scam to the police or government agencies will lead nowhere—or worse, expose you to further exploitation. A 2023 regional survey found that 65% of Latin Americans lack confidence in their judicial systems, often citing corruption as a primary concern. This lack of trust makes you reluctant to come forward, as you might believe the system won’t deliver justice. Another cultural issue is the stigma surrounding victimhood. In many Latin American communities, there’s a strong emphasis on machismo and self-reliance, particularly for men, which can make admitting you’ve been deceived feel like Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-03-26T17:23:43-04:00Categories: Victimologies|Tags: Latin American Scam Victims, New Victim, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

Victimology – Understanding African American Scam Victims – 2025

African American Scam Victims We Understand What Happened to You! Understanding the Scam Victim Reality is important in helping scam victim-survivors to understand they are not alone, their feelings are valid, and that there is hope for recovery! We hope this information will help you to better understand how best to get help! Understanding African American Scam Victims: Cultural Challenges in Recovery You might think that being scammed is a universal experience, but for African American scam victims, the journey through betrayal and recovery carries unique cultural layers that shape their struggles. If you’re an African American who’s been victimized by a scam—whether it’s a romance fraud, a government imposter scheme, or a work-from-home ploy—you’re not just dealing with financial loss or emotional pain. You’re also navigating cultural dynamics that make it harder to report the scam, trust others afterward, and feel safe in mixed-race support groups. Let’s explore these challenges and understand how they impact your path to healing. The Cultural Barriers to Reporting Scams When you’ve been scammed, reporting the incident is a crucial step toward justice and recovery, but as an African American, you might face cultural barriers that make this difficult. One significant issue is the deep-seated mistrust of authorities, rooted in a long history of systemic racism and discrimination. For many in your community, interactions with law enforcement or government agencies have been marked by bias or mistreatment, leading to a reluctance to engage with these systems. A 2020 survey found that 70% of Black adults believe race-based discrimination in institutions like the police happens at least somewhat often, which can make you hesitant to report a scam to authorities. This mistrust is compounded by the fear of being judged or blamed. In African American communities, there’s often a strong emphasis on resilience and self-reliance—values that have helped your community survive centuries of adversity. Admitting you’ve been scammed can feel like admitting weakness, which clashes with this cultural expectation. You might worry that others will see you as gullible or foolish, adding shame to an already painful experience. Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-03-26T17:21:17-04:00Categories: Victimologies|Tags: African American Scam Victim, New Victim, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

ALERT: Victims Avoid Amateur Support For Your Recovery! 2024

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 Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2024-07-25T20:22:21-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: Professional Support, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

Child Online Safety – A Children’s Internet Safety Guide For Parents – 2024

Child Online Safety A Children's Internet Safety Guide For Parents Child online safety awareness is one of the most important things in today's digital world, where children are increasingly exposed to the internet's vast and often unregulated content. By understanding online safety, parents can help children learn to act responsibly and protect themselves from potential dangers such as cyberbullying, sextortion, predators, and inappropriate content. Educating children about the importance of privacy, the risks of sharing personal information, and recognizing suspicious behavior helps them develop critical thinking skills and resilience. Ultimately, raising awareness about online safety empowers parents and children to enjoy the benefits of the internet while safeguarding their well-being. Chatting with Kids About Being Online From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security & the SCARS Institute The Internet Offers a World of Opportunities for Children But it is Not Safe! People of all ages are: posting videos from mobile devices building online profiles texting each other from their mobile devices creating alter egos in the form of online avatars connecting with friends online they don’t see regularly in person sending photos to friends broadcasting what they’re doing to hundreds of people These ways of socializing and communicating can be fulfilling and, yet, they come with certain risks: The online world can feel anonymous. Kids sometimes forget that they are still accountable for their actions. Some people online have bad intentions, including bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. You may be concerned that your kids could find pornography, violence, or hate speech online. As parents you can reduce these risks by talking to your kids about how they communicate—online and off— and encouraging them to engage in conduct they can be proud of. This guide covers what you need to know, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online. Talk To Your Kids What is the best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents. The Importance of Parental Involvement Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2024-07-25T05:29:29-04:00Categories: Children's Online Safety|Tags: Child, Children, Internet Safety, Online Safety, Parents|

About SCARS Support Team

SCARS Institute™ Scam Victim’s Support
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]

Find SCARS™ All Across The Web & Social Media

SCARS Support Team

About SCARS Support Team

SCARS Institute™ Scam Victim’s Support Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]

Find SCARS™ All Across The Web & Social Media

SCARS Institute™ Scam Victim’s Support
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]