Support & Recovery Program

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|

Introduction To Being A Scam Victim – What Just Happened To You? 2024

What Just Happened to You? Introduction To Being A Scam Victim - How did this Scam happen, How did you become a Scam Victim? Understanding the Scam Victim Reality in the Beginning! Key Topics: What was this crime? How did it happen? Why were you targeted? Understand that it was Not Personal Realizing You Are a Scam Victim: Understanding the Why and How An Introduction to Being a Scam Victim Realizing that you have been scammed can be an incredibly devastating experience. It often comes with a powerful mix of emotions: shock, disbelief, anger, and shame. It's important to remember that scams are designed to deceive, and even the smartest individuals fall victim. Understanding why and how it happened is very important in setting you up to recover. However, first, you need the basic answers to what just happened, how it just happened, and why it happened. Understanding what just happened when someone discovers they have been in a relationship scam is vital for several reasons First, it helps you recognize that you are not at fault, as these scams are designed to exploit emotions and vulnerabilities. This realization is essential for emotional healing, as it can alleviate your feelings of guilt and shame. It will not happen overnight, this is going to be a long bumpy ride. Second, understanding the mechanics of the scam can empower you to take appropriate actions, such as reporting the incident to authorities, ceasing all communication with the scammer, and securing your personal information. Third, it equips you with the knowledge to recognize red flags in future interactions, reducing the risk of falling prey to similar scams again. But understand, that you will always remain vulnerable. Lastly, sharing their experience can raise awareness and potentially help others avoid falling into the same trap, contributing to a broader effort to combat these deceptive practices. Optional For Scam Victims SCARS INSTITUTE GREEN BOOK - a Part of the SCARS Institute Recovery Program available on shop.AgainstScams.org What Just Happened? You have just discovered that you are the victim Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2025-01-31T19:01:47-05:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: New Victim, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

How Do You Get Closure If You Are A Scam Victim? – 2024

How Do You Get Closure If You Are A Scam Victim? Getting Closure is Complicated for Scam Victims - It is All About Acknowledgement, Acceptance, and Forgiveness! An Essential Part of Scam Victim Recovery Key Topics: What is Closure for Scam Victims How to Acknowledge and Accept Forgiveness and Reconciliation Maintaining Your Closure What Does Closure Mean to a Scam Victim? Closure can mean different things for Different People, but for Scam Victims it is all about Forgiveness and Moving Forward! Closure may be what someone needs to move on after a long relationship, after the death of a loved one, after a traumatic childhood event, or to overcome feelings of guilt for hurting someone in the past. What is Psychological Closure? Psychologically, closure refers to the process of coming to terms with a distressing or unresolved situation, allowing individuals to move forward and find resolution. Why is Closure Important? Closure is vitally important for scam victims as it marks a milestone of their healing journey when they finally reclaim control over their lives. The aftermath of a scam leaves every victim grappling with their emotions, from anger and betrayal to shame and self-doubt. Without closure, these unresolved feelings linger, perpetuating a cycle of emotional distress and hindering the process of moving forward. Obtaining closure allows victims to finalize their experiences, and ultimately, let go of the crime and criminals. It provides a sense of resolution and finality, enabling victims to release focus on the crime and focus on rebuilding their lives with newfound strength and resilience. By achieving closure, scam victims can reclaim their full sense of self-worth, restore their trust in others, and embark on a new path into their future. Optional For Scam Victims SCARS WORKBOOK - Blaming Yourself & Feeling Guilty - a Part of the SCARS Recovery Program available on shop.AgainstScams.org Defining Closure an act of closing : the condition of being closed an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality For someone who has been traumatized by being the victim of a Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2024-05-12T15:25:41-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: Closure, Recovering from Scams, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program, Victim Recovery|

For Police Officers: Interacting With Scam Victims And How To Make A Difference

For Police Officers: Interacting With Scam Victims And How To Make A Difference Guidance for Local Law Enforcement to help better understand the ways to impact these crimes and better support scam/fraud/cybercrime victims Helping Police Officers better understand their options and how to help victims! Key Topics: How to Support Victims How to take Action against Money Mules Interacting with Victims in Denial Understanding Victim Trauma For Police Officers: Helping You Interact with Scam Victims and How to Make a Difference Basic Guidelines on Approaching & Interacting with Victims of Cyber-Enabled Crime (Online Scams) and Actions YOU Can Take! Background In the United States alone there are more than 50 million scam victims and that number is growing by 20 million a year or more, not to mention the rest of the world. Every country is being flooded with scams, fraud, and cybercrime cases. It may seem like there is nothing you can do to help victims or stop these crimes, but that is not true - there is much you can do to help. Scam/Fraud/Cybercrime Victims The way people cope as victims of crime depends largely on their experiences immediately following the crime. As a law enforcement officer, you are usually the first official to approach victims. For this reason, you are in a unique position to help victims cope with the immediate trauma of the crime and to help restore their sense of security and control over their lives. In the case of internet or phone-based scam victims, especially of “Romance Scam” victims – there is not a typical crime scene. Normally the victim is a walk-in or a phone-in. This is typically the first contact where officers are able to address victims and their needs. Optional for Scam Victims SCARS RED BOOK - Your Personal Scam Evidence & Crime Record Book available at shop.AgainstScams.org This publication recognizes that each crime is different and requires officers to prioritize their performance on tasks in each situation. We know that generally, officers must attend to many tasks, including Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2024-05-05T09:35:19-04:00Categories: Other Information|Tags: After the Scam, Local Police, Police Officers, Reporting the Scam, Scam Victim, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program|

Scam Victims Reporting Scams And Interacting With The Police

Scam Victims Reporting Scams and Interacting with the Police A Checklist of what to do Before Speaking with the Police and While You are Reporting Scams! Helping You Get What Is Possible from the Police and Helping You Consider Your Options! Key Topics: Create a Crime File Write a Crime Summary Know Your Rights Preparing to Go to the Police and Reporting Scams The SCARS Police Interaction Checklist For Reporting Scams It is Vital to Report EVERY Scam Reporting Scams is one of the problems that all scam victims face. They do not know what to say, how to report the information they have, or what is realistic when initially speaking with the police or government agencies. The process of reporting scams is not always easy but it is absolutely necessary. What can make it easier is making sure you are prepared when reporting scams and that your expectations are not unrealistic. The sooner you do this the better because there may be options for recovering your money too! The secret to reporting scams is to go in prepared, have no expectations, give them what they want, and listen carefully. We also recommend that you go in with a support person who can help you to better understand what the police are telling you – you may be very traumatized. In addition, reporting is your way to declaring your innocence if anyone ever questions it. Optional for Scam Victims SCARS RED BOOK - Your Personal Scam Evidence & Crime Record Book available at shop.AgainstScams.org Reporting Scams STEP 1: Create A Crime File After a scam you are shocked and confused, maybe even afraid, so you don’t know how to begin or what to do. The first step is to start collecting the evidence – because that is what it is. It is evidence of a crime, and online crimes are real crimes! This is the basis for reporting scams. DIGITAL FOLDER You will need to create a digital folder on your computer (if you have one.) If this Read More ...

SCARS Support Team2024-04-09T23:53:06-04:00Categories: New Victim Support Basics|Tags: After the Scam, Local Police, Reporting the Scam, Scam Victim, Scam Victims, Support & Recovery Program|

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]

Find SCARS™ All Across The Web & Social Media

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