Welcome to the SCARS INSTITUTE Journal of Scam Psychology
A Journal of Applied Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Psychology – and Allied Sciences
A dedicated site for psychology, victimology, criminology, applied sociology and anthropology, and allied sciences, published by the SCARS INSTITUTE™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Please Note: that the articles & research studies published on this site are part of SCARS INSTITUTE’s ongoing commitment to expanding knowledge, and cataloging available information and research on relationship fraud, deception, cybercrime, and their victims in all of their forms. Original content is published by SCARS under copyright, and third party Research is published in conformance with the stated license or under fair use as a part of this scholarly endeavor.
Excellentia Per Scientia
The SCARS Institute Manual of Scam Psychology
Our catalog of SCARS Institute articles about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims.
Psychological Trauma & PTSD
Our catalog of SCARS Institute articles about Psychological Trauma & PTSD and scam victims.
The SCARS Institute Manual of Cognitive Biases
Our SCARS Institute catalog of Cognitive Biases and their effects on Scam Victim Vulnerability and Recovery. Presented from a Crime Victims’ impact perspective.
Neurology of Scam Victims
Our SCARS Institute catalog of Neurology knowledge about Scam Victims. Presented as introductions for professionals and scam victims.
Psychological Coping Mechanisms of Scam Victims
Our SCARS Institute catalog of Psychological Coping Mechanisms knowledge about scam victims. Presented as introductions for professionals and scam victims.
Psychological Self-Assessment Tests for Scam Victims
Self-assessment tests by the SCARS Institute offer significant value to scam victims by providing a structured approach to understanding their emotional and cognitive states post-scam.
Featured Research & Studies
Featured research, studies, reports, and papers explore scams, scammers, and victims, probing victimology and criminology to understand scam tactics, psychological vulnerabilities, and socio-economic factors, aiming to develop strategies for prevention and protection.
SCARS Private Research Library
The SCARS Institute Private Research Library delves into scams, scammers, and victims, encompassing victimology and criminology. Exclusive to SCARS Team Members and Partners, it provides invaluable insights for combating fraudulent activities effectively.
Latest Research & Studies
The latest research and studies on scams, scammers, and scam victims delve into victimology and criminology, offering crucial insights into understanding and combatting fraudulent activities effectively.
Latest ScamPsychology.org Articles
The Psychology of Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime by the SCARS Institute
Scams are the fastest-growing crime in today’s world. With the rise of the internet and social media, criminals have more ways than ever to reach potential victims. Scams, fraud, and cybercrime have a devastating impact on victims, both financially and emotionally.
Understanding the psychology of scams is essential for both preventing these crimes and helping the victims of cybercrime to recover from their experiences.
Understanding the psychology of scams can help us to:
- Identify and avoid scams: By understanding the common tactics and techniques used by scammers, we can be more vigilant and less likely to fall victim to a scam.
- Educate others about scams: We can share our knowledge about scams with others to help them stay safe.
- Support victims of scams: By understanding the emotional impact of scams, we can provide better support to victims and help them to recover.
Victims of scams experience a range of negative emotions, including shame, guilt, anger, and fear. They are traumatized and can suffer from many other psychological disorders and syndromes.
Understanding the psychology of scams can help professionals to help victims to realize that they are not alone and that they are not to blame for being scammed, and to guide them through their recovery. It can also help them to understand the emotional impact of scams and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Equally important is this allows allied professionals to better understand how the criminals operate, the techniques they use, and the societal impact of these crimes.
This is the mission of this SCARS website. To bring this knowledge together and make it accessible to anyone interested in improving the situation.
Welcome to the SCARS Institute Journal of Applied Scams Fraud & Cybercrime Psychology & Allied Sciences
Published by SCARS to support research into a greater understanding of the psychology of scams, fraud, deception, cybercriminality, and how it applies to their victims
Our Journal of Scam Psychology’s mission is to present important research, studies, insights, news & commentary about how psychology is used by criminals in exploiting their victims, and increase our understanding of their victims. This will include:
- The tactics and techniques of grooming, manipulation, and control of scam victims
- The impact on victims both during and after the crimes
- The causes of vulnerability and susceptibility
- The application of psychology and its insights in helping support scam victims
This will be presented in:
- Research studies
- White papers
- Articles, commentary, and editorials based on real-world experience
- Case studies
Website Search:
For Counseling:
For Victim Support:
Other Related SCARS Websites:
OPINIONS: The research, opinions, and or conclusions contained in the published articles & research studies from third-parties on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., its Boards. Directors, Advisors, Team Members, Volunteers, or Members. It is presented as it is or was published without comment in the interest of advancing the state of knowledge about the subject matter presented.