Psychology Articles
SCARS Articles about Scam/Fraud/Cybercrime Psychology, Victimology, Criminology, and Sociology
Articles relation to the psychology of scams, the exploitation by criminals, and their function and impact in scam victims.
Featured Articles
Tonic Immobility – A Response to Trauma or Stress and Crime Victims – 2025
Tonic Immobility - A Response to Trauma or Stress and Crime Victims Understanding the Involuntary Freeze Response Principal Category: Trauma Response Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Read More ...
The Spotlight Effect – Cognitive Bias – 2025
The Spotlight Effect - Cognitive Bias Principal Category: Cognitive Biases Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract The spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that causes individuals to overestimate the extent to which others notice, Read More ...
Trauma Response – The Human ‘Prey Animal Response System’ and Scam Victims – 2025
The 'Prey Animal Response System' and Scam Victims - a Trauma Response The Human Mind's 'Prey Animal Response System' in Traumatized Scam Victims - Before, During, and Long After the Scam Principal Category: Psychology of Scams and Scam Victim Recovery Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty Read More ...
Psychological Reactive Abuse in Relationship Scams – 2025
Psychological Reactive Abuse in Relationship Scams Principal Category: Psychology of Scams - Manipulation and Control Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim Read More ...
Opponent Processing in Scam Victims – Before and During the Scam – 2025
Opponent Processing in Scam Victims - Before and During the Scam Opponent Processing - a Cognitive Function that Can Increase Scam Victim Vulnerability Principal Category: Psychology/Neurology Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract: Read More ...
Deep Psychological Depression and the Effects it has on Scam Victim Recovery – 2025
Deep Psychological Depression and the Effects it has on Scam Victim Recovery The Paralyzing Effects of Deep Psychological Depression on Scam Victims and How It Halts Recovery Principal Category: Scam Victim Psychological Disorders Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Read More ...
Personality Traits and Past Trauma Responses – 2025
Personality Traits and Past Trauma Responses Is It Really You? Recognizing Personality Traits as Trauma Responses Principal Category: Psychological Trauma Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Read More ...
Scam Victims’ Mobilization Defense Mechanisms – 2024
Scam Victim Mobilization Defense Mechanisms How Psychological Mobilization Defense Mechanisms Activate in Scam Victims and Affect Trauma Recovery Principal Category: Psychological Coping & Defense Mechanisms Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of Read More ...
Psychology Articles
Tonic Immobility – A Response to Trauma or Stress and Crime Victims – 2025
Tonic Immobility - A Response to Trauma or Stress and Crime Victims Understanding the Involuntary Freeze Response Principal Category: Trauma Response Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Read More ...
The Spotlight Effect – Cognitive Bias – 2025
The Spotlight Effect - Cognitive Bias Principal Category: Cognitive Biases Authors: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract The spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that causes individuals to overestimate the extent to which others notice, Read More ...
Trauma Response – The Human ‘Prey Animal Response System’ and Scam Victims – 2025
The 'Prey Animal Response System' and Scam Victims - a Trauma Response The Human Mind's 'Prey Animal Response System' in Traumatized Scam Victims - Before, During, and Long After the Scam Principal Category: Psychology of Scams and Scam Victim Recovery Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty Read More ...
Psychological Reactive Abuse in Relationship Scams – 2025
Psychological Reactive Abuse in Relationship Scams Principal Category: Psychology of Scams - Manipulation and Control Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Tim Read More ...
Psychiatric Medication Warning – 2025
Psychiatric Medication Warning - 2025 Do not accept any psychiatric or mental health (anxiety/depression/etc.) medication from a doctor who is not a psychiatrist. Warning: The Dangers of Taking Psychiatric Medications Without a Prescription from a Psychiatrist Psychiatric medications are powerful tools in managing mental health conditions, but they should Read More ...
Opponent Processing in Scam Victims – Before and During the Scam – 2025
Opponent Processing in Scam Victims - Before and During the Scam Opponent Processing - a Cognitive Function that Can Increase Scam Victim Vulnerability Principal Category: Psychology/Neurology Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract: Read More ...
Deep Psychological Depression and the Effects it has on Scam Victim Recovery – 2025
Deep Psychological Depression and the Effects it has on Scam Victim Recovery The Paralyzing Effects of Deep Psychological Depression on Scam Victims and How It Halts Recovery Principal Category: Scam Victim Psychological Disorders Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Read More ...
Personality Traits and Past Trauma Responses – 2025
Personality Traits and Past Trauma Responses Is It Really You? Recognizing Personality Traits as Trauma Responses Principal Category: Psychological Trauma Authors: • Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Read More ...
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in these articles 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, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
SCARS Resources:
♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
♦ To report criminals visit reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!
♦ If you are a victim of scams go to ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help
♦ Come and join our kinder, safer, no-hate, anti-scam education and discussion group: support.AgainstScams.org
♦ Sign up for our free support & recovery help by support.AgainstScams.org
♦ Join our WhatsApp Chat Group at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BPDSYlkdHBbDBg8gfTGb02
♦ Follow us on X: x.com/RomanceScamsNow
♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom
♦ See SCARS Institute Scam Victim Self-Help Books at shop.AgainstScams.org
♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com
♦ Become a SCARS Institute Member – Help Us Help Others – learn more at membership.AgainstScams.org
♦ See more scammer photos on ScammerPhotos.com
You can also find the SCARS Institute on Facebook, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, and TruthSocial