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.
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Psychology Articles
What Is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) – An Introduction – 2024
What Is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) - An Introduction Principal Category: Recovery Psychology Authors: • National Center for PTSD • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health Read More ...
Cognitive Bias: AI Fallacy Bias – 2024
Cognitive Bias: AI Fallacy Bias Principal Category: Cognitive Biases Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.* The AI Fallacy Bias is a cognitive bias where individuals attribute creative works or mundane text to AI Read More ...
Cognitive Bias: Mere Exposure Effect Bias – 2024
Cognitive Bias: Mere Exposure Effect Bias Principal Category: Cognitive Biases Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The Mere Exposure Effect is a psychological bias where repeated exposure to a stimulus increases an individual's Read More ...
Are Scam Awareness Programs Effective? ‘Regression to the Mean’ Offers an Insight, Maybe! 2024
Are Awareness Programs Effective? 'Regression to the Mean' Offers an Insight, Maybe! Principal Category: Criminology Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract Understanding the effectiveness of public awareness programs in reducing scams is essential for Read More ...
About Hormones & Neurotransmitters – An Overview – 2024
About Hormones, Neurotransmitters, & Neuropeptides - An Overview Facilitating Mental & Body Processes Principal Category: Neurology This page is a work in progress. More will be added as new exploration is performed. Author: • Tim McGuinness, PhD DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of Read More ...
Cortisol And Scam Victims – 2024
Cortisol And Scam Victims Hormones & Neurotransmitters Principal Category: Neurology Author: • Tim McGuinness, PhD DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract: Cortisol, often termed the "stress hormone," is produced by Read More ...
Dopamine And Scam Victims – 2024
Dopamine And Scam Victims Hormones & Neurotransmitters Principal Category: Neurology Author: • Tim McGuinness, PhD DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Abstract: Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter that Read More ...
Cognitive Bias: Stereotyping – 2024
Cognitive Bias: Stereotyping Bias Principal Category: Cognitive Biases Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Stereotyping is a mental tendency (cognitive bias) where individuals categorize others into groups based on characteristics like race, gender, 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
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