SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims

Principal Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

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 McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

When forming opinions, especially on complex subjects like scam victimization and psychological trauma, it’s essential to rely on actual knowledge and experience. Understanding the neuropsychological impacts, such as how the brain’s response to scams mimics addiction, provides valuable insights into why victims struggle emotionally. Generalized knowledge or misconceptions can mislead both victims and professionals, hindering recovery. By seeking specialized knowledge, particularly from trauma-informed professionals, victims can receive more effective support and achieve better outcomes in their healing process. Accurate, informed perspectives are key to proper recovery.

Understanding the Need for Specialized Professional Care for Scam Victims

In today’s world, forming opinions based on solid knowledge and expertise is critical, especially when it comes to specialized fields like neuroscience, psychology, or any other scientific discipline. When it comes to scams and their effects on victims, understanding the mechanisms at play requires insights from neuropsychology, trauma studies, and behavioral science. Often, well-meaning individuals may base their views on limited information or misunderstandings, which can perpetuate false narratives and hinder recovery.

One example is the concept that victims of scams, particularly romance or financial scams, may behave similarly to individuals with addictions. While traditional addictions often involve external substances like drugs or alcohol, the brain’s response to scam victims is driven by the body’s own chemicals—such as dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol. Criminals manipulate these biological responses, triggering a dependency that is both emotional and chemical. This dependency is not voluntarily created by the victim, but rather coerced through deception, much like being drugged without consent. Understanding this neurochemical aspect of scam victimization is key to realizing why many victims struggle to break away from the scam emotionally, even after they are aware of the deceit.

Opinions formed without comprehensive knowledge of these neurological effects can be harmful. For instance, therapists or counselors not trained in neuropsychology or trauma therapy may not fully grasp the complexities of the victim’s experience. This is similar to seeking the help of a general doctor for a highly specialized condition like lung cancer—while well-intentioned, their guidance may not be the most effective for the specific issue at hand. In the context of psychological trauma, particularly scams, it is crucial to seek professionals who are trained and certified in relevant fields such as trauma-informed care, neuropsychology, or behavioral therapy.

Many scam victims mistakenly believe that conventional talk therapy alone will be enough to address the trauma caused by scams. While talk therapy can certainly play a role in emotional recovery, it often doesn’t address the deeper, neurobiological underpinnings of their trauma. Specialists in trauma and neuropsychology offer more tailored approaches that incorporate understanding how the brain’s chemical responses drive behavior and emotional distress in these situations.

It’s essential to challenge personal biases and assumptions, especially when dealing with issues as complex as trauma recovery. Victims need accurate, well-informed perspectives to navigate their recovery process effectively. Relying on opinions that are based on incomplete or incorrect information can lead to prolonged suffering, delays in healing, or missteps in seeking the proper help. This is why psychoeducation, provided by organizations experienced in trauma and scam victimization, plays an essential role. These groups often have far more experience dealing with scam victims than general counselors or psychologists, and they can offer insights that even some professionals may lack.

In conclusion, forming opinions on complex topics requires accurate knowledge and experience, especially when addressing the effects of scams or psychological trauma. Victims, advocates, and professionals alike must prioritize reliable sources and expert guidance to ensure that they understand and address the full spectrum of recovery. Misunderstandings and false information can hinder progress, so it’s crucial to approach these issues with open minds and informed perspectives, ensuring that victims receive the support they truly need.

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Professional Note

This article, like most of what the SCARS Institute publishes is intended to help scam victims, their families, and friends, to find answers and fulfill an essential role in psychoeducation. While the work is grounded on science and research, it is not intended to present research but rather general education in most cases. This can also serve as an introduction and overview for psychologists and allied professionals unfamiliar with scam victimization and its effects on victims.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here