SCARS Institute Trauma Explorer
Psychological Simulator For Scam Victims/Survivors
Scam Trauma Journey Explorer
Before You Begin
This explorer follows one romance scam survivor through the four years after the scam is discovered: the shock of the first night, the crises that come at predictable points, the ordinary moments that trigger trauma responses, and the paths that lead toward healing or away from it.
You make the choices. Some lead to recovery, some lead to dead ends, and therapy and support are always a way back. Every journey draws a different person and a different scam, so no two journeys are the same.
Please read. This journey includes grief, shame, trauma responses, financial loss, family conflict, a second scam, and moments when the character has thoughts of ending their life. Those moments are handled with care and never shown graphically. If you are a survivor, parts of this will feel very familiar. Consider exploring it with a trusted person or your counselor nearby, and use the Take a Break button at the top of every scene whenever you need it.
A full journey takes about 35 to 45 minutes, in three chapters of 12 to 15 minutes each. Your progress saves in this browser automatically, and each chapter ends with a retrieve code you are able to use to continue on any device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
If you are in crisis right now, please do not start. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call your local emergency number.
Whose Journey Will You Follow?
Have a Retrieve Code?
Tip: on a keyboard, press the number beside an answer to choose it.
This is a story, and you are safe where you are right now. Press your feet into the floor and feel the ground holding you. Look around and name five things you see. Breathe in slowly, then out even more slowly, three times.
Your journey is saved in this browser. To continue on another device, use your retrieve code.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States, or call your local emergency number.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: This article is intended to be an introductory overview of complex psychological, neurological, physiological, or other concepts, written primarily to help victims of crime understand the wide-ranging actual or potential effects of psychological trauma they may be experiencing. The goal is to provide clarity and validation for the confusing and often overwhelming symptoms that can follow a traumatic event. It is critical to understand that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing distress or believe you are suffering from trauma or its effects, it is essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalized care and support.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PUBLICATION CATEGORIES
Welcome to the SCARS INSTITUTE Journal of Scam Psychology & Recoverology®
A Journal of Applied Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Psychology/Recoverology – and Allied Sciences
A dedicated site for psychology, psychotraumatology, thanotology, recoverology, victimology, criminology, applied sociology and anthropology, and allied sciences, published by the SCARS INSTITUTE™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
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A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
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
