• Self-Assessment Tests on the SCARS Institute ScamPsychology.org

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.

Decision-Making Test For Scam Victims

Please Note:

This self-assessment test was developed by the scientists and psychologists at the SCARS Institute based on our experience interacting with very large numbers of scam victims. This is not a diagnosis of a mental condition. It is simply to give you an awareness of the subject. We recommend that you contact a mental healthcare professional, such as a counselor or therapist to explore this further. Take a copy of your results with you for your session to show your therapist as well.

Self-Hate Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

Scam Victim Self-Hate Self-Assessment Test

This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on your feelings and thoughts after experiencing a scam. It is not a diagnostic tool but can provide insights into whether you might be experiencing self-hate and how it might be affecting your well-being. For each statement, indicate how strongly you agree or disagree.

Instructions:

For each statement, indicate how strongly you agree or disagree. Be honest with yourself for the most accurate assessment.

Scale:

  • 1 – Strongly Disagree
  • 2 – Disagree
  • 3 – Neutral
  • 4 – Agree
  • 5 – Strongly Agree

Self-Assessment Test: Evaluating Your Own Self-Hatred Post-Scam

Self-Hate Indicators:

Section 1: Self-Perception

1: I often feel ashamed of myself for being deceived.(Required)
2: I believe that the scam happened because I am not smart enough.(Required)
3: I frequently think that I deserve what happened to me.(Required)
4: I feel like a failure because I fell for the scam.(Required)
5: I find it difficult to accept that I am worthy of help or support.(Required)

Section 2: Emotional Reactions

6: I frequently criticize myself for not seeing the scam coming.(Required)
7: I feel intense guilt about the money or information I lost.(Required)
8: I often replay the events in my mind, blaming myself for what happened.(Required)
9: I feel a strong sense of anger directed at myself.(Required)
10: I avoid looking at myself in the mirror because of how I feel.(Required)

Section 3: Interactions with Others

11: I push people away because I believe they wouldn’t understand my situation.(Required)
12: I feel that others are judging me harshly for being scammed.(Required)
13: I distrust people who try to offer me help or support.(Required)
14: I get defensive or hostile when someone brings up the topic of the scam.(Required)
15: I avoid talking about the scam because I feel it’s my fault.(Required)

Section 4: Impact on Daily Life

16: I often find it hard to concentrate on tasks because of self-critical thoughts.(Required)
17: I feel that I am not deserving of any good things that happen to me.(Required)
18: I have lost interest in activities I once enjoyed because of my feelings about the scam.(Required)
19: I avoid taking steps to recover financially or emotionally because I believe it won’t help.(Required)
20: I feel disconnected from others, even when I am around people I care about.(Required)

Section 5: Coping Strategies

21: I try to distract myself from self-critical thoughts by engaging in unhealthy behaviors (e.g., overeating, substance use).(Required)
22: I believe that punishing myself (e.g., by isolating or depriving myself) is justified.(Required)
23: I feel like I am constantly trying to make up for what happened, but nothing seems enough.(Required)
24: I don’t think I deserve to feel better or to recover from this experience.(Required)
25: I struggle to accept help because I think I should handle things on my own.(Required)

Finish

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Scoring Your Self-Assessment:

Scoring and Interpretation

  • 21-50: Low levels of self-hate. You might have some negative thoughts related to the scam, but they don’t dominate your life. Seeking support and addressing these feelings early can help prevent them from worsening.
  • 51-80: Moderate levels of self-hate. Your feelings of self-criticism are more pronounced and may be affecting your daily life. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional to work through these emotions.
  • 81-105: High levels of self-hate. These feelings are likely to have a significant impact on your well-being and relationships. It’s important to seek professional help to address these thoughts and begin the healing process.
  • 106-125: Severe levels of self-hate. You may be struggling deeply with feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing. Immediate support from a mental health professional is highly recommended to help you work through these intense emotions.

What to Do Next

If your scores indicate moderate to severe self-hate, it’s important to seek help. Speaking with a therapist, counselor, or support group can provide you with the tools and support you need to start healing. Remember, self-hate is a common response to trauma, but it doesn’t have to define your future. There are resources and people who can help you overcome these feelings and rebuild your sense of self-worth.

If you scored in the higher range, we strongly recommend that you contact a mental health professional to discuss your feelings in more depth. Recovery is possible, and taking the first step is a sign of strength.

Find a counselor or therapist here: counseling.AgainstScams.org

Scam Victim Self-Hate Self-Assessment Test Copyright © 2024 SCARS
Published On: August 17th, 2024Last Updated: August 22nd, 2024Categories: • ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGY, • RESEARCH STUDY, ♦ SELF-TESTS, 20243 CommentsTags: , , , , 371 words1.9 min readTotal Views: 1211Daily Views: 1

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What do you think about this?

Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

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.

Please Leave A Comment

  1. Emilie Villa Vito August 17, 2024 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    Lessons I learned helped me understand that I am not to blame nor hate myself because of the scam, it wasn’t my fault and not alone. I learned a lot of insights and lessons from SCARS that the heavy weight of shame and guilt I carried before has been lifted up, and now I feel free and fully understand why and how that crime happened to me 2 years ago.

    • SCARS Research Team August 19, 2024 at 9:33 am - Reply

      We are so glad we could help you

    • Corey Gale September 23, 2024 at 10:33 am - Reply

      I feel the same way. 10 months after my scam for me good luck to you with your continued recovery!

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you

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On Other Articles

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!

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 Institute Resources: