• 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.

Trauma/PTSD Flashbacks Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

Scam Victim Flashback Self-Assessment Test

A self-assessment test designed for scam victims to help determine if they may be experiencing Trauma/PTSD Flashbacks resulting from the scam:

Instructions:

Read each statement and select the response that best reflects or that you agree with your feelings or behaviors. Be honest with yourself for the most accurate assessment.

Scale:

  • 1 – Strongly Disagree / Never
  • 2 – Disagree / Rarely
  • 3 – Neutral / Sometimes
  • 4 – Agree / Often
  • 5 – Strongly Agree / Always

Trauma/PTSD Flashbacks Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Flashback Indicators:

Section 1: Emotional and Psychological Responses

1: I experience sudden, intense feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic without a clear cause.(Required)
2: I find myself re-living specific moments from the scam, feeling as though it is happening again.(Required)
3: I experience strong emotional reactions, such as anger, sadness, or guilt, triggered by reminders of the scam.(Required)
4: I have difficulty distinguishing between memories of the scam and my present reality.(Required)
5: I feel detached from my surroundings, as if I am observing myself from outside my body during these intense moments.(Required)

Section 2: Sensory Experiences

6: I occasionally hear, see, or feel things associated with the scam, such as hearing the scammer’s voice or seeing images related to the scam.(Required)
7: Certain sights, sounds, or smells trigger vivid memories or emotions related to the scam.(Required)
8: I feel physical sensations, such as tension, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, when recalling the scam.(Required)

Section 3: Cognitive and Behavioral Responses

9: I avoid people, places, or activities that remind me of the scam.(Required)
10: I struggle with concentrating or focusing on tasks because thoughts of the scam intrude.(Required)
11: I experience sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts that seem linked to memories of the scam.(Required)
12: I lose track of time or become disoriented during these intense recollections.(Required)

Section 4: Impact on Daily Life

13: My social life has been affected by my experiences, such as withdrawing from friends or avoiding social interactions.(Required)
14: I feel constantly on edge or hypervigilant, as if I am waiting for something bad to happen.(Required)
15: These experiences have disrupted my sleep, leading to nightmares or insomnia.(Required)

Finish

Please Select Your Gender(Required)
Terms & Conditions(Required)

Scoring Your Self-Assessment:

Total Score: Add up your scores from all the questions.

Interpretation:

    • 15-30: You may be experiencing mild symptoms of flashbacks. While these may not be significantly impacting your life, it could still be beneficial to monitor these feelings and seek support if they intensify.
    • 31-45: Moderate symptoms of flashbacks may be present. This suggests that the trauma from the scam is affecting your daily life, and you might benefit from exploring coping strategies or seeking professional help.
    • 46-60: High likelihood of frequent or intense flashbacks. This level of distress is likely to be disruptive, and it is strongly recommended that you seek support from a mental health professional to help manage and reduce these symptoms.
    • 61-75: Severe flashbacks are impacting your life significantly. Immediate professional support is recommended to address these intense symptoms and assist in your recovery process.

Next Steps

If your score indicates that you are experiencing moderate to severe flashbacks, or if these symptoms are disrupting your life, it may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma recovery. They can provide tailored strategies to help you manage and reduce the impact of flashbacks on your daily life.

Reflection:

Regardless of your score, remember that experiencing trauma after being scammed is common. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and seek support. Consulting with a mental health professional can help you process your experiences and develop coping strategies.

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

Trauma/PTSD Flashbacks Self-Assessment Test Copyright © 2024 SCARS

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Published On: August 29th, 2024Last Updated: August 29th, 2024Categories: • ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGY, • RESEARCH STUDY, ♦ SELF-TESTS, 20240 CommentsTags: , , , , , , , 345 words1.7 min readTotal Views: 915Daily Views: 6

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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.

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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!

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: