The ‘Prey Animal Response System’ and Scam Victims – a Trauma Response

The Human Mind’s ‘Prey Animal Response System’ in Traumatized Scam Victims – Before, During, and Long After the Scam

Principal Category: Psychology of Scams and Scam Victim Recovery

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, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Human Mind’s Prey Animal Response System in Traumatized Scam Victims

The Prey Animal Response System in human psychology is a deeply ingrained survival mechanism that dictates how individuals react to perceived threats, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. Scam victims, upon discovering they have been deceived, experience intense psychological responses—freeze, flight, fawn, or fight—similar to prey animals facing predators. These instinctual reactions are driven by hypervigilance, fear-based decision-making, avoidance behaviors, and a heightened need for security. While these responses initially serve as protective mechanisms, they often become maladaptive, preventing victims from fully engaging in recovery.

In the immediate aftermath of a scam, victims may exhibit emotional paralysis, withdrawal, or desperate attempts to seek external validation, mimicking the instinctual survival tactics of prey animals. As they move into recovery, the prey response can interfere with their ability to commit to healing, causing hesitation, distrust, and a reluctance to confront the depth of their trauma. Over time, many victims suspend recovery once they feel “good enough,” failing to process underlying emotions, leaving them vulnerable to future distress or re-victimization. If unaddressed, the prey response may resurface throughout their lives, influencing their ability to trust, make decisions, and navigate new emotional challenges.

From a neurological perspective, the prey response is governed by the autonomic nervous system, the limbic system, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, all of which regulate the body’s stress and fear reactions. The amygdala processes threat perception, while cortisol release maintains prolonged states of hypervigilance. These functions, while evolutionarily beneficial, can lead to chronic anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and avoidance patterns if not actively managed. Recovery requires intentional effort to rewire these responses, shifting from fear-based survival to empowerment.

Overcoming the Prey Animal Response System involves recognizing its influence, implementing structured coping strategies, and engaging in trauma-informed recovery techniques. Scam victims must consciously work to rebuild self-trust, challenge avoidance behaviors, and regain personal agency. By applying cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and progressive exposure to emotional triggers, victims can break free from survival-based instincts and reclaim control over their lives. Ultimately, the transition from prey psychology to survivor psychology is essential for long-term healing, personal growth, and resilience.

Trauma Response – The Human Mind’s ‘Prey Animal Response System’ in Traumatized Scam Victims – Before, During, and Long After the Scam

The prey animal system in human psychological terms refers to a deep-seated, evolutionary response mechanism that influences how individuals perceive danger, react to threats, and navigate social interactions. This system is rooted in the survival instincts inherited from early humans, who, like many prey animals, needed to remain hyper-aware of their surroundings to avoid predators and other dangers.

Prey Animal Psychology in Humans

Humans possess both predator and prey instincts, but in situations of vulnerability—such as after experiencing trauma, deception, or betrayal—the prey animal system can become dominant. This system is characterized by heightened fear responses, avoidance behaviors, and a tendency to prioritize safety over confrontation. Scam victims, for example, often exhibit prey-like psychological patterns as they attempt to process their experience and protect themselves from further harm.

Key Aspects of the Prey Animal System in Human Psychology

Hypervigilance and Fear-Based Decision-Making: Just as prey animals remain alert for signs of danger, individuals who have experienced psychological or emotional trauma often develop heightened vigilance. They become overly cautious, constantly scanning for potential threats, and may struggle to trust others. Scam victims, for example, may become excessively skeptical of any financial or personal interactions, fearing they will be deceived again.

Freeze, Flight, or Fawn Responses: Prey animals often respond to threats by freezing in place, fleeing, or submitting to a dominant force. In human psychology, these responses manifest as:

• • • Freeze: Victims may become emotionally or mentally paralyzed, unable to make decisions or take proactive steps toward recovery.
    • Flight: Some may withdraw from social interactions, avoiding situations where they feel vulnerable.
    • Fawn: Others may become excessively accommodating, seeking approval from others in an attempt to restore a sense of security.

Avoidance of Conflict and Risk: Prey animals instinctively avoid direct confrontation with threats, and humans often do the same. Victims of scams or abuse may resist engaging in legal action, avoid discussing their experiences, or hesitate to participate in recovery programs. Their psychological system prioritizes staying unseen and avoiding further harm rather than seeking justice or resolution.

Dependence on the Herd Mentality: Many prey species rely on the herd for protection, and similarly, humans experiencing trauma may seek safety in groups. However, this can also lead to unhealthy dependence on authority figures, scam recovery groups, or even other victims who may not always offer the best guidance. While social support is vital, over-reliance on external validation can prevent victims from developing personal resilience.

Shame and Self-Blame as Protective Mechanisms: In prey psychology, vulnerability is dangerous, and weakness invites attack. In human terms, this can translate to victims internalizing shame and self-blame, believing that their mistake in trusting a scammer was their fault. By taking responsibility for the harm done to them, they create an illusion of control—if they were the problem, they can prevent it from happening again. However, this mindset can trap them in a cycle of self-doubt and fear.

A Trauma Response

The Prey Animal Response System in scam victims can be classified primarily as a trauma response, though it also encompasses elements of defense mechanisms and coping mechanisms depending on the stage of the victim’s experience.

As a trauma response, it is an instinctive, survival-driven reaction that emerges after experiencing psychological harm, in this case, the betrayal and deception of a scam. Similar to how prey animals react to threats, scam victims may exhibit freeze, flight, or fawn behaviors, struggling with hypervigilance, avoidance, or a fear-based need to appease others to prevent further harm. This response is deeply rooted in the autonomic nervous system and is linked to the brain’s limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hypothalamus, which govern fear and survival instincts.

In certain contexts, the Prey Animal Response System also functions as a defense mechanism when victims unconsciously adopt behaviors to shield themselves from emotional distress. This may include denial, dissociation, or projection, where they attempt to deflect blame or avoid the painful reality of what has happened.

Additionally, as victims move into recovery, it can shift into a maladaptive coping mechanism, where the instinct to retreat, avoid risk, or seek excessive reassurance interferes with their ability to heal fully. Some victims may withdraw from social support, refuse to engage in recovery efforts, or remain hyper-fearful of relationships and financial decisions, believing these responses will keep them safe.

Ultimately, while the Prey Animal Response System originates as a natural trauma reaction, it can become a psychological barrier if not addressed. Recovery requires recognizing this instinctive pattern, actively engaging in self-awareness, and gradually retraining the nervous system to respond with discernment rather than fear-driven avoidance.

Tonic Immobility (TI)

​Research into the human psychological “Prey Animal Response System” often focuses on Tonic Immobility (TI), a temporary state of motor inhibition triggered by extreme fear. While extensively documented in animals, studies have also explored TI in humans, particularly in traumatic situations such as sexual assault. For instance, a study found that 70% of women reported significant TI during assault, with 48% experiencing extreme TI; this reaction was associated with an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe depression.

This condition involves an involuntary inability to move or respond despite full awareness, a reaction rooted in evolutionary survival tactics where immobility might deter a threat. In humans, TI frequently emerges in high-stress scenarios, leaving individuals unable to act, which can lead to long-term emotional consequences. The same research indicates that nearly half of those affected by extreme TI during an assault face increased mental health risks, emphasizing its impact beyond the immediate event.

Organizations and professionals addressing trauma must recognize TI as an automatic response rather than a deliberate choice. Studies suggest it stems from ingrained biological instincts, yet its presence in modern human experiences often complicates recovery due to associated feelings of helplessness. Providers in mental healthcare and support sectors may find value in understanding TI to improve trauma-informed services, as ongoing investigations aim to clarify its triggers and reduce its link to conditions like PTSD through targeted interventions.

See references below.

The Prey Animal Response System in Scam Victims Immediately After Discovery

When a scam victim first realizes they have been deceived, their psychological response is often driven by primal survival instincts, closely resembling the prey animal response system. This system, rooted in human evolution, prioritizes immediate safety, self-preservation, and risk avoidance. Scam victims—like prey animals sensing an imminent threat—react with heightened emotions, instinctual defense mechanisms, and an urgent need to reestablish control over their environment.

Freeze Response: Psychological Paralysis and Disbelief

One of the most immediate reactions is the freeze response. Just as prey animals instinctively remain motionless to avoid detection by predators, scam victims may experience psychological paralysis, struggling to process what has happened. They may:

• • • Deny or minimize the reality of the scam, convincing themselves it must be a misunderstanding.
    • Feel emotionally numb and unable to react with clarity or logic.
    • Have trouble making decisions, such as whether to report the scam, tell family members, or seek help.
    • Shut down emotionally, avoiding conversations or actions that require them to confront the truth.

This phase can last hours, days, or even weeks, depending on the individual’s ability to process distressing emotions.

Flight Response: Immediate Avoidance and Escape Strategies

Once the initial shock fades, many scam victims exhibit the flight response, seeking to distance themselves from the situation as quickly as possible. This mirrors the behavior of prey animals escaping a threat. Scam victims may:

• • • Withdraw socially, avoiding conversations about the scam or isolating themselves from friends and family.
    • Refuse to report the crime, fearing embarrassment, judgment, or retaliation from scammers.
    • Avoid confronting financial realities, refusing to check their bank accounts or credit statements to assess the damage.
    • Attempt to erase the experience, deleting messages, emails, or social media accounts associated with the scam.

This stage is often driven by shame, self-blame, and an overwhelming desire to escape the emotional pain of being deceived.

Fawn Response: Seeking External Protection and Reassurance

Another prey response seen in scam victims is fawning, where the victim instinctively tries to appease perceived threats or seeks immediate external validation to feel safe. This may include:

• • • Desperately contacting the scammer, hoping for an explanation or refund, even when logic says the scammer is a predator.
    • Pleading with banks or authorities, hoping someone will “fix” the problem rather than accepting the need for proactive steps.
    • Clinging to false hope, convincing themselves that the scammer might return their money if they “just wait” or comply with new requests.
    • Over-relying on others to take responsibility for their recovery, avoiding the hard emotional work required to move forward.

This response stems from a deep-seated need for security, much like a prey animal seeking shelter in the herd.

Fight Response: Anger, Retaliation, and Seeking Justice

For some scam victims, the fight response dominates, leading to intense emotional outbursts and an urgent need to retaliate against the scammer. This reaction mirrors an animal turning to aggression when cornered. Victims in this state may:

• • • Publicly expose the scammer, posting their photos, names, or messages online in an attempt to “warn others.”
    • Confront authorities aggressively, demanding immediate justice or compensation, sometimes with unrealistic expectations.
    • Blame themselves excessively, directing anger inward, which can lead to self-destructive behaviors.
    • Seek revenge, attempting to bait or trick scammers into confessing or returning the stolen money.

While the fight response can feel empowering, it often leads to burnout and frustration when victims realize that scammers rarely face consequences.

Hypervigilance: Over-Scanning for Future Threats

Regardless of the initial response, many scam victims develop a state of hypervigilance, where they become excessively alert to potential threats. This may include:

• • • Seeing scams everywhere, even in legitimate situations, leading to constant anxiety.
    • Overreacting to minor financial decisions, fearing another loss.
    • Becoming distrustful of people, even those with no ill intent.
    • Experiencing paranoia, convinced that they are still being watched or targeted.

This stage, if left unchecked, can result in long-term emotional distress and difficulty rebuilding trust in both personal and financial relationships.

While these reactions are instinctual, scam victims must actively work to move beyond them. Understanding that these responses are normal but not permanent is the first step toward reclaiming control. Recovery requires shifting from prey psychology to empowered survivor psychology, where the focus is on healing, learning from the experience, and regaining personal agency.

Immediately after discovering a scam, victims often fall into the prey animal response system, exhibiting freeze, flight, fawn, fight, or hypervigilant behaviors. These instinctual reactions are driven by fear, shame, and a desperate need for safety. While these responses are natural, they can prevent victims from taking the necessary steps toward recovery. Recognizing these patterns and consciously choosing to engage in proactive healing strategies is essential for moving beyond victimhood and regaining confidence in life.

The Prey Animal Response System in Scam Victim Recovery and Its Impact on Commitment to Healing

Scam victims do not simply recover by default; they must actively engage in their healing process. However, the prey animal response system—the instinctual survival mechanism that kicks in during moments of threat—often follows them beyond the initial shock of the scam. Instead of dissipating, it can become a major obstacle in their ability to fully commit to recovery. When this system remains active, it creates patterns of avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional paralysis, and misplaced aggression, all of which interfere with their ability to take responsibility for their healing.

The Freeze Response: Emotional Paralysis and Inaction

For many scam victims, the freeze response extends well beyond the moment of discovering the scam. Even in recovery, victims may feel emotionally stuck, unable to take meaningful steps forward. This can manifest as:

• • • Avoiding support resources because facing the scam feels overwhelming.
    • Refusing to process emotions by shutting down instead of addressing shame, guilt, and grief.
    • Delaying practical recovery steps, such as checking financial losses or seeking professional help.
    • Dismissing recovery as unnecessary, convincing themselves they are “fine” when they are still deeply affected.

This paralysis keeps victims in a passive state, hoping that time alone will heal them. But without proactive effort, the trauma lingers, affecting relationships, financial decisions, and self-perception for years to come.

The Flight Response: Avoiding Recovery Out of Fear

Many victims react to their trauma by trying to escape it. The flight response drives avoidance behaviors that prevent deep engagement in recovery. Victims in this state may:

• • • Refuse to join support groups, fearing exposure or judgment.
    • Avoid talking about their experience, isolating themselves from those who could help.
    • Withdraw from financial decisions, hesitant to confront the reality of their losses.
    • Ignore scam education materials, unwilling to acknowledge their vulnerability.

This escape instinct stems from the deep shame and fear associated with the scam. By avoiding recovery efforts, victims protect themselves from temporary discomfort but at the cost of long-term healing.

The Fawn Response: Seeking External Validation Without Commitment

Some scam victims adopt the fawn response, where they seek reassurance from others but resist taking responsibility for their own recovery. This may look like:

• • • Relying on friends or professionals to “fix” their emotions instead of engaging in self-work.
    • Wanting validation over progress, continually sharing their story for sympathy but avoiding deeper healing work.
    • Becoming overly dependent on support groups, using them as a place to vent without actively working toward change.
    • Seeking someone to blame, fixating on scammers or authorities rather than focusing on personal growth.

While support is essential, healing requires victims to participate in their own recovery. Without effort, they remain trapped in a cycle of emotional dependency rather than empowerment.

The Fight Response: Resistance and Misplaced Aggression

Victims who experience a prolonged fight response often struggle with misplaced anger, which can interfere with their ability to commit to recovery. This may include:

• • • Lashing out at those trying to help, rejecting support from professionals or other victims.
    • Fixating on revenge against the scammer, prioritizing retaliation over healing.
    • Blaming organizations, authorities, or loved ones, directing their frustration outward instead of addressing their own emotions.
    • Dismissing recovery advice, believing they know best or resisting the idea that they need help.

While anger is a valid response to betrayal, when it becomes the primary focus, it prevents victims from engaging in the internal work necessary to move forward.

Hypervigilance: Constant Fear and Emotional Exhaustion

Hypervigilance can become a major roadblock in a scam victim’s recovery. When victims remain in a heightened state of alertness, they may:

• • • Struggle to trust anyone, even those genuinely trying to help.
    • See scams everywhere, leading to financial paranoia and social isolation.
    • Fear making any decision, believing they will always be deceived.
    • Second-guess their recovery efforts, convinced that no method of healing will truly work.

This constant stress prevents victims from fully engaging in recovery because they remain trapped in survival mode, always looking for the next threat instead of focusing on growth.

Reframing Recovery as an Empowering Choice

To truly commit to recovery, scam victims must recognize when their prey response system is keeping them stuck. Recovery is not about waiting for emotions to disappear—it is about actively working through them. Victims can start by:

• • • Identifying their dominant response pattern (freeze, flight, fawn, fight, or hypervigilance).
    • Acknowledging avoidance behaviors and challenging themselves to take small steps forward.
    • Recognizing that healing is an active process, not something that happens automatically.
    • Reframing recovery as a path to strength and wisdom, rather than an obligation.

Commitment to recovery requires shifting from prey psychology—where fear dictates choices—to survivor psychology, where victims reclaim their power. True healing happens when victims move past instinctual reactions and take responsibility for building their new, stronger future.

How the Prey Animal Response System Affects Long-Term Recovery in Scam Victims

Scam victims who experience a prolonged prey animal response often find themselves caught in a cycle where they initially engage in recovery but later suspend it once they feel “good enough.” While reaching a point of relief may feel like progress, stopping recovery prematurely can leave unresolved trauma, unprocessed emotions, and hidden psychological vulnerabilities that can resurface later in life. The long-term impact of this response system can lead to a stalled recovery, chronic emotional distress, and an increased risk of future victimization.

The Illusion of “Good Enough” Recovery

One of the most common ways the prey response manifests in the long term is through a false sense of resolution. Victims often begin their recovery process when they are in deep distress—overwhelmed by emotions, financial devastation, and the psychological shock of betrayal. As they start feeling better, the flight response convinces them that they no longer need to actively engage in healing.

This may result in:

• • • Leaving support groups too soon, believing they have absorbed all the necessary knowledge.
    • Avoiding deeper emotional work, such as processing lingering grief or trust issues.
    • Refusing to re-evaluate financial or relationship patterns, assuming they are now “immune” to scams.
    • Suppressing rather than resolving trauma, allowing it to fester beneath the surface.

By disengaging at the first sign of relief, victims risk cutting short their transformation, leaving behind unaddressed wounds that can resurface later in unexpected ways.

The “Survival, Not Growth” Mentality

The prey animal response system is designed for survival, not for personal development. It prioritizes short-term safety over long-term resilience. This means that once the immediate emotional pain of the scam subsides, victims may unconsciously resist continuing their recovery because it requires deep self-reflection, emotional discomfort, and hard work.

This can lead to:

• • • A fear of confronting deeper emotional pain, causing victims to disengage when recovery becomes too challenging.
    • A sense of complacency, where victims feel that because they are no longer in distress, they do not need to continue healing.
    • An avoidance of deeper self-awareness, particularly around personal vulnerabilities that may have contributed to their susceptibility to the scam.

Without addressing these deeper layers of recovery, victims remain in a fragile emotional state, where the effects of the scam linger subconsciously, affecting their confidence, relationships, and financial decisions.

The Risk of Future Victimization

A significant danger of suspending recovery too early is that victims may not fully internalize the lessons needed to protect themselves from future scams. Scam trauma does not just come from financial loss—it stems from broken trust, emotional manipulation, and a distorted perception of safety in the world. If a victim does not complete their healing process, they may remain vulnerable to similar tactics, even if they believe they are now more cautious.

Common long-term vulnerabilities include:

• • • Overcompensating with excessive distrust, leading to social isolation and missed opportunities.
    • Developing blind spots in different scam tactics, assuming that being cautious in one area protects them from all forms of fraud.
    • Remaining emotionally susceptible to manipulation, particularly in areas where their self-worth has not been fully restored.

Incomplete recovery means that while victims may outwardly appear “fine,” they still carry the emotional imprint of the scam, making them more susceptible to new forms of deception or unhealthy decision-making.

Committing to Full Recovery

To move beyond the limitations of the prey response system, scam victims must recognize that recovery is not just about feeling better—it is about achieving emotional resilience, self-awareness, and long-term empowerment.

Key steps to ensure full recovery include:

• • • Recognizing when avoidance is taking over, and pushing through moments of discomfort rather than retreating.
    • Staying engaged in ongoing education and support, even after the initial pain has faded.
    • Continuing self-reflection and personal development, addressing any lingering trust, confidence, or financial concerns.
    • Understanding that healing is a lifelong process, where growth continues even after the initial crisis has passed.

True recovery means reaching a point where the scam no longer defines you, not just because the pain has faded, but because you have actively reshaped your mindset, behaviors, and resilience. By fully committing to the process, rather than stopping at “good enough,” victims can ensure that they not only heal but emerge stronger and more empowered than before.

The Lifelong Impact of the Prey Animal Response System in Scam Victims

The prey animal response system is deeply ingrained in human psychology as a survival mechanism. For scam victims, this response is triggered in the immediate aftermath of the crime, during the recovery process, and—most significantly—throughout the rest of their lives. Even after the initial pain fades, the underlying patterns of fear, avoidance, and hypervigilance can resurface when new emotional challenges, traumas, or conflicts arise. If left unaddressed, this response can shape how victims handle future hardships, relationships, and personal growth.

Emotional Imprints That Resurface Over Time

Scam trauma does not disappear—it embeds itself into a person’s emotional framework. Even when victims feel like they have “moved on,” the prey response can remain dormant, waiting to be triggered by stress, uncertainty, or perceived threats. This can manifest in various ways:

• • • Fear of Betrayal in New Relationships – Scam victims often develop a heightened sensitivity to trust violations. Even in safe, healthy relationships, they may overreact to minor disappointments, misinterpret intentions, or push people away at the first sign of perceived dishonesty.
    • Financial Anxiety and Avoidance – Even if they have regained financial stability, scam victims may struggle with financial decision-making. They might avoid investment opportunities, resist financial planning, or become overly fearful of spending money, convinced they will be deceived again.
    • Heightened Emotional Reactivity to Conflict – If a scam victim encounters betrayal, deception, or manipulation in other areas of life—such as workplace politics, family disputes, or personal relationships—the emotional imprint of the scam can resurface, making their reactions more intense than necessary.

When the prey response is reactivated, victims may find themselves experiencing the same fight, flight, freeze, or fawn patterns that they did immediately after the scam. If they have not fully resolved their trauma, they may fall back into avoidance behaviors, emotional shutdown, or an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Reinforcing Negative Patterns Over a Lifetime

If scam victims do not address the deeper emotional and psychological scars from their experience, these patterns can follow them indefinitely. The prey response does not just affect scam recovery—it influences how they respond to all forms of stress and adversity.

• • • Chronic Avoidance – Victims who developed avoidance patterns after their scam may continue to use avoidance as a coping mechanism throughout life. They may ignore problems in relationships, avoid financial planning, or hesitate to confront challenges head-on, fearing the emotional toll of failure.
    • Learned Helplessness – If a victim felt powerless during the scam, they may develop a long-term belief that they have little control over their circumstances. This can lead to passivity in decision-making, reluctance to take risks, and a general sense of resignation when faced with hardships.
    • Overcompensating with Control and Distrust – Some victims become overly rigid in an attempt to prevent being deceived again. They may develop an obsessive need for control, constantly second-guessing people, distrusting new opportunities, and fearing vulnerability. This can create difficulties in personal and professional relationships, as their excessive caution can be perceived as paranoia or emotional unavailability.

Without recognizing these patterns, scam victims may find themselves trapped in cycles of self-sabotage, unable to move forward even long after the scam has ended.

Resurfacing in the Face of New Trauma

Life inevitably brings new challenges—financial setbacks, relationship conflicts, career obstacles, or health crises. When these events occur, scam victims may unknowingly revert to the prey response, reacting in ways that mirror their past trauma.

For example:

• • • If they lose money in an unrelated financial hardship – they may experience the same panic and shame as they did after the scam, even if the circumstances are different.
    • If they encounter someone who reminds them of their scammer—whether in appearance, speech, or behavior—they may experience an instinctual fear response, even if there is no real threat.
    • If they are betrayed in a personal relationship – they may unconsciously equate it to their scam experience, making it difficult to process the situation objectively.

The emotional residue of the scam does not exist in isolation. It becomes part of a victim’s psychological blueprint, influencing how they process pain, trust others, and navigate future struggles.

The prey animal response system does not simply vanish after a scam—it remains a part of a victim’s psychological framework, waiting to be reactivated by new stressors. If left unaddressed, this can result in long-term emotional instability, avoidance patterns, and repeated cycles of distrust and fear. However, scam victims who commit to a lifelong recovery process—actively working through their trauma, recognizing their triggers, and developing resilience—can break free from this survival-based thinking. The goal is not just to survive the scam but to thrive beyond it, reclaiming a sense of empowerment that carries through every stage of life.

The Prey Animal Response System in Neurological Terms

The prey animal response system is an evolutionarily ingrained survival mechanism governed by the brain and body’s neurobiological pathways. It is designed to detect threats, assess danger, and initiate an appropriate survival response—fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. This system is primarily orchestrated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the limbic system, and a cascade of neurochemical reactions that prepare the body to deal with perceived threats.

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It has two primary branches that determine how the body responds to danger:

1. 1. 1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – The ‘Threat Response’ System

         • When the brain detects a threat, the sympathetic nervous system activates, initiating the fight-or-flight response.
         • The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and norepinephrine, increasing heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
         • Blood flow is diverted from non-essential functions (such as digestion) to the muscles, preparing the body for action.
         • The pupils dilate, sensory processing becomes heightened, and pain sensitivity decreases to enhance immediate survival.

      2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) – The ‘Shutdown’ System

         • If the brain perceives that escape or resistance is not possible, the parasympathetic nervous system can trigger the freeze or fawn response.
         • Instead of mobilizing for action, the body shuts down, conserving energy and reducing responsiveness.
         • The vagus nerve plays a key role in this process, slowing heart rate and promoting dissociation, emotional numbing, and a sense of detachment from reality.

The Limbic System: The Emotional Center of Threat Perception

The limbic system is a network of structures deep in the brain that regulates emotions, memory, and survival instincts. It plays a crucial role in how humans react to perceived threats, especially in scam victims who experience an overwhelming sense of danger and betrayal.

1. 1. 1. Amygdala – The Fear Detector

         • The amygdala is the brain’s alarm system, responsible for detecting threats and triggering an immediate response.
         • It processes fear and assigns emotional significance to experiences, which is why scam victims experience intense fear, shame, and distrust when they realize they have been deceived.
         • When activated, the amygdala overrides logical thinking (controlled by the prefrontal cortex), causing victims to react emotionally rather than rationally.

      2. Hippocampus – Memory and Pattern Recognition

         • The hippocampus processes memories and helps the brain distinguish between past and present threats.
         • After a scam, victims may struggle to regulate their fear response because the hippocampus encodes the experience as a significant trauma.
         • This can lead to heightened vigilance, paranoia, and emotional flashbacks when encountering reminders of the scam (e.g., financial transactions, unfamiliar phone calls, or messages from strangers).

      3. Hypothalamus – The Command Center

         • The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system, coordinating the body’s stress response.
         • When it detects a threat, it signals the pituitary gland to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the release of stress hormones.

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: The Stress Hormone Factory

The HPA axis is a key system in long-term stress regulation. It ensures that the body maintains heightened alertness and prepares for future threats, which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety in scam victims.

1. 1. 1. Cortisol Release – The Long-Term Stress Hormone

         • When the HPA axis is activated, the adrenal glands release cortisol, which sustains the body’s alertness and stress response.
         • In the short term, cortisol helps the body remain vigilant, but prolonged exposure can lead to fatigue, impaired memory, and emotional instability.
         • Scam victims often experience hypervigilance, difficulty trusting others, and persistent anxiety due to prolonged cortisol elevation.

      2. Dysregulation of the HPA Axis

         • If scam victims remain in a prolonged state of stress, the HPA axis becomes dysregulated, making them more susceptible to long-term psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, and emotional burnout.
         • This can result in a state of learned helplessness, where victims believe they have no control over their future and stop taking proactive steps toward recovery.

The Prefrontal Cortex: The Rational Brain’s Struggle for Control

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for logic, reasoning, and decision-making. However, when the brain perceives a threat, the amygdala overrides the PFC, making rational thought difficult.

1. 1. 1. Impaired Decision-Making

         • After a scam, victims may struggle to think clearly, analyze risks, or make financial decisions because their rational brain is suppressed by emotional distress.
         • This explains why many scam victims find it difficult to trust themselves or feel overwhelmed when trying to process what happened.

      2. Cognitive Dissonance and Avoidance

         • Scam victims may experience cognitive dissonance, where their logical understanding of the scam conflicts with their emotional attachment to the experience.
         • This can lead to avoidance behaviors, where they resist seeking support or confronting the reality of what happened.

Long-Term Neurological Effects of the Prey Response

If the prey animal response system remains active long after the scam, it can create lasting changes in the brain and body:

• • • Chronic Hypervigilance – Scam victims may remain in a heightened state of awareness, always scanning for potential threats.
    • Emotional Dysregulation – Difficulty managing emotions, leading to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
    • Impaired Social and Financial Decision-Making – Persistent distrust and difficulty rebuilding confidence in relationships and financial matters.
    • Increased Sensitivity to Stress – A lower threshold for stress, causing overreactions to minor challenges or conflicts.

The prey animal response system is an intricate network of neurological functions that dictate how scam victims react to trauma. From the initial panic to long-term distrust, the brain’s fear-based survival mechanisms shape how victims process their experience. Understanding these biological reactions is essential in recognizing why scam victims struggle with recovery and how they can rewire their brains for long-term healing. By actively engaging in recovery strategies that address these neurological responses, victims can move from survival mode to true empowerment.

Breaking Free from the Prey Animal Mindset

Breaking the Prey Response Cycle

To counteract the neurological effects of the prey animal system, scam victims can engage in strategies that help rewire the brain’s response to perceived threats:

1. 1. 1. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques – Practices such as meditation and deep breathing can regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping victims regain emotional control.
      2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Therapy can help victims reframe their experiences and reduce fear-based thinking.
      3. Exposure Therapy – Gradual exposure to financial decision-making or social interactions can help victims rebuild trust and confidence.
      4. Physical Activity – Exercise can reduce cortisol levels and activate the prefrontal cortex, improving emotional regulation.
      5. Support Groups and Social Connection – Engaging with others who understand their experience can help reestablish a sense of safety and belonging.
      6. Shifting to an Empowered Perspective – While trauma can push individuals into a prey mentality, recovery involves recognizing that they are not powerless. Moving from avoidance to active problem-solving allows them to regain control over their lives.
      7. Developing Emotional Resilience – Instead of relying on hypervigilance and fear-based decisions, victims can learn to develop healthy skepticism, boundary-setting skills, and critical thinking abilities.
      8. Engaging in Constructive Social Support – Rather than falling into herd dependency, scam victims benefit from structured, professional guidance that helps them rebuild confidence without reinforcing a permanent victim identity.
      9. Reframing Their Experience as Strength – Instead of viewing themselves as weak for having been deceived, scam victims can reframe their experience as a lesson that has made them more aware, informed, and capable of handling future challenges.

Long-Term Strategies for Healing

Since the prey response is rooted in survival instincts, completely eliminating it is unlikely. However, scam victims can take proactive steps to ensure that their response patterns do not control their lives. The goal is not to erase the past, but to reframe their relationship with it in a way that allows them to live without fear.

1. 1. 1. Ongoing Self-Awareness – Victims should continuously assess their emotional reactions, recognizing when past trauma is influencing present decisions. Keeping a journal or reflecting on emotional triggers can help identify recurring patterns.
      2. Emotional Regulation Strategies – Mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and deep breathing exercises can help victims manage their responses when past trauma resurfaces.
      3. Building a Trust Framework – Instead of avoiding trust entirely, victims can develop a structured approach to assessing new relationships. Learning to recognize red flags while still allowing for healthy connections is key to long-term recovery.
      4. Continued Education on Fraud and Manipulation – Staying informed about scams and fraud tactics helps victims feel more in control, reducing fear-based reactions.
      5. Seeking Professional Guidance – Therapy, particularly trauma-focused approaches like EMDR or cognitive behavioral therapy, can help victims reprocess their experience and prevent long-term psychological damage.

The prey animal system in human psychology is a trauma response survival mechanism that can help individuals navigate danger but can also keep them trapped in fear and avoidance if not properly addressed. Scam victims often exhibit prey-like psychological responses, which can hinder their recovery. By understanding these instinctual patterns and actively working to shift toward empowerment, victims can break free from fear-based thinking and reclaim control over their lives.

12 Steps to Regain Control Over the Prey Animal Response System for Scam Victims

Scam victims often experience an intense prey animal response system, which triggers feelings of fear, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional paralysis. While this survival mechanism is designed to protect against immediate danger, it can become dysfunctional in the long term, preventing victims from fully recovering. Overcoming this response requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and structured strategies to rewire the brain’s fear-based survival patterns. Below are twelve steps scam victims can take—on their own or with professional support—to regain control, reduce anxiety, and reclaim their lives.

Step 1: Recognize the Prey Response in Yourself

The first step is to acknowledge that your reactions—whether fear, avoidance, withdrawal, or excessive vigilance—are not a sign of weakness but a deeply ingrained survival response. By identifying how the prey animal system manifests in your life, you can begin the process of breaking free from its grip. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical responses. Do you avoid financial decisions? Do you feel anxious when someone offers help? Recognizing these patterns is crucial to regaining control.

Step 2: Reconnect with the Present Moment (Grounding Techniques)

One of the biggest effects of the prey response is a feeling of being trapped in fear, unable to focus on the present. Grounding techniques help scam victims reconnect with reality instead of getting lost in overwhelming emotions. Techniques include:

• • • Deep breathing exercises (inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six).
    • The 5-4-3-2-1 method (identify five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste).
    • Holding onto a physical object (such as a stone, fabric, or textured item) to bring attention back to the present.

Step 3: Develop a Safety Plan for Moments of Panic

When fear and hypervigilance take over, having a pre-made safety plan can help regulate emotions. This plan should include:

• • • A list of trusted people you can call when feeling overwhelmed.
    • A set of calming activities (reading, listening to music, journaling).
    • A written reminder that the scam is in the past and you are now in control of your choices.
    • A go-to affirmation, such as “I am safe, and I have the power to move forward.”

Step 4: Rewire the Brain Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective methods for breaking the cycle of trauma-related fear responses. It involves identifying distorted thoughts and replacing them with rational, balanced perspectives. If you tend to think, “I can never trust anyone again,” CBT can help shift this to, “I will learn to set boundaries and trust wisely.” Working with a therapist or using CBT-based self-help books can accelerate this process.

Step 5: Gradual Exposure to Financial and Social Decisions

Avoidance is one of the key ways the prey animal system maintains its hold. Many scam victims avoid financial discussions, social interactions, or anything that reminds them of their trauma. The key to breaking this pattern is gradual exposure.

• • • Start by reviewing your financial statements without pressure to act immediately.
    • Engage in small, low-risk social interactions before committing to larger ones.
    • If you struggle to make decisions, practice with minor, low-stakes choices (such as choosing a new hobby or meal).

Step 6: Strengthen the Prefrontal Cortex Through Mindful Decision-Making

When the prey response takes over, the amygdala (fear center) overrides the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking center). Strengthening the prefrontal cortex helps restore balance. This can be done by:

• • • Journaling about fears and analyzing them logically.
    • Practicing mindful decision-making (taking time to think through choices instead of reacting impulsively).
    • Engaging in problem-solving activities (puzzles, strategy games, learning new skills).

Step 7: Challenge the “All or Nothing” Thinking

Scam victims often experience cognitive distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking (“I was scammed, so I can never trust again.”). This mindset keeps the prey animal system active. Challenge this thinking by asking:

• • • Is this belief 100% true?
    • Are there examples of people who have recovered and rebuilt their lives?
    • What small steps can I take toward rebuilding trust and confidence?

Step 8: Engage in Physical Activity to Regulate the Nervous System

Movement plays a significant role in retraining the nervous system to exit the freeze state. Scam victims can benefit from activities such as:

• • • Walking outdoors (especially in nature).
    • Yoga or stretching to release tension.
    • Strength training or martial arts to reclaim a sense of personal power.

Step 9: Set Small, Achievable Goals for Recovery

The prey response often leads to feeling overwhelmed, which can cause inaction. Instead of focusing on long-term recovery all at once, break it into small, manageable goals. Examples include:

• • • Attending one scam victim support meeting (even if you don’t speak).
    • Researching financial recovery strategies for 10 minutes a day.
    • Reconnecting with one friend or family member for emotional support.

Step 10: Build Resilience by Accepting Setbacks as Part of Growth

Recovery is not a straight line. Scam victims may have moments of progress followed by setbacks, which can trigger feelings of failure. Instead of seeing setbacks as confirmation of helplessness, reframe them as learning experiences. Ask yourself:

• • • What did this setback teach me?
    • How can I adjust my approach to keep moving forward?
    • What strengths did I show despite the challenge?

Step 11: Practice Self-Compassion Instead of Self-Blame

One of the biggest barriers to overcoming the prey response is internalized shame. Victims often blame themselves for falling for the scam, reinforcing feelings of helplessness. Practicing self-compassion helps disrupt this cycle. Remind yourself:

• • • “I was deceived, but I am not to blame for someone else’s deception.”
    • “I have the power to learn and rebuild from this experience.”
    • “I deserve kindness from myself as I heal.”

Step 12: Reclaim Personal Power by Helping Others

Once scam victims regain some stability, helping others can be a powerful way to counteract the prey response. This does not mean taking on others’ burdens but rather sharing knowledge, offering support, or participating in advocacy. Small acts of empowerment include:

• • • Sharing your experience with someone who is struggling.
    • Contributing to awareness campaigns about scams.
    • Volunteering in communities that promote resilience and recovery.

Final Thoughts: Rewiring the Prey Response is a Journey, Not a Destination

Overcoming the prey animal system takes time, but each small step toward control weakens its hold. Scam victims who commit to these strategies will gradually regain confidence, emotional stability, and the ability to trust themselves again. The key is consistency—repeating these steps over time will help rewire the brain’s response to fear, transforming it from helplessness into empowerment. Recovery is not about erasing the past but about using it as a foundation to build a stronger, wiser future.

References

• Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., Ann Frederick, Waking the Tiger – Healing Trauma – The Innate Capacity to Transform  https://med-fom-learningcircle.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2015/04/Waking-the-Tiger.pdf
• Peter Levine, Ph.D. – How the Nervous System Responds to Trauma  https://www.nicabm.com/how-the-nervous-system-responds-to-trauma/
• Abrams MP, Carleton RN, Taylor S, Asmundson GJ. Human tonic immobility: measurement and correlates. Depress Anxiety. 2009;26(6):550-6. doi: 10.1002/da.20462. PMID: 19170102. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20462
• Carlos Eduardo Norte, Eliane Volchan, Jaime Vila, Jose Luis Mata, Javier R. Arbol, Mauro Mendlowicz, William Berger, Mariana Pires Luz, Vanessa Rocha-Rego, Ivan Figueira, Gabriela Guerra Leal de Souza – Tonic Immobility in PTSD: Exacerbation of Emotional Cardiac Defense Response https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01213
• Zoellner LA. Translational Challenges With Tonic Immobility. Clin Psychol (New York). 2008 Mar 1;15(1):98-101. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00114.x. PMID: 22180702; PMCID: PMC3237674. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00114.x
• Abrams MP, Carleton RN, Taylor S, Asmundson GJ. Human tonic immobility: measurement and correlates. Depress Anxiety. 2009;26(6):550-6. doi: 10.1002/da.20462. PMID: 19170102. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20462
• Magalhaes AA, Gama CMF, Gonçalves RM, Portugal CL, David IA, Serpeloni F, Wernersbach Pinto L, Assis SG, Avanci JQ, Volchan E, Figueira I, Vilete LMP, Luz MP, Berger W, Erthal FS, Mendlowicz MV, Mocaiber I, Pereira MG, de Oliveira L. Tonic Immobility is Associated with PTSD Symptoms in Traumatized Adolescents. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021;14:1359-1369
  https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S317343
• Maggie M. Jones, Robert Fletcher Jr., Alex Potash, Muzi Sibiya, Robert McCleery – Prey responses to direct and indirect predation risk cues reveal the importance of multiple information sources https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14209
• Zanette LY, Hobbs EC, Witterick LE, MacDougall-Shackleton SA, Clinchy M. Predator-induced fear causes PTSD-like changes in the brains and behaviour of wild animals. Sci Rep. 2019 Aug 7;9(1):11474. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-47684-6. PMID: 31391473; PMCID: PMC6685979. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-47684-6

[Infographic] – How the Nervous System Responds to Trauma

1. How the Nervous System Responds to Trauma.
   • How does your nervous system figure out how to respond in a crisis?
   • It’s a split- second, unconscious process designed to choose the best option for keeping you safe. Here’s how it works.
2. Identify the Threat. Can I escape?
   • If yes, then flee. If we can quickly get far enough away from the threat, we might be able to escape and avoid interacting with it entirely.
     
3. If I can’t escape, can I overpower it?
   • If yes, then fight. If we attack the threat before it attacks us, we might be able to weaken it and possibly keep it from attacking in the future.
     
4. If I can’t overpower it, can I make it lose interest?
   • If yes, then freeze. If our body closes up, becomes rigid, and won’t move, we might be able to keep the threat from noticing or becoming interested in us.
   • If I can’t make it lose interest, then collapse. If our mind/brain disconnects from our body, like by dissociating, or in some cases by fainting, we might be able to avoid feeling as much of the pain.

In the face of threat, there isn’t time to try every approach. In fact, your nervous system has to make these choices almost instantaneously. So while you may not understand the choice, or agree with it afterward, it’s important to know that your body is taking care of you the best it knows how.

Our thanks to NICABM.org

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Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School for FREE – visit www.SCARSeducation.org to register – FREE for scam victims/survivors If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 in the U.S. or Canada, or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

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.

SCARS Resources:

♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org

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♦ 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

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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.

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