Why Do You Need A Therapist? What Relationship Scams Do To Scam Victims Psychologically

Helping Scam Victims Understand Why They Need a Therapist to Support Them!

Principal Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  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.

Abstract

Scams have existed for centuries, but the rise of digital technology has amplified their prevalence and sophistication, especially in the realm of relationship scams. These scams, including romance and pig butchering scams, involve scammers creating fake personas to build trust and emotional bonds with victims, ultimately exploiting them for money or sensitive information. The psychological impact of these scams is profound, leading to deep feelings of betrayal, trust issues, depression, anxiety, shame, and self-blame. Victims often experience significant emotional and mental health struggles, including a loss of self-esteem and self-worth. Therapists play a crucial role in helping victims understand and recover from these impacts. They provide a safe, empathetic space for victims to express their feelings, offer cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies, and assist in rebuilding trust and relationships. Additionally, therapists help victims process trauma and foster post-traumatic growth. By seeking professional help, scam victims can heal emotionally, regain control over their lives, and move forward with resilience and hope.

Why Scam Victims Need to Visit a Therapist: Understanding the Impact of Relationship Scams

So Why Do Scam Victims Need a Therapist?

Scams have been a part of human society for centuries, but in today’s digital life, the prevalence and sophistication of these fraudulent schemes and scams have increased dramatically along with their impact on their victims. Among these, relationship scams—where perpetrators exploit emotional bonds to defraud victims—are particularly damaging. While financial loss is often the most apparent consequence, the emotional and psychological toll on victims are typically many times more profound.

Exploring why victims of relationship scams need to visit a therapist and the specific harms that necessitate professional intervention can help set the stage for a much better outcome.

The Nature of Relationship Scams

Relationship scams, some are know known as romance scams or pig butchering scams, typically involve a scammer creating a fake persona to establish a trust relationship with a victim. These scammers often use online platforms, social media, or other online tools to initiate contact. Over time, they build trust and emotional intimacy, reliance and control, by manipulating the victim into sending money in some form, sharing sensitive information, and performing as a mule for them.

The Psychological Impact of Relationship Scams

Betrayal and Trust Issues

Deep Betrayal: The foundation of any relationship is trust. When victims discover that their trust has been manipulated and betrayed, it leads to profound feelings of betrayal – this is called ‘betrayal trauma’. This emotional wound can be as severe as, or even more severe than, betrayal in real-life relationships. This brings with it all of the deep psychological effects of trauma.

Erosion of Trust: Victims will find it difficult to trust others in the future, fearing that they will be deceived again. This leads to isolation and difficulties in forming new relationships, both romantic and platonic, as well as having serious effects on existing relationship with family and friends or even employment.

Emotional and Mental Health Struggles

Depression and Anxiety: The realization of being scammed can lead to depression, characterized by feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Anxiety about future interactions and financial stability can also become prevalent. Scam victims are many times more likely to develop these and other forms of mental disorders that need professional support.

Shame and Embarrassment: Most victims feel deep shame and embarrassment about being deceived, which can prevent them from seeking help or discussing their experience with friends and family. This isolation worsens their mental health struggles. Professionals tend to be their first real opportunity to open up about the crime and its effects on them.

Loss of Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Self-Blame: Victims almost always blame themselves for being gullible or naive, leading to a significant drop in self-esteem. This self-blame is detrimental and can hinder the healing process. It is also wrong, the victim was not to blame – it was not their fault – but getting scam victims to recognize this typically requires professional support.

Identity Crisis: For some, the experience can cause a profound identity crisis, where they question their judgment, decision-making abilities, and even their self-worth. Justifiably, trauma causes impairment in cognition and other functions.

The Role of a Therapist in Recovery

Visiting a therapist can be a crucial step in the recovery process for victims of relationship scams. Here’s why:

Therapists Provide Emotional Support and Validation

Safe Space: A therapist provides a safe and non-judgmental space for victims to express their feelings and experiences. This validation is essential for emotional healing.

Empathy and Understanding: Therapists offer empathy and understanding, helping victims realize that they are not alone in their experience and that their reactions are normal.

Therapists Provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Addressing Negative Thought Patterns: CBT helps victims identify and challenge negative thought patterns, such as self-blame and shame. By restructuring these thoughts, victims can rebuild their self-esteem and develop a healthier self-image.

Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists teach coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression, helping victims regain control over their emotional well-being.

Therapists Help Rebuilding Trust and Relationships

Trust-Building Exercises: Therapy can include exercises and strategies to rebuild trust in others. This is crucial for victims to form healthy relationships in the future.

Improving Communication Skills: Therapists help victims improve their communication skills, which can enhance their ability to set boundaries and recognize red flags in future interactions.

Therapist Address Trauma and Other Psychological Issues

Trauma-Informed Therapy: Some victims may experience trauma as a result of the scam. Trauma-informed therapy can help them process and recover from these traumatic experiences.

Post-Traumatic Growth: Therapy can also focus on post-traumatic growth, where victims learn to find strength and positive changes resulting from their ordeal.

Conclusion

The impact of relationship scams extends far beyond financial loss. The emotional and psychological damage can be severe, affecting victims’ mental health, self-esteem, and ability to trust others. Visiting a therapist is a crucial step in addressing these issues, providing victims with the support, validation, and tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives. By seeking professional help, scam victims can overcome the emotional scars of their experience and move forward with resilience and hope.

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

SCARS Resources:

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

♦ To report criminals visit reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!

♦ 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

♦ Join our WhatsApp Chat Group at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BPDSYlkdHBbDBg8gfTGb02

♦ Follow us on X: x.com/RomanceScamsNow

♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom

♦ See SCARS Institute Scam Victim Self-Help Books at shop.AgainstScams.org

♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com

♦ Become a SCARS Institute Member – Help Us Help Others – learn more at membership.AgainstScams.org

♦ See more scammer photos on ScammerPhotos.com

You can also find the SCARS Institute on Facebook, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, and TruthSocial

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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