2024 Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming

A Global Campaign To Address Misunderstandings About Relationship Scam Causes

Don’t Blame The Scam/Fraud Victims!

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We Have To Stop The Blaming NOW!

Victim Blaming in Scams is Everywhere!

Most people will say it could never happen to them and blame those who become victims!

When people say it could never happen to them, that is Victim Blaming!

Victim Blaming is Insidious and Everywhere

Most of the language that is used to describe these crimes in the media, by families and friends, in government and law enforcement, and in the anti-fraud & cybersecurity communities directly or indirectly blame the victims. We need to change this now!

Per the Gallop Organization, there are over 49,000,000 Americans who have become victims of scams of one nature or another, and over 100,000,000 worldwide.

We are fairly sure most of them said it would never happen to them either! Yet it does! All it takes is the right story, the right moment, and the right vulnerabilities and anyone can be scammed.

Everyone Can Be Scammed

And eventually, Everyone will be scammed!

This is the central FACT of our age! Criminals only have to succeed once, but victims have to succeed every time. We are all human, and this means we make mistakes and talk to strangers, or we are impulsive or sometimes careless, but scammers know this and engineer their lures to catch us.

Just because we are human does not mean we are to blame! We are just human.

If you want to learn the facts, visit RomanceScamsNOW.com & ScamsNOW.com – the information is all there. SCARS has spent a decade understanding and documenting the experience of scam victims. We understand the victimology and psychology of these crimes intimately. We have educated and supported over 9 million scam victims and had about 12,000 scam victims go through our support and recovery program. We know victims and we help them become survivors!

However, almost every place they turn, Scam Victims are blamed in obvious overt or subtle ways, and this has to come to a stop! NOW!

Examples of Blatant Victim Blaming We Need to Combat!

If You Are a Scam Victim

In Support of Scam Victims

Victim Blaming Harms Us All - Article from FINRA

By Christine Kieffer, Senior Director, Office of Investor Education, FINRA

Why is Scam Victim Blaming so Harmful?

  • Discourages Reporting: When victims feel blamed or judged for being scammed, they are less likely to report the crime. Fear of further ridicule or social isolation can silence them, leading to fewer investigations and convictions of perpetrators. This emboldens the scammers and leaves others vulnerable to similar attacks.
  • Hindering Access to Support: Shame and self-blame can make it difficult for victims to seek the help they desperately need. They may isolate themselves or hesitate to reach out to authorities, counselors, or even loved ones, delaying their crucial support system.
  • Exacerbating Emotional Distress: Victim blaming adds a layer of pain and injustice to the already traumatic experience. It feeds negative self-talk, reinforces feelings of worthlessness, and hinders the healing process. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and even self-destructive behaviors.
  • Perpetuating a Culture of Silence: When victim blaming goes unchecked, it creates a culture of silence around scams. This discourages open discussions about these crimes, making it harder to raise awareness and educate the public about prevention strategies.

It’s crucial to understand that scam victims are not responsible for the crimes committed against them. Scammers are skilled manipulators who prey on trust, vulnerabilities, and sometimes sheer bad luck. They employ sophisticated tactics to deceive and exploit, leaving even the most cautious individuals susceptible.

Here’s how we can Combat Scam Victim Blaming and Support Scam Survivors:

  • Promote Empathy and Understanding: Recognize that scam victims are already suffering and deserve compassion, not judgment. Educating oneself on the tactics used by scammers can foster empathy and understanding of the complexities of falling prey to these crimes.
  • Encourage Reporting: Emphasize the importance of reporting scams, regardless of the amount lost or the perceived level of personal culpability. Assure victims that reporting helps apprehend perpetrators and protects others from falling victim.
  • Provide Safe Spaces for Healing: Create supportive environments where victims feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of blame or judgment. This could involve online forums, support groups, or victim-centered resources offered by NGOs or law enforcement agencies.
  • Challenge the Narrative: Speak out against scam victim blaming narratives and advocate for policies that protect and empower scam survivors. Raise awareness about the manipulative tactics used by scammers and educate others on how to recognize and avoid scams.

Scam Victims Are Not To Blame!

Remember, scam victims are not to blame. They are individuals who have been deceived and exploited by manipulative criminals. By challenging victim blaming, creating safe spaces for healing, and promoting open communication about scams, we can empower survivors to reclaim their lives and ensure justice is served.

Important Resources:

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More Information About Scam Victims & The Impact Of Scams

More Resources For Scam Victims

Cyber Resources

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