My Video Scam Victim/Survivor’s Story #8

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Recent Reader Comments

• on My Scam Victim Story/Survivor Story – #87 – Romance Scam – UK – 2025: “And you will rise, because you really want it, you are determined to move forward. These small steps , which…” Jun 11, 15:03
• on Mi Historia de Víctima-Sobreviviente de una Estafa – 2025 #70 – Estafa de Romance Militar – México: “Estoy totalmente de acuerdo en que el daño emocional y psicológico causado por una estafa puede dificultar mucho, e incluso…” Jun 10, 20:51
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 2025 #71 – Publisher’s Clearinghouse Scam/Sweepstakes Scam – USA: “Our stories are significantly different but I can imagine just a bit how you felt. The feeling of excitment, doubt,…” Jun 10, 20:38
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 2025 #72 – Crypto Romance Scam – USA: “It must have been difficult to recall how the scam unfolded. But thanks for sharing your story and for not…” Jun 10, 20:26
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Family Member Story – 2025 #73 – Romance Scam – USA: “Thanks to you as well for sharing this story and being victim advocates” Jun 9, 20:44
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 2025 #74 – Romance Scam – USA: “It is good to know that you are becoming aware of your selfworth and tackling the different problems (prior the…” Jun 6, 20:53
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 2025 #75 – Romance Scam – USA: “It was a complex scheme that, withouth the right preparation, is difficult to spot. Thank you for sharing your story…” Jun 6, 20:42
• on My Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 2025 #76 – Celebrity Romance Scam – USA: “Thank you for sharing your story. Indeed, it was not your fault. It sounds very tough, but it is good…” Jun 6, 20:31
• on My Historical Scam Victim-Survivor Story – 1919 #77 – Investment Scam – USA: “Whoa! Really admirable. It is great that he was actually able to make the criminals face justice. Nowadays the best…” Jun 5, 21:01
• on My Scam Victim Story-Survivor Story – #78 – Crypto Investment Scam – USA – 2025: “Thank you for sharing your story. And I am glad you have received support and are doing better. Each one…” Jun 5, 20:49

PLEASE NOTE:

In the case of Scam Survivor’s Stories: The SCARS Institute displays this story to help recent scam victims. We are authorized to display this story and in this form or edition is copyright © Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. All rights reserved. The specific survivor’s identity has been anonymized for their protection. Photos are generated and are not of the real person.

In the case of the Criminal’s Stories: The SCARS Institute presents the Criminal Stories to assist scam victims in understanding that criminals are real individuals, despite their terrible actions, and we can gain valuable insights from their experiences to prevent crime and identify these schemes as they emerge. We aim to support victims and survivors in releasing the emotions they harbor toward the criminals, fostering a path toward potential forgiveness over time.

SCARS Resources:

• Getting Started For New Victims of Relationship Scams: ScamVictimsSupport.org
• FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
• Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
• Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
• Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
• For Scam Victims Advocates: www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
• Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)

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 not to 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.

SCARS Institute articles can 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 and www.ScamsNOW.com

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology and the human brain on SCARS Institute websites are for information & education only

The information provided in SCARS Institute articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.

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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.