Scam Survivor Stories from SCARS Institute

Scam Victim-Survivor Goals

What should scam survivors have as goals during their recovery?

Here is a short list of necessary goals for every scam victim-survivor.

Of course, always begin by reading the New Victim-Survivor information at www.ScamVictimsSupport.org

STEP 1 – First 9 Months

  • Stop all contact with the criminals
  • Report the crime properly – learn where at reporting.AgainstScams.org
  • Accept that this really happened
  • Avoid any communication with the criminals
  • Join a professionally managed support & recovery program and avoid amateurs – go to support.AgainstScams.org to sign up for the FREE SCARS Institute program
  • Fully engage and participate in your recovery and self-healing/self-care
  • Prioritize you recovery
  • Turn away from your criminals
  • Sign up for trauma counseling or therapy – find therapists at counseling.AgainstScams.org
  • Fully tell your story at least in the support group, and a limited version to people you trust
  • Learn why it was not your fault
  • Learn why this crime happened and why you are vulnerable
  • Learn about the recovery process
  • Learn about the mental impact of these crimes and what it does to your decision-making
  • Learn to avoid future crime – learn risk avoidance
  • Learn something more about these crimes and victimhood every day
  • Sign upfor the free SCARS Institute Scam Survivor’s School at www.SCARSeducation.org
  • Help the people near you to understand these crimes and how victims are manipulated and controlled
  • Abstain from any distraction that will derail or destroy your recovery – including any return to dating or looking for a partner
  • Help to support other victims and discourage harmful behaviors or decisions
  • Establish new boundaries – including avoiding toxic people
  • Understand that your family members are also potential victims
  • Accept that this really is not your fault
  • Get rid of shame & guilt
  • Just let the time pass without impulsive decision-making

STEP 2 – The Next Year

  • Continue the healing and recovery from Step 1
  • Stay engaged with your recovery and participate in the support group
  • Be mindful of your grief process progress and continue working on your trauma
  • Don’t allow negative coping mechanisms to pull you away from your recovery and self-healing/self-care – such as overworking
  • Continue to work on your financial outcomes and solutions
  • Stay in counseling or therapy as much as you can
  • Expand socialization and reconnect with lost friends and family
  • Continue to learn about these crimes and how to recognize them and avoid them
  • Help to educate others and support victims you encounter

STEP 3 – Forever!

  • Never forget what you learned from this experience
  • Continue your recovery as needed, including self-healing and self-care
  • Continue to learn about the real dangers and how to avoid them
  • Help to educate others and support victims you encounter
  • Enjoy life as it is, not what magical thinking would have you believe

We hope this helps you!

Tim McGuinness, Ph.D.,
Managing Director,
SCARS Institute