Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. • Debby Montgomery Johnson • Janina Morcinek • Lic. Vianey Gonzalez
Welcome to the SCARS Institute
Welcome to the SCARS Institute™, the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (SCARS). Also known as the Scientific Center for Analysis and Research of Scams!™
Our mission is to provide comprehensive resources, education, and support to individuals affected by online scams and cybercrimes. Through a network of specialized educational websites and programs, we aim to empower victims, raise awareness, and advocate for stronger measures against online fraud.
Our Mission and Vision
At the SCARS Institute, we are dedicated to:
Educating the Public: Providing accessible information about various types of scams, their psychological impacts, and prevention strategies.
Supporting Victims: Offering structured recovery programs, support groups, and resources to help victims navigate the aftermath of scams.
Advocating for Change: Collaborating with law enforcement, policymakers, and communities to strengthen responses to cybercrime and support victim rights.
Our Network of Resources
To effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by online scams, the SCARS Institute has developed a suite of specialized platforms:
SCARS Education (SCARSeducation.org): This platform offers free educational programs tailored for scam victims and their families. Courses cover topics such as understanding scams, psychological recovery, and prevention techniques. New classes commence monthly, providing structured learning paths for those seeking to rebuild and protect themselves.
Scam Victims Support (ScamVictimsSupport.org): A vital resource for new scam victims, this site provides essential knowledge to initiate the recovery process. It includes guidance on reporting scams, finding counseling, and joining support groups. The platform emphasizes that victims are not alone and offers tools to help them regain control and begin healing.
Scam Victims Advocates (ScamVictimsAdvocates.org): Dedicated to advocacy, this platform focuses on empowering victims to become advocates within their communities. It provides resources on understanding how anyone can become scam victim’s advocates in ethical and professional ways, doing no harmand supporting victims, their victim rights, engaging with law enforcement, and participating in initiatives aimed at combating online fraud.
Scam Psychology (ScamPsychology.org): Our professional Journal of Scam Psychology delves into the psychological aspects of scams, offering insights into the behaviors of both scammers and victims. It features the “SCARS Manual of Scam Psychology,” a comprehensive exploration of the psychological processes, impacts, and recovery approaches associated with various types of deception.
ScamsNOW Magazine (ScamsNOW.com): Serving as a topical magazine platform, ScamsNOW provides articles and necessary information on many difficult aspects of victimization, including victim trauma and psychology, the philosophy of scams and scam recovery, and how scam victim-survivors can make it through their recovery from these crimes. It aims to keep the public informed about the latest developments in the realm of scam victimization, online fraud, enabling proactive prevention.
RomanceScamsNOW (RomanceScamsNOW.com): The first and original Anti-Scam website published continuously since 2000. The SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ is an extensive encyclopedia of scams fraud and cybercrime, the criminals that engage in these crimes, and their victims. This platform offers detailed information on various scam types, and thousands more educational articles. It serves as a central hub for individuals seeking to better understand and identify scams, particularly those related to online relationships.
The SCARS Institute Self-Help Book Shop (shop.AgainstScams.org): Offers a curated collection of resources designed to assist scam victims, their families, and friends on the path to recovery. Authored by certified trauma-informed professionals from the SCARS Institute, these publications provide invaluable offline guidance, empowering individuals to navigate the aftermath of scams and educate others about these crimes. Notable titles include the SCARS GREEN BOOK – The SCARS Self-Help Self-Paced Scam Victim Recovery Program Guide and the SCARS BLUE BOOK – Scam Victim’s Recovery Journal. Every purchase supports SCARS’ mission to aid scam victims worldwide.
SCARS Institute YouTube Channel: (YouTube.AgainstScams.org): The SCARS Institute’s YouTube channel serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking education and support related to online scams and victim recovery. The channel features a variety of content, including educational videos, survivor stories, and expert discussions aimed at raising awareness about different types of scams and providing guidance for recovery. By subscribing to the SCARS Institute’s YouTube channel, viewers can stay informed about the latest developments in scam prevention and access tools to aid in their healing process.
Support and Recovery Programs
Understanding the profound impact scams can have on individuals, the SCARS Institute offers structured support and recovery programs:
Online Support Groups: The SCARS Institute provides safe, professionally managed online support groups where victims can share experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support from others who have faced similar situations. These groups are designed to foster a sense of community and understanding, aiding in the healing process.
SCARS 120-Day Recovery Program: A structured program aimed at guiding victims through the recovery journey over 120 days. It combines educational materials, support group participation, and self-help strategies to facilitate healing and empowerment.
Self-Help Resources: Our platforms offer a range of self-help books, articles, and videos tailored to assist victims in understanding their experiences and taking proactive steps toward recovery.
Free Support & Recovery Programs: To sign up for the SCARS Institute free support & recovery programs visit support.AgainstScams.org
Advocacy and Collaboration
Beyond education and support, the SCARS Institute is actively involved in advocacy and collaboration:
Policy Advocacy: We work alongside policymakers to advocate for stronger laws and regulations that protect individuals from online scams and provide better support for victims.
Law Enforcement Collaboration: By partnering with law enforcement agencies, we aim to enhance the detection, deterrence, and prosecution of online scammers, contributing to a safer digital environment.
Community Engagement: We encourage victims to share their stories and become advocates, fostering a community that supports prevention efforts and raises awareness about the realities of online scams.
Organized Crime Disruption in West Africa: Dr. Tim McGuinness, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the SCARS Institute, actively engages on the ground in West Africa to combat online scams at their source. His efforts include educating local governments on the complexities of cyber-enabled crimes, fostering the development of professional victim advocacy networks, and implementing strategies to disrupt organized criminal enterprises operating in the region. By addressing the root causes and structures of these scams, Dr. McGuinness contributes significantly to reducing the prevalence of online fraud originating from West Africa.
Expanding Victim Awareness and Advocacy: Debby Montgomery Johnson is a dedicated advocate in the fight against online scams, particularly romance fraud. As Chairperson and Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams (SCARS), she leverages her personal experience as a scam survivor to educate and support victims worldwide. Debby collaborates with global news media outlets to raise awareness about the complexities and emotional toll of relationship scams. She also works closely with the financial industry, providing insights into the psychological manipulation tactics used by scammers and advising on measures to protect consumers.
Supporting European Scam Victims: Janina Morcinek, an educator and Director at the SCARS Institute, plays a pivotal role in supporting European scam victims. Through her direct involvement in SCARS Institute support groups, she offers guidance and understanding to those affected by scams. Janina assists victims in navigating the complex path to recovery, helping them rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.
Supporting Spanish-Speaking Scam Victims: Lic. Vianey González, a psychologist based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, serves as the Latin American Director for the SCARS Institute. Specializing in the psychological care of scam victims, she provides dedicated support and guidance to Spanish-speaking individuals affected by scams. Through her involvement in SCARS support groups, Lic. González assists victims on their path to recovery, offering professional expertise and compassionate assistance to help them navigate the complex emotional and psychological challenges that arise from such experiences.
Educational Initiatives
Education is at the heart of our mission. The SCARS Institute offers:
Workshops and Webinars: Regularly scheduled sessions covering topics such as scam prevention, psychological recovery, and digital literacy. These events are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the online world safely.
Research Publications: We publish studies and articles that delve into the dynamics of scams, providing valuable insights into scam tactics, victim psychology, and effective prevention strategies.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Through various media channels, we run campaigns aimed at educating the broader public about the prevalence of scams and the importance of vigilance and reporting.
Commitment to Accessibility
Recognizing the global nature of online scams, the SCARS Institute is committed to making our resources accessible to a diverse audience:
Multilingual Resources: Most of our platforms offer content in multiple languages and instant translation, ensuring that non-English speakers can access vital information and support.
Free Access: Most of our educational programs and support services are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers to access and ensuring that all victims can receive the help they need.
Join Our Community
If you or someone you know has been affected by an online scam (victim-survivors or their family,) we invite you to explore our resources and become part of our supportive community. Together, we can navigate the path to recovery, raise awareness, and work towards a safer online environment for all.
For more information and to access our various programs and resources, please visit our main website at AgainstScams.org.
Last Updated March 30, 2025
