Introduction to the SCARS Institute’s ScamVictimsAdvocates.org for Scam Victims’ Advocates

To Help Visitors Better Understand the Purpose of this SCARS Institute Website

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.

Introduction to the SCARS Institute’s ScamVictimsAdvocates.org for Scam Victims’ Advocates

The mission behind www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org, an initiative of the SCARS Institute, is grounded in a deep commitment to elevating the standards of care, support, and advocacy for individuals impacted by scams. As online fraud continues to rise and millions of victims struggle in silence, a growing number of well-meaning individuals and organizations have stepped forward to help. However, good intentions alone are not enough. Without ethical grounding, psychological insight, and clear boundaries, efforts to support scam victims can easily lead to misinformation, retraumatization, or even unintentional harm.

This website exists to help fill a critical gap: offering clear, structured guidance for those who want to help scam victims—not only effectively, but safely, ethically, and with full awareness of the complex psychological and emotional terrain involved. Whether you’re a concerned individual, a peer supporter, an advocate, or part of an emerging anti-scam group, this platform aims to be both a compass and a cautionary light.

Scam trauma is a multifaceted experience that deeply impacts a victim’s identity, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. It often includes layers of grief, shame, anger, and isolation. Supporting someone through that process requires more than sympathy. It demands a working knowledge of trauma psychology, ethical communication, boundary setting, and an understanding of the legal and emotional risks involved. Sadly, in the absence of this foundation, many self-described “advocates” unknowingly replicate harmful patterns—offering unqualified advice, violating confidentiality, engaging in emotional over-identification, or promoting conspiracy-driven thinking. In some cases, these actions cause secondary victimization, where the support itself becomes a source of further distress or exploitation.

ScamVictimsAdvocates.org is a resource that addresses this problem head-on. It does not shy away from identifying unsafe practices, questionable tactics, or unhealthy group dynamics. It names these openly—not to shame or divide—but to protect the vulnerable and guide would-be helpers toward better practices. This means being honest about where things go wrong: when advocates project their own unresolved trauma onto others, when support groups spiral into echo chambers, when amateur investigators blur the line between emotional justice and obsessive behavior, or when people offer legal, financial, or therapeutic advice they are unqualified to give.

However, the site is not just critical—it is constructive. It highlights positive models of peer support and outlines the core principles of ethical advocacy. These include respect for autonomy, emotional non-coercion, evidence-based education, trauma-informed communication, and responsible referral practices. The platform encourages a culture of transparency, self-regulation, and learning. Visitors will find tools for reflection, sample boundaries for peer supporters, red flags to watch for, and insight into the psychological vulnerabilities scam victims carry with them after the fraud ends.

Importantly, this is not a gatekeeping exercise. It is an invitation to maturity. Anyone can become a better advocate if they are willing to engage with both the responsibility and the complexity of the role. At its heart, ScamVictimsAdvocates.org is built on the belief that support is a serious act—one that must honor the dignity, autonomy, and psychological safety of those who have already been through a profound violation of trust.

The site draws on the SCARS Institute’s research, experience, and direct engagement with thousands of victims around the world. It is shaped by a recognition that scam recovery is not linear and that every victim brings a unique set of needs, history, and coping mechanisms. As such, support cannot be formulaic. It must be flexible, informed, and deeply respectful.

Ultimately, the mission of www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org is to help build a stronger, safer, and more professional culture around scam victim advocacy—one that goes beyond outrage or empathy and embraces accountability, ethics, and a long-term commitment to doing no harm. The work of healing from a scam is hard enough. Those who step up to help must be prepared to do so with clarity, compassion, and care. This platform is here to make that possible.

  • Introduction to the SCARS Institute's ScamVictimsAdvocates.org - 2025

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Published On: March 23rd, 2025Last Updated: March 23rd, 2025Categories: Original, 2025, Advocate Ethics, ARTICLE, Crime Victim Advocate Professionalism, NOT HOME PAGE, Supporting Scam Victims, What it Takes to be an AdvocateTags: , , , , , , 0 Comments on Introduction to the SCARS Institute’s ScamVictimsAdvocates.org for Scam Victims’ Advocates – 2025

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A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

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

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are 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.

Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here

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

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

Opinions

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The author is solely responsible for the content of their work. SCARS is protected under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) section 230 from liability.

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