Mental Health Blaming for Scam Victims: How Advocates Can Better Support Survivors

Mental Health Blaming for Scam Victims: How Advocates Can Better Support Survivors

Mental health blaming is an insidious issue that undermines scam victims who are struggling to heal and recover. As advocates, it is crucial to recognize and challenge this harmful narrative while providing informed, compassionate support. When scam victims are blamed for their own suffering—whether by society, support networks, or even mental health professionals—it creates additional emotional distress, prolongs trauma, and discourages individuals from seeking help. Advocates must be aware of these dynamics and actively work to foster an environment that promotes healing rather than reinforcing stigma.

Understanding the Impact of Mental Health Blaming on Scam Victims

Mental health blaming occurs when victims are told or led to believe that their psychological state is the primary reason they fell for a scam or that their distress is an overreaction. This form of victim-blaming often results in survivors feeling ashamed, reluctant to seek support, or even questioning their own worth. Many scam victims experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the emotional and financial impact of fraud, and minimizing or dismissing their pain only exacerbates these conditions.

As an advocate, recognizing how mental health blaming manifests is key to combatting it. Some of the most common forms include:

• Telling victims they were “too gullible” or “too emotional.”
• Suggesting that only people with poor judgment fall for scams.
• Implying that victims should “just move on” without acknowledging their trauma.
• Ignoring the emotional depth of the manipulation they endured.
• Assuming that pre-existing mental health conditions are the reason they were scammed.

Each of these attitudes contributes to the shame and isolation that many scam victims already feel. Advocacy requires actively countering these harmful narratives and reinforcing that anyone can fall for a scam, regardless of their mental health status.

Why Scam Victims Deserve Trauma-Informed Support

Trauma-informed care is essential for scam victim advocacy. Many survivors experience betrayal trauma, which occurs when someone they trusted—whether a romantic partner, business associate, or family member—exploits them. This kind of trauma is particularly damaging because it affects not only a victim’s financial stability but also their ability to trust others and themselves. The psychological effects can be severe, often mirroring those experienced by victims of coercive control or emotional abuse.

Advocates must ensure that scam victims receive validation, support, and appropriate referrals to mental health professionals who understand the complexities of scam victimization. Some key principles of trauma-informed care in scam victim advocacy include:

• Safety: Creating a non-judgmental space where victims feel secure enough to share their experiences.
• Trustworthiness and Transparency: Being honest about the recovery process and setting realistic expectations.
• Peer Support: Encouraging participation in support groups where victims can connect with others who understand their pain.
• Empowerment and Choice: Helping victims regain control over their decisions and recognize their resilience.
• Recognition of Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Acknowledging that different individuals may experience unique barriers to recovery based on their background.

By applying these principles, advocates can help scam victims rebuild their confidence and move toward recovery without fear of stigma or blame.

How Advocates Can Counter Mental Health Blaming

Challenging mental health blaming requires a proactive approach. Advocates play a critical role in reshaping the way scam victims are perceived by society, mental health professionals, and even within victim support communities. There are several ways to achieve this:

1. Educate Yourself and Others – Advocates should stay informed about the psychological manipulation tactics used by scammers. Understanding concepts such as grooming, gaslighting, and coercive control allows for more effective support. Raising awareness about these tactics also helps debunk myths that victims were simply “careless” or “too trusting.”
2. Use Supportive Language – The way advocates communicate with victims significantly impacts their recovery. Avoid language that suggests responsibility lies with the victim. Instead of asking, “Why did you send money?” consider asking, “Can you tell me about how the scammer manipulated you into sending money?” This shifts the focus onto the perpetrator’s deception rather than the victim’s actions.
3. Challenge Stigmatizing Narratives in Support Groups – If a victim expresses self-blame, advocates should gently redirect the conversation toward understanding how scammers exploit vulnerabilities in all individuals. Reinforcing that scam victims were targeted by professionals who use psychological tactics can help survivors separate their identity from the crime committed against them.
4. Encourage Mental Health Care Without Blame – Some victims hesitate to seek therapy because they fear being judged. Advocates should promote mental health support as a vital part of recovery, framing it as a strength rather than an admission of weakness. Referring victims to trauma-informed therapists can help ensure they receive the appropriate care.
5. Highlight Success Stories – Sharing examples of scam victims who have successfully recovered can provide hope and counteract the notion that victimization leads to permanent damage. Emphasizing resilience and personal growth reinforces that healing is possible.

The Long-Term Psychological Effects of Scams

One of the most damaging misconceptions about scam victims is that their distress is temporary or exaggerated. In reality, scam victims often endure long-term psychological struggles that require ongoing support. The emotional fallout can manifest in various ways, including:

• Chronic Anxiety and Distrust – Many victims develop heightened skepticism, making it difficult to engage in new relationships or financial decisions.
• Depression and Isolation – Victims may withdraw from social circles out of embarrassment or fear of judgment.
• Financial Trauma – Losing life savings or facing insurmountable debt due to a scam can lead to significant financial anxiety and even suicidal thoughts.
• Self-Blame and Identity Crisis – Victims often feel their self-worth has been diminished, leading to a struggle in regaining confidence.

Recognizing these long-term effects is crucial for effective advocacy. Scam victims do not simply “get over it”—they require continued encouragement, mental health resources, and structured recovery programs.

How Organizations Like the SCARS Institute Support Scam Victims

The Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams (SCARS Institute) is an example of an organization dedicated to helping scam victims navigate the complexities of recovery. SCARS offers:

• Scam Victim Support Groups – Providing a safe environment for victims to connect with others and share their experiences.
• Scam Survivor’s School – Offering structured educational resources to help victims understand the psychological manipulation behind scams.
• Victim Assistance Programs – Providing long-term support for individuals as they rebuild their lives.
• Public Awareness and Scam Prevention – Working to reduce victimization through education and advocacy.

By referring scam victims to organizations like SCARS, advocates can ensure that survivors receive comprehensive, long-term support tailored to their recovery needs.

Conclusion

Mental health blaming is a significant barrier to scam victims’ recovery, often reinforcing the shame and trauma they already experience. As advocates, it is essential to challenge these narratives by promoting trauma-informed care, using supportive language, and encouraging long-term psychological healing. Scam victims deserve validation, understanding, and structured recovery support—not judgment. By committing to informed and compassionate advocacy, we can help victims rebuild their confidence, regain trust, and move forward without the burden of stigma.