About the SCARS Institute Leadership

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

—  Margaret Mead —

Dr Tim McGuinness

Prof. Emeritus Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth
Co-Founder, Chairman & Managing Director
United States

Recoverologist, Crime Victims’ Advocate, Psychology & Neuroscience Research Scientist, Published Author, Computer Scientist, Technologist & Internet Pioneer, Roboticist, Regulatory Law, Entrepreneur, Academic, Business Owner, U.S. Navy Veteran

The SCARS Institute – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. is a military veteran-founded and managed nonprofit organization, incorporated in the State of Florida, USA

SCARS Institute Structured Recovery Program
SCARS Institute - 12 Years of Service

SCARS Institute Advisors

  • Debby Montgomery Johnson, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Chairperson, United States
  • Vianey Gonzalez, Advisor & SCARS Institute Psychology Review Panel, Former SCARS Institute Director, Mexico
  • Rika Takebe, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Japan
  • Sharon Armstrong, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, New Zealand
  • Akie Kurokawa, Advisor, Japan
  • Fatima Down, Advisor, Indonesia
  • Zeccrie Mejid, Advisor, Malaysia
  • Michele Vismaya Rubin, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, United States
  • Kathy Liu, Advisor & Former SCARS|CHINA Chair & Director, China
  • Benita Alexander, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, United States
  • Shirley Zhang, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Taiwan
  • Gabriel Friedlander, Advisor, United States / Israel
  • Leng Tshua, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Singapore
  • Jeff Russell, Advisor, United States

Why was the SCARS Institute created?

Scam victims were not receiving the right message in time to avoid being defrauded. After the scam, many turned to the wrong sources for support, which prevented them from recovering successfully from the trauma. A new professional approach was required, based on methods that have consistently worked in other areas of victim recovery.

There was a need for professionalization, structure, occupational standards, and a deep understanding of the relationship scam experience. The response had to move beyond the rage, amateurism, and vigilantism that were too common among informal groups. Scam victims needed reliable support grounded in science, experience, and ethical standards. Society needed a credible voice to speak out against cyber-enabled online fraud. The SCARS Institute was created to provide that voice and to help victims recover, rebuild, and protect themselves from future harm.

—
“Helping Victims Of Online Crime
Is The Core Of What We Do!”
SCARS Institute

Learn more about the history and genesis of SCARS here