--- title: "SCARS Institute New Scam Victim Basics" canonical: https://againstscams.org/new-scam-victim-basics/ type: page author: "SCARS Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams" published: 2026-09-24 modified: 2026-10-11 summary: "" organization: "SCARS - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams" organization_url: https://againstscams.org/ llms: https://againstscams.org/llms.txt --- # SCARS Institute New Scam Victim Basics # Welcome Scam Victims/Survivors We Are Truly Sorry This Happened To You ## This is the Place to Stop the Scam, Begin to Recover Control, and Start on the Path to Recovery ### Begin By Selecting The Knowledge You Need Previously available on ScamVictimsSupport.org --- ## Listen to Our Free Audiobook For recent scam victims, this will give you all the basics in just a few minutes. ## For Recent/New Scam Victims ### Essential Knowledge & Support for Scam Victims For new scam victims, whether it was a romance scam, a crypto investment scam, or another kind, this information will get you started off right and provide the important knowledge you need to get started on your recovery. CLICK HERE ## For Scam Victims Who Have Been Scammed Multiple Times ### Learn About the Multiple Scam Trap and How to Break Free For victims of multiple scams, learn how repeat scam victimization happens, why it will keep happening until you stop it, and the practical steps to keep from being targeted again. CLICK HERE ## For Sextortion Victims ### Essential Knowledge For New Sextortion Scam Victims! The criminals want you to be scared and freak out, but hold it together! You can make it through this. We know, we have helped loads before you! This is happening to literally millions of others just like you! It’s you right now, but it will be someone else a minute from now. This is how it works. CLICK HERE ## Online Safety For Parents ### Child Online Safety – A Children’s Internet Safety Guide For Parents Child online safety awareness is one of the most important things in today’s digital world, where children are increasingly exposed to the internet’s vast and often unregulated content. CLICK HERE ## Therapy For Scam Victims/Survivors ### Don’t Wait – Getting Help – Therapy & Therapists Therapy and therapists play a crucial role in helping scam victims recover from the emotional and psychological impact of their experiences. They provide a safe space for victims to process their trauma, rebuild trust, and develop coping strategies. Through guided support, therapists help victims regain their self-esteem, navigate complex emotions, and reestablish a sense of security, enabling them to move forward with their lives. CLICK HERE ## Telling Your Story For Scam Victims/Survivors & Families ### Telling Your Story Is Important - Learn How For Scam Victims, the need to tell their stories – the need for validation and acceptance is very real! Being accepted is a basic primal need we all have! When Scam Survivors tell their stories, they seek and receive acceptance! CLICK HERE ## Understanding Scam Victims ### Victimology & Victim Demographics This involves examining the psychological, emotional, and behavioral patterns that emerge after a person has been deceived, and how those experiences shape their recovery, self-perception, and future vulnerability. CLICK HERE ## Removing Your Photos For Scam Victims/Survivors ### Copyright Basics & Takedowns for Scam Victims When someone posts your photos online, you have a Powerful Tool to get them taken down quickly! Forget reporting fakes in the normal way. Get the social media’s legal department to remove them! Use the Digital Millennium Copyright Act – it works everywhere, and it works fast! CLICK HERE ## It Was Not Your Fault You Are Not Stupid You Are Not Alone You Are Worthy Blaming scam victims perpetuates stigma and undermines their recovery. Victims are targeted by skilled manipulators, and assigning fault ignores the predatory tactics used. Instead, fostering empathy and support helps victims heal. Understanding scams’ complexities and providing resources strengthen victims to reclaim their dignity and move forward with resilience. New scam victims often face significant challenges in understanding what happened to them. The tactics employed by scammers are often sophisticated, leaving scam victims confused, vulnerable, and grappling with a myriad of emotions. Initially, victims may blame themselves for becoming victims of the scam, experiencing overwhelming guilt and shame. This self-blame can hinder their ability to seek help and begin the recovery process. However, by receiving the right information and support from organizations like the SCARS Institute, victims can eliminate these feelings of blame, guilt, and shame. The SCARS Institute provides comprehensive education about various scam forms, manipulation techniques, and the psychological impact of scams. This knowledge empowers victims to recognize that they were targeted by skilled criminals who exploited vulnerabilities, rather than being at fault themselves. By understanding the complexities of scams and the tactics used by scammers, scam victims can shift their perspective from self-blame to self-compassion. They realize that they are not alone in their experience and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the support of SCARS and its resources, including support groups, help finding trauma counseling, and educational materials, new scam victims can begin their journey of recovery with confidence and clarity. SCARS helps victims navigate the road to recovery by providing a safe space to share experiences, access valuable resources, and rebuild their lives free from blame, guilt, and shame. Come and join our free, safe, and confidential community of survivors at [www.SCARScommunity.org](http://www.SCARScommunity.org)