A new article from the SCARS Institute's ScamsNOW Magazine: https://scamsnow.com/existentialism-and-radical-freedom-the-meaning-of-responsibility-for-scam-victims-2025/ Existentialism – Radical Freedom and Responsibility: Owning the Consequences of Our Actions and Mistakes – a Scam Victim Recovery Perspective Existentialism and Radical Freedom – the Meaning of Responsibility for Scam Victims For scam victims in recovery, the concept of radical freedom can initially sound like judgmentalism—as if it is placing blame on them for what happened. However, radical freedom is not about assigning guilt; it is about acknowledging that actions have consequences, even when those actions were caused by someone else. A scam victim did not choose to be deceived, manipulated, or exploited—that was entirely the choice of the scammer. However, the aftermath of the scam still becomes their responsibility—not in a way that blames them for what happened, but in recognizing that they are the only ones who can take ownership of their recovery. This is a difficult but necessary distinction. Life does not always deal out fairness, and bad things happen to good people through no fault of their own. But once the harm has been done, the victim is still left with choices—how to heal, how to rebuild, how to regain trust, and how to move forward. Radical freedom does not blame the victim for the crime, but it does emphasize that only the victim can take control of what happens next. While it may feel unfair to bear the weight of recovery for something that was not their fault, waiting for the world to make it right will only prolong suffering. Acknowledging responsibility for their own healing is not self-blame—it is the first step toward reclaiming personal power and ensuring that the scam does not define their future.