The Affective Need and the Social Illusion: the assumptions and the practices of the Romance Scam

D'Ambrosio, M. ; Barba, D. (2023) — Rivista di Criminologia, Vittimologia e Sicurezza
Synopsis

This article explores the intersection of affective needs, digital relationships, and the manipulation of online intimacy through the lens of the romance scam. The authors situate the phenomenon within a socio-criminological framework, highlighting how emotional vulnerabilities are exploited in digital spaces, particularly social networks. The central thesis is that the romance scam is not only a form of financial fraud but also a complex social illusion grounded in the human desire for connection, affection, and recognition.

The discussion begins with the broader context of emotional sensitivity and social isolation, which have intensified in contemporary society, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital interactions often substitute or supplement traditional human connections, creating new avenues for both genuine relationships and exploitative schemes. Within this context, scammers manipulate victims’ psychological needs by presenting themselves as loving partners, weaving narratives of intimacy, trust, and exclusivity.

Empirical evidence is drawn from Italy, where the national police reported a 118% increase in romance scam cases in 2021. The authors emphasize that victims are not naïve but are systematically deceived through strategies that simulate authentic romantic relationships. The scammers, often termed “social engineers of affection,” leverage psychological manipulation techniques such as mirroring, emotional reinforcement, and staged crises. These tactics create a feedback loop where victims experience both heightened emotional fulfillment and deepening dependency on the fictitious relationship.

The article reviews key international literature (Whitty, 2015; Carter, 2021; Cassandra & Lee, 2022; Suleman et al., 2023) to frame romance scams as an emergent criminological issue tied to the commodification of intimacy in digital culture. The authors note that scammers exploit the structural features of social media—such as anonymity, asynchronous communication, and curated self-presentation—to fabricate credible personas. This dynamic blurs the boundary between reality and illusion, making it especially difficult for victims to disengage once emotionally invested.

From a socio-criminological standpoint, romance scams are positioned as a form of relational deviance: while they mirror the practices of legitimate courtship, their intent is fraudulent. The authors also highlight the broader societal implications, including the stigmatization of victims, the reinforcement of gendered stereotypes, and the difficulty of prosecuting transnational offenders.

In conclusion, the paper underscores that romance scams are both a personal and collective concern. At the personal level, they devastate victims emotionally and financially. At the societal level, they challenge norms of trust, intimacy, and security in digital environments. By examining the phenomenon through sociological theories of deviance and affective needs, the authors argue for a more nuanced understanding of how romance scams function and why they remain so effective.
Citation style