The online dating romance scam: causes and consequences of victimhood

Buchanan, T. ; Whitty, MT. (2013) — Psychology, Crime & Law
DOI: 10.1080/1068316x.2013.772180
Synopsis

This catalog-style synopsis surveys the topic of online dating romance scams as presented in Psychology, Crime & Law. The article defines the phenomenon as deceitful relationship-building undertaken through digital dating platforms to obtain money, valuables, or other resources, often through sustained emotional manipulation. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the piece outlines common scam typologies (such as catfishing, impersonation, and staged emergencies) and frames the issue within broader debates about trust, privacy, and criminal harm in online courtships. The work situates victimhood within a legal and forensic context, emphasizing mechanisms of deception, victim resilience, and the balance between individual experiences and systemic responses. Causes are discussed in terms of multiple interacting factors. Individual-level drivers include emotional needs, cognitive biases, and financial stress that may render legitimate seekers more vulnerable; situational factors involve online platform design, asynchronous communication, and the ease of fabrication across borders. The article also notes social and cultural dynamics, including gendered expectations, power imbalances, and norms around romance and consent, which can shape both perpetration and susceptibility. From a criminological perspective, the analysis considers offender motives, methods, and opportunities, as well as situational triggers that permit scams to persist. Consequences for victims are described as multi-dimensional, spanning financial loss, psychological distress, trust erosion, and social or reputational harm. The work highlights pathways to recovery and reporting, and it discusses implications for law, policy, and prevention. Topics include cross-jurisdictional cooperation, platform accountability, public awareness campaigns, and educational interventions designed to reduce risk and improve victim support. Throughout, the emphasis remains on neutral description, avoiding sensationalism while noting the real harms experienced by those targeted in online dating contexts.
Citation style