A Study on Romance Scam : The Current Situation and Effective Countermeasures

Kim, Hyo-shin ; Seo, Jun-bae (2019) — The Police Science Journal
DOI: 10.16961/polips.2019.14.3.117
Synopsis

This catalog-style examination surveys the current status of romance scam crimes and the protective responses deployed by law enforcement and other stakeholders. Romance scams, typically conducted via online dating platforms and social networks, are described through a neutral overview of modus operandi, victim profiles, and fraud mechanics. The discussion notes the evolving techniques used to establish trust, move money, and avoid detection, and it situates these offenses within broader patterns of cyber-enabled financial crime. Geographic scope, cross-border elements, and the role of digital payment systems are highlighted as important contextual factors. Drawing from disciplinary perspectives in policing, criminology, and cyber security, the synopsis outlines common investigative challenges and approaches. Topics include identification of suspects, tracing of transfers, and digital forensics, alongside coordination with financial institutions, platform operators, and international partners. The piece addresses prevention and disruption strategies, such as risk screening, public awareness campaigns, user education, and reporting mechanisms. It also notes policy instruments, including regulatory frameworks and cross-jurisdictional cooperation, that shape enforcement capacity and the effectiveness of protective measures for potential victims. Structured as a reference entry, the catalog presents sections on scope, typologies, impacts, enforcement responses, and prevention and support. The aim is to provide a neutral, compact overview of how romance scam crimes are understood and addressed within policing and related disciplines, with attention to methodological considerations and practical implications for agencies, platforms, and communities. The synthesis underscores the need for ongoing evaluation, data sharing, and collaboration to adapt to changing scam strategies while balancing privacy, rights, and security concerns.
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