Romance Scam Research Center

The online dating romance scam: The psychological impact on victims – both financial and non-financial

Whitty, MT. ; Buchanan, T. (2015) — Criminology & Criminal Justice

Synopsis

This study explores the psychological consequences of online dating romance scams, a form of fraud that combines financial harm with the collapse of a personal relationship. Unlike victims of other mass marketing frauds, those targeted by this scam endure two simultaneous losses: money and the dissolution of an intimate connection. For most participants, the end of the relationship produced greater distress than the monetary setback, with several characters likening the breakup to a death. Across accounts, some participants describe the experience as traumatic, and all report negative effects stemming from the crime. A central finding concerns how victims cope with the aftermath. Many struggled to find effective ways forward in the absence of understanding from family and friends, leaving them with limited social support. The study highlights denial as a common response, whether through refusal to acknowledge that the scam occurred or difficulty in separating the authentic-looking persona from the criminal behind it. This approach to coping was found to be ineffective, contributing to continued vulnerability and the possibility of a second encounter with the scam. In addition to documenting harms and coping patterns, the article discusses policy implications. It suggests changes in how law enforcement addresses online dating romance scams, aiming to enhance responses to this crime and mitigate its impact on victims. The recommendations underscore the need for improved recognition of the unique psychological toll of these scams and for measures that can better assist victims through the investigative and recovery processes.

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