Romance scams are a form of cybercrime in which a perpetrator cultivates a personal relationship with a target through online platforms, with the aim of financial gain or theft of sensitive information. The pattern typically involves fake identities, fabricated personal narratives, and staged crises or emergencies to elicit sympathy and requests for money or securities. These operations can be run by individuals or coordinated networks and commonly operate across borders, exploiting gaps in jurisdiction and enforcement. The tactic leverages social engineering, trust, and emotional attachment, often progressing through dating apps, social media, and messaging services. The impact ranges from direct financial losses to reputational harm and emotional distress, with consequences extending to family and social circles. Estimating scope is challenging due to underreporting and the diffuse nature of online interactions. From a policy and enforcement perspective, romance scams are situated among broader fraud and cybercrime challenges. Responses emphasize platform governance, information sharing, victim support, and international cooperation, alongside user education about online safety. Analysts describe scam lifecycles, common red flags, and patterns that aid detection and risk assessment, while noting that perpetrators continually adapt to new technologies and cultural contexts. The topic is represented in comparative analyses of regulatory frameworks, enforcement priorities, and technical measures such as identity verification, anomaly detection, and cross-border collaboration. As a persistent threat within the digital economy, romance scams illustrate the broader vulnerabilities of online social interaction and the ongoing need for prevention, detection, and remediation