Hello Pretty, Hello Handsome!: Exploring the Menace of Online Dating and Romance Scam in Africa

Eseadi, C. ; Ogbonna, CS. ; Otu, MS. ; Ede, MO. (2021) — Crime, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Africa

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-71024-8_4

Synopsis

Online dating and romance scams are examined within criminal psychology as a growing category of deception facilitated by information and communication technology. The landscape is shaped by anonymous and semi-anonymous online environments, profile fabrication, and persistent messaging that can sustain emotional engagement over extended periods. Typical patterns involve misrepresented identities, strategic self-presentation, and requests for financial or logistical assistance, with variations across platforms and cultural contexts. From a psychological standpoint, researchers describe offender strategies, victim vulnerabilities, and the social dynamics of online courtship. Central concepts include impression management, pace of relationship development, and the gradual erosion of suspicion through positive reinforcement. The digital setting enables scalable reach, asynchronous communication, and the creation of believable false personas, while also shaping how individuals assess risk, disclose information, and decide whether to respond to requests. Implications for research and practice focus on classification, risk assessment, prevention, and response. Cataloging cases supports understanding typologies, identifying protective factors, and informing policy and platform design choices. Approaches emphasize digital literacy, user education, and coordinated reporting and support systems, with attention to ethical considerations and the balance between awareness and stigma. The overarching aim is to map the interplay between technology, psychology, and crime in order to reduce harm and improve resilience.

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