More than Money: Examining the Potential Exposure of Romance Fraud Victims to Identity Crime

Cross, C. ; Holt, TJ. (2023) — Global Crime

DOI: 10.1080/17440572.2023.2185607

Synopsis

More than Money: Examining the Potential Exposure of Romance Fraud Victims to Identity Crime is presented as a global crime topic that analyzes how victims of romance fraud may face exposure to identity crime beyond financial loss. The material surveys the connection between deception in online romantic contexts and the misuse of personal information, noting how disclosures, trust-building, and subsequent contact with real-world systems can create pathways for identity-related abuse. The scope encompasses typologies of romance fraud, the types of data that may be compromised, and the sequence by which identity crime may arise, with attention to cross-border and cross-platform dynamics typical of a global landscape. From governance and protection perspectives, the synopsis highlights considerations for data protection, digital literacy, authentication practices, and victim support. It discusses the roles of law enforcement, financial institutions, social platforms, and consumer-wellbeing initiatives in limiting exposure and facilitating recovery. The material adopts a catalog-like organization of themes—risk factors, victim experiences, data-flow points, and potential interventions—intended for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand and address the broader implications of romance fraud on identity security across jurisdictions.

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