In line with the progress of the times, online interaction has become a real part of the dynamics of romantic relationships. This phenomenon brings various impacts: some relationships continue to the stage of marriage, but many also fail, causing material losses as well as psychological effects that can ultimately lead to criminal acts. “Romance scam” is the term used to describe crimes that operate through romantic relationships via dating applications, with the majority of victims being women. This study aims to understand the process of interpersonal communication that occurs between love scammers and their victims, and to uncover the motives underlying this criminal approach. The method used is a qualitative phenomenological study, with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The theoretical framework combines social penetration theory and Devito’s concept of interpersonal communication. The research findings show four main stages in the communication process between love scammers and victims: the initial approach stage, private contact, a semi-formal (green-gray) relationship, and an exploitation zone that has the potential to cause...