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Amor, dependencia y aislamiento: El impacto psicológico del romance scam

Pacheco Unguetti, Antonia Pilar ; Miranda Gálvez, Azahara Leonor (2025) — Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17965513
Type:   Book Chapter
Country:   Spain
Tags:   romance scam, online dating fraud, psychological trauma, victim vulnerability, grooming, financial loss, prevention, AI detection, psychological impact, stigma

Synopsis (AI-Generated)

This record offers a general and neutral view of the phenomenon known as romance scam, with an emphasis on the triad between love, emotional dependence and social isolation. The dynamics of seduction, deception and manipulation that can affect one's perception of oneself and emotional well-being are explored. Relevant psychological processes are described, such as the intensification of affections, the building of trust and the subsequent breakdown of that trust in the face of signs of fraud. The analysis considers the pathways by which people can become vulnerable, including closing social circles, idealizing long-distance relationships, and seeking emotional validation. Impacts on self-efficacy, emotional regulation and sense of personal security are highlighted, as well as possible repercussions on future relationships and the perception of reality. The paper addresses theoretical approaches and lines of research to understand these experiences, and discusses implications for clinical intervention, digital education, and prevention. Considerations on risk assessment, victim support, and recovery strategies are presented, without presenting specific empirical data. The material is aimed at readers of psychology, public health and social intervention, as well as communities and platforms that manage risks in digital environments. Taken together, it offers a conceptual framework for understanding the psychological impact of romance scam, identifying red flags, and supporting responses that promote resilience and the repair of affective trust.

Identified Gaps (AI-Generated)

Persistent needs remain for specific training for professionals on the complex psychological consequences of romance fraud. The lack of exact figures in Spain and underreporting linked to shame and guilt make it difficult to know the true scale. The cross-border nature of the crime, legal and resource differences between countries, and technological evolution hinder a coordinated response.

Methods (AI-Generated)

A narrative synthesis chapter focused mainly on victims, integrating cited literature on scammer profiles and rationalizations, romance-scam mechanisms, vulnerabilities, consequences, and interventions. It does not describe original data collection, sampling, empirical analysis, or a systematic review protocol.

Limitations (AI-Generated)

The text does not report a search method, inclusion criteria, study-quality assessment, or primary data, so its claims depend on the cited literature. Several conclusions about victim profiles are presented as trends and may be affected by studies conducted with people who had already been scammed and isolated. Underreporting also limits estimation of incidence.

Future Work (AI-Generated)

More research is needed on scammers' tactics, the development of public policies to protect victims, improved identity verification on platforms, and greater public awareness. Specialized training is also proposed for professionals serving victims, along with more effective international cooperation.

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AI-Generated Content Notice

The synopsis and research notes on this page were generated with AI from available publication information and, when available, the uploaded paper text. They may contain errors, omissions, or interpretation issues. Readers should follow the DOI or source link, review the original publication, and make their own judgment about the content.

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