CHAPTER 10 The Online Mutual Help Practices of Romance Fraud Victims
Cantin, Pascale-Marie ; Ream, Fyscillia ; Dupont, Benoît (2025) — University of Ottawa Press eBooks
Type:
Book Chapter
AI-Generated Synopsis
Chapter 10 surveys the online mutual-help practices engaged in by individuals who have experienced romance fraud. Across digital spaces such as forums, social networks, and informal groups, victims connect to share personal narratives, exchange practical information, and provide emotional support. The chapter describes typical activities, including posting accounts of encounters, comparing red flags, circulating safety tips, and directing newcomers to resources. It emphasizes that these are voluntary, peer-led efforts that emerge within online communities seeking collective understanding and recovery. By mapping interactions, the chapter highlights patterns of knowledge-sharing, validation, and reciprocity, as well as the development of informal norms surrounding confidentiality, consent, and supportive language. Further sections address platforms and formats, interaction styles, and the content of mutual aid exchanges. The chapter examines how participants organize information