Online Romance Scammers
Shapiro, LR. (2022) — Cyberpredators and Their Prey
AI-Generated Synopsis
The topic describes a contemporary form of online deception in which a romance-themed relationship is manufactured by a scammer to obtain resources from a target. The typical actor may be an individual or a member of a larger network, and the operation can run solo or involve coordinated activity. The most obvious motive is financial gain, though some cases blend economic aims with other benefits such as access to personal information or ongoing exploitation. The scammer develops a convincing personal persona, often fabricating life histories, credentials, and social connections, and pursues contact through dating apps, social media, or messaging services. Methods center on rapid emotional engagement, sustained communication, and the creation of plausible but controlled narratives to foster trust. Over time, the relationship may be steered toward requests for money, gifts, or the transfer of funds through intermediaries. Scope and effects: perpetrators can operate across borders, reaching a diverse audience, and individual victims may experience repeated requests or cascading schemes. The pattern typically involves escalating demands, expressions of affection, and appeals to urgency or vulnerability. The outcomes include financial loss, emotional distress, and potential exposure to identity-related harm. Responses in the public sphere include platform moderation, consumer-protection notices, and investigative actions by law enforcement and financial institutions. The topic often appears in discussions of online safety and digital literacy, with emphasis on prudent verification of claims, careful handling of personal information, and careful consideration of unsolicited requests for money.