The victimology of online fraud: A focus on romance fraud victimisation
Drew, JM. ; Webster, J. (2024) — Journal of Economic Criminology
Type:
Journal Article
Country:
Australia
AI-Generated Synopsis
This article provides a catalog-style overview of victimology in online fraud, with a focus on romance fraud victimisation. Situating online scams within the broader field of economic criminology, the work outlines how victims are defined, identified, and affected, and how offender tactics intersect with digital platforms. The narrative draws on conceptual frameworks used to examine harm in internet-enabled crimes, including exposure, vulnerability, and the dynamics of trust and deception in online relationships. It sets out categories and pathways through which individuals may become targets of romance-related scams. The piece surveys typologies of romance fraud victimisation, describing common patterns in coercion, persistence, and financial loss, while recognizing diversity in victim experience. It considers the sequence of events, from initial contact to manipulation and withdrawal of funds, and the role of emotional investment, secrecy, and social isolation. The analysis addresses the consequences for victims, spanning financial hardship, psychological distress, and social or reputational impact, and notes barriers to seeking help or reporting incidents. Implications for policy, practice, and further research are outlined in a neutral, programmatic tone. The synopsis highlights potential prevention and intervention strategies, such as awareness campaigns, platform safeguards, and accessible support services, as well as avenues for improving reporting, data collection, and victim assistance. It also signals methodological considerations for studying romance fraud, including data sources, defin