A crime script perspective on mapping the entry, continuation, and exit pathways of online romance fraud
Abubakari, Yushawu; Lazarus, Suleman; Oseh-Ovarah, Valeen (2026) — International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice
Type: Journal Article
This article presents a crime script perspective on online romance fraud, focusing on how fraudulent schemes are initiated, sustained, and completed in digital environments. Grounded in crime-script analysis, it maps ent...
A scoping review of online romance scams: Conceptual construction and comparative analysis
Wang, Fangzhou (2026) — International Review of Victimology
This scoping review synthesizes findings from a body of 62 empirical investigations to construct a framework that differentiates two primary forms of online romance scams: advance fee romance scams and investment-based r...
Online romance scam victimization fear: theorizing the causes and the consequences
Alam, Nabid; Dhillon, Gurpreet; Oliveira, Tiago (2026) — Internet Research
The study seeks to illuminate the causes and effects of fear of victimization from online romance scams, treating it as a form of psychological stress that matters for both individuals who date online and the platforms t...
Romance Scam Reporting and Support: Help-Seeking Timing, Trust, and Escalation
Herrera, LD (2026) — 2026 14th International Symposium on Digital Forensics and Security (ISDFS)
Type: Proceedings Article
Country: United States
Tags: romance scams, online fraud, cybercrime reporting, victim support, incident response, digital forensics
Built on social engineering and identity deception, romance scams often create financial loss and distress. For victims, it can be difficult to know where to go, what information is needed, and what outcomes are realisti...
“Falling into a Black Hole”: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Cyberscam Victim-Survivors and Their Social Support Networks
This study investigates the lived experiences of cyberscam victim-survivors and their friends and family members, highlighting vulnerabilities, impacts, and support needs. Although cyberscams affect millions globally, ex...
A multifaceted exploration of romance scam scripts : A Comparison of Two Methods of Analysis
Kim, Byunghoon; Suh, Joonbae; Park, Areum (2025) — Korean Police Studies Review
Type: Journal Article
Country: South Korea
The paper compares stage models of romance scams from Whitty (2013) and Kim & Seo (2019). It finds a structured progression: offender approach, trust-building, escalating money requests, and coercion, with repeat psychol...
A systematic literature review of profiling victims of cyber scams: setting up a framework for future research
Whitty, MT. (2025) — Cogent Social Sciences
Type: Journal Article
Country: United Kingdom
This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of research profiling victims of cyber scams, aiming to establish a framework for future studies. The review was motivated by the rapid global growth of cyber sc...
An Anatomy of ‘Pig Butchering Scams’: Chinese Victims’ and Police Officers’ Perspectives
Han, Bing; Button, Mark (2025) — Deviant Behavior
Type: Journal Article
Country: United Kingdom
This article analyzes the hybrid romance–investment scam known as “pig butchering” (Sha Zhu Pan, 杀猪盘) from the perspectives of Chinese victims and police officers. Unlike traditional romance scams, pig butchering fuse...
An Examination of Digital Validation-Seeking Behaviors in Adolescents as Precursors to Romance Scamming
Ohu, Francis; Jones, Laura (2025) — Scientia Moralitas Conference Proceedings
Country: United States
Tags: offender tactics, psychology, AI misuse, risk factors, measurement
This study investigates digital validation-seeking behaviors among adolescents and young adults as precursors to romance scamming. It argues that patterns of deceptive online self-presentation, reinforced by social media...
Analyzing the Evolving Modus Operandi of Romance Scams via Court Judgments: Crime Script and Policy Implications
Lee, Hyejin; Boo, Minseo (2025) — KOREAN CRIMINOLOGICAL REVIEW
Type: Journal Article
This article presents a neutral examination of the evolving modus operandi of romance scams through a review of court judgments. Located within the scope of the Korean Criminological Review, the analysis applies a crime...
Romance Scam Research Center (RSRC)
1100 W Cherry St
Vermillion, SD 57069
USA
