Romance Scam Research Center

“I knew it was a scam”: Understanding the triggers for recognizing romance fraud

Cross, C. (2023) — Criminology & Public Policy

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, platform policy, AI misuse, prevention

This article examines the factors that contribute to the moment a romance fraud victimization becomes realized, drawing on 1015 reports submitted to Scamwatch, Australia’s online fraud reporting portal, during the period...

More than Money: Examining the Potential Exposure of Romance Fraud Victims to Identity Crime

Cross, C.; Holt, TJ. (2023) — Global Crime

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia

More than Money: Examining the Potential Exposure of Romance Fraud Victims to Identity Crime is presented as a global crime topic that analyzes how victims of romance fraud may face exposure to identity crime beyond fina...

Open Access: Exploring Fear of Crime for Those Targeted by Romance Fraud

Cross, C.; Lee, M. (2023) — The Link between Specific Forms of Online and Offline Victimization

Type: Book Chapter Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, AI misuse

This study analyzes a set of 3,259 romance fraud reports submitted by individuals to Scamwatch, the Australian online platform for reporting fraud, for the period spanning July 2018 through July 2019 inclusive. The aim i...

Romance baiting, cryptorom and ‘pig butchering’: an evolutionary step in romance fraud

Cross, C. (2023) — Current Issues in Criminal Justice

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia

This article examines the recent convergence of romance fraud and investment fraud, resulting in what has been termed romance baiting, cryptorom, or pig butchering. These schemes use the façade of a romantic relationship...

To pay or not to pay: An exploratory analysis of sextortion in the context of romance fraud

Cross, C.; Holt, K.; Holt, TJ. (2023) — Criminology & Criminal Justice

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, AI misuse Methods: quantitative

This piece examines To pay or not to pay: An exploratory analysis of sextortion in the context of romance fraud within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documente...

A Guide to Understanding Romance Fraud

Cross, C. (2022) — A Guide to Understanding Romance Fraud

Type: Book Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, psychology, AI misuse, risk factors, prevention

This piece examines A Guide to Understanding Romance Fraud within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documented in the literature, describes how offenders cultivat...

Exploring Fear of Crime for Those Targeted by Romance Fraud

Cross, C.; Lee, M. (2022) — Victims & Offenders

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia

Exploring Fear of Crime for Those Targeted by Romance Fraud is a cataloging-style examination of how fear of crime arises and persists among individuals who engage with or fall victim to online romantic deception. The di...

Open Access: The Use of Military Profiles in Romance Fraud Schemes

Cross, C.; Holt, TJ. (2022) — The New Technology of Financial Crime

Type: Book Chapter Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, military, prevention, measurement Populations: military

This piece examines Open Access: The Use of Military Profiles in Romance Fraud Schemes within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documented in the literature, desc...

Using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes to deceive victims: the need to rethink current romance fraud prevention messaging

Cross, C. (2022) — Crime Prevention and Community Safety

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, offender tactics, AI misuse, prevention

Romance fraud exploits the appearance of a genuine romantic connection to lure individuals into financial exploitation. Each year, a large number of people worldwide lose money to such schemes. Current prevention messagi...

“I Suspect That the Pictures Are Stolen”: Romance Fraud, Identity Crime, and Responding to Suspicions of Inauthentic Identities

Cross, C.; Layt, R. (2021) — Social Science Computer Review

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia Tags: victim experience, platform policy, AI misuse Methods: interview, qualitative

Romance fraud affects a large number of people around the world, with financial losses measured in millions of dollars each year and a trend of continued growth. The offense unfolds when a perpetrator presents the preten...