Psychology Of The Online Dating/Romance Scams

A 2012 Research Report About Romance Scams

Psychology of Scams – Presented by SCARS

Authored By:

Principal Investigator: Professor Monica Whitty (University of Leicester)
Co-investigator: Dr. Tom Buchanan (University of Westminster)

Originally Published: 2012 – Article Updated: 2023

A Better Understanding of Romance Scams

The Psychological Consequences Of Being A Victim Of The Online Dating Romance Scam

Research Undertaken at The University of Leicester

This report summarizes a year-long project to study romance scams, led by Professor Whitty, which examined the online dating romance scam. The three main aims of the project were to: identify the psychological characteristics of individuals that raise their risk of becoming victims; examine the persuasive techniques employed to scam victims of online dating romance scams; and examine the psychological consequences of being a victim of the online dating romance scam.

Principal Investigator: Professor Monica Whitty (University of Leicester), Co-investigator: Dr. Tom Buchanan (University of Westminster)

Romance Scams Report Executive Summary

This report summarizes a year-long project, led by Professor Whitty, which examined the online dating romance scam. The three main aims of the project were to: identify the psychological characteristics of individuals that raise their risk of becoming victims; examine the persuasive techniques employed to scam victims of online dating romance scams; and examine the psychological consequences of being a victim of the online dating romance scam.

Drawing from the qualitative work conducted in the project a summary of the anatomy of the scam is made.

Study 1 considered the types of people more at risk of this scam. The only finding was that those high in romantic beliefs were more likely to be victims, in particular, those who have a high tendency toward the idealization of romantic partners. Contrary to statistics gained on the reporting of this crime, middle-aged women were not more likely to be victims of this crime.

Study 2 examined the three main objectives of the project. This study examined 200 posts on a public online peer support group. Some victims wrote they had previous abusive relationships. The fake profile contained stereotypical characteristics that men and women look for in a potential mate. Through the use of ICTs ‘hyperpersonal relationships’ were developed. The ‘Scammers Persuasive Techniques Model’ is developed here to explain the success of these scams. A range of psychological impacts is also reported.

Study 3 examined the three main objectives of the project. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 victims. Most of the women had experienced a highly abusive relationship earlier in their lives. Some of the men reported a history of mental health problems. Further support was found for the ‘Scammers Persuasive Techniques Model’. In addition, it was found that victims were also drawn in because of the ‘unconditional positive regard’ displayed by the criminal. Victims experienced a double hit from the loss of monies and the loss of a relationship. Victims found it very difficult to let go of the relationship and visualize that it was not real even when they believed they had been scammed. Victims went through the stages of grieving after learning they had been scammed and those in denial were vulnerable to a second wave of the scam.

This report concludes by providing advice to online dating companies, law enforcement, policymakers, and health professionals. Online dating companies need to make information about the scam visible on their sites. Others need to be aware that victims are vulnerable and special care needs to be taken when the news is broken to victims.

Psychology Of Online Dating/Romance Scams - A Research Report by Monica Whitty

SCARS Resources:

Getting Started Right: ScamVictimsSupport.org
Sextortion Scam Victims: Sextortion Victims Support – The Essentials (scamvictimssupport.org)
For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
Join our Scam Survivors United Chat & Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/scam.survivors.united
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Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
Scammer photos ScammerPhotos.com
SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Other Cyber Resources

Block Scam Domains: Quad9.net
Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org) https://act.globalcyberalliance.org/index.php/Actionable_Cybersecurity_Tools_(ACT)_-_Simplified_Cybersecurity_Protection
Wizer Cybersecurity Training – Free Security Awareness Training, Phishing Simulation and Gamification (wizer-training.com)

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ContraEstafas.org
ScammerPhotos.com
AnyScam.com – reporting
AgainstScams.org – SCARS Corporate Website
SCARS YouTube Video Channel

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Psychology Of Online Dating/Romance Scams – A 2012 Research Report [PDF] [UPDATED]