--- title: "Psychology Of Online Dating/Romance Scams – A 2012 Research Report [PDF] [UPDATED]" canonical: https://romancescamsnow.com/the-psychology-of-the-online-dating-romance-scam/ type: post author: "SCARS Institute Editorial Team" published: 2022-02-23 modified: 2023-10-08 categories: ["2022", "Analytics & Information", "Cybercrime", "Polls & Surveys", "SCARS Research", "Victimology", "♦ ABOUT ALL SCARS KNOWLEDGE & LEARNING", "♦ ANALYTICS & DATA"] summary: "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" organization: "SCARS Institute - Encyclopedia of Scans - World's #1 Anti-Scam Website - Romance Scams NOW" organization_url: https://romancescamsnow.com/ llms: https://romancescamsnow.com/llms.txt --- # Psychology Of Online Dating/Romance Scams – A 2012 Research Report [PDF] [UPDATED] # 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.