Romance Scam Research Center

Automatic Detection and Analysis of the “Game Hack” Scam

Badawi, Emad; Jourdan, Guy-Vincent; Bochmann, Gregor; Onut, Iosif-Viorel (2020) — Journal of Web Engineering

Type: Journal Article Country: Canada Tags: victim experience, AI misuse, measurement Methods: survey

The Game Hack Scam (GHS) is characterized as a largely unreported cyberattack in which offenders lure victims with promises of free, unlimited resources or other advantages for their preferred game. The attackers’ end go...

Automatically Dismantling Online Dating Fraud

Suarez-Tangil, Guillermo; Edwards, Matthew; Peersman, Claudia; Stringhini, Gianluca; Rashid, Awais; Whitty, Monica (2020) — IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security

Type: Journal Article Country: United Kingdom

Automatically Dismantling Online Dating Fraud is positioned as a study of deceptive activity on dating platforms and a proposal for an automated approach to counter it. The article defines common fraud scenarios such as...

Devices of Textual Illusion: Victimization in Romance Scam E-Letters

Dreijers, G.; Rudziša, V. (2020) — Research in Language

Type: Journal Article Country: Latvia Tags: victim experience, psychology, AI misuse, cross-cultural

This piece examines Devices of Textual Illusion: Victimization in Romance Scam E-Letters within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documented in the literature, de...

Distort, Extort, Deceive and Exploit: Exploring the Inner Workings of a Romance Fraud

Carter, E. (2020) — The British Journal of Criminology

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

This piece examines Distort, Extort, Deceive and Exploit: Exploring the Inner Workings of a Romance Fraud within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documented in t...

How Do Individuals Justify and Rationalize their Criminal Behaviors in Online Romance Fraud?

Offei, M.; Andoh-Baidoo, FK.; Ayaburi, EW.; Asamoah, D. (2020) — Information Systems Frontiers

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

This study investigates how offenders justify and rationalize their participation in online romance fraud (ORF) by applying neutralization theory and denial of risk theory. Unlike most research that focuses on victims, t...

Mapping Computer Mediated Communication Theories and Persuasive Strategies in Analysing Online Dating Romance Scam

Annadorai, Kalaivani; Krish, Pramela; Shaari, Azianura Hani; Kamaluddin, Mohammad Rahim (2020) — Journal of Xidian University

Type: Journal Article Country: Malaysia

This piece examines Mapping Computer Mediated Communication Theories and Persuasive Strategies in Analysing Online Dating Romance Scam within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines co...

Online Romance Scams: Relational Dynamics and Psychological Characteristics of the Victims and Scammers. A Scoping Review

Coluccia, A.; Pozza, A.; Ferretti, F.; Carabellese, F.; Masti, A.; Gualtieri, G. (2020) — Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health

Type: Journal Article Country: Italy Tags: victim experience, offender tactics, psychology, platform policy, AI misuse, online dating platforms, risk factors, prevention Methods: interview, qualitative, quantitative

Digital communication tools can help overcome physical, social, and psychological barriers to forming romantic connections. At the same time, online romance scams represent a contemporary form of fraud that has spread in...

Psychological Correlates of Ghosting and Breadcrumbing Experiences: A Preliminary Study among Adults

Navarro, Raúl; Larrañaga, Elisa; Yubero, Santiago; Víllora, Beatriz (2020) — International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Type: Journal Article Country: Spain Tags: psychology, AI misuse, measurement Methods: survey, quantitative

This piece examines Psychological Correlates of Ghosting and Breadcrumbing Experiences: A Preliminary Study among Adults within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns...

The loss of money, happiness and face

Notté, R. (2020) — Justitiële verkenningen

Type: Journal Article Country: Netherlands Tags: victim experience, law enforcement, cross-cultural

This piece examines Het verlies van geld, geluk en gezicht within the broader context of online fraud and mediated communication. It outlines common patterns documented in the literature, describes how offenders cultivat...

“You’re not alone”: the use of peer support groups for fraud victims

Cross, C. (2019) — Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Type: Journal Article Country: Australia

This article examines the severe consequences of fraud victimization and the limited support services available to those affected. Victims not only suffer financial loss but also face broader harms, including declines in...