Whitty, Monica T. and Buchanan, T. (2016) The online dating romance scam : the psychological impact on victims - both financial and non-financial. Criminology and Criminal Justice, 16 (2). pp. 176-194. doi:10.1177/1748895815603773

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Abstract

This article examines the psychological impact of the online dating romance scam. Unlike other mass-marketing fraud victims, these victims experienced a ‘double hit’ of the scam: a financial loss and the loss of a relationship. For most, the loss of the relationship was more upsetting than their financial losses (many described the loss of the relationship as a ‘death’). Some described their experience as traumatic and all were affected negatively by the crime. Most victims had not found ways to cope given the lack of understanding from family and friends. Denial (e.g. not accepting the scam was real or not being able to separate the fake identity with the criminal) was identified as an ineffective means of coping, leaving the victim vulnerable to a second wave of the scam. Suggestions are made as to how to change policy with regards to law enforcement to deal with this crime.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > WMG (Formerly the Warwick Manufacturing Group)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Internet fraud, Online dating, Single women -- crimes against, Single women -- crimes against, Single people -- crimes against
Journal or Publication Title:	Criminology and Criminal Justice
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	1748-8958
Official Date:	April 2016
Dates:	Date Event April 2016 Published 3 September 2015 Available 2015 Accepted
Date of first compliant deposit:	6 December 2016
Volume:	16
Number:	2
Page Range:	pp. 176-194
DOI:	10.1177/1748895815603773
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	RES-000-22–4022

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