Victims of romance fraud : Analyzing the opinions of Facebook users

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Romance fraud can be defined as abuses from offenders through emotional manipulation and fake romantic relationship. Past research has found that romance fraud victims are seen as responsible for their own victimization. This creates a secondary victimization that further ostracizes victims and adds to the already difficult situation of victims. This study’s aim is to better understand this secondary victimization process. To do so, we analyzed the 677 comments shared on a Facebook post on the Tinder Swindler documentary. This documentary describes how a fraudster was able to abuse multiple women and convince them to send him thousands of dollars. Our results show that Facebook users have a very negative opinion of romance fraud victims, and adopt many of the known stereotypes of romance fraud victims. Victims are seen as responsible for their own victimization. Our findings suggest that more sensibilization is needed to explain how romance fraudsters operate, and who the real victims are. Blaming victims has a direct impact on their willingness to share their experiences and file complaints against their abusers. Enhancing the public opinion towards romance fraud victim is a necessary first step to alleviate the pain and impacts that romance fraud causes.

Author

• Emmanuelle Marois, University of Montreal