The Hunt for a Lonely Heart: An Exploratory Analysis of Romance Scam Narratives

• In Event: From Phishing to Romance Scams: Motivations, Tactics, and Responses

Abstract

Romance scams are a growing consumer fraud issue, with reported losses reaching $1.14 billion in 2023 (Sola, 2024). Many victims never report their experiences, making the true scope of the problem unknown (Cross, Holt, & O'Malley, 2023). Victims are deceived into believing they are in genuine relationships, only to face emotional abuse, financial loss, and even sextortion (Whitty, 2019). Digital tools from companies like Social Catfish help individuals verify online identities through reverse image searches and background checks. Beyond verification, Social Catfish conducts in-depth scam investigations, sharing findings on its YouTube channel. Victims submit video narratives of their online relationships, which the team investigates before revealing the truth. This research analyzes these narratives to understand victims’ experiences and identify scammers' manipulation tactics. Using narrative analysis, the study uncovers key themes highlighting the emotional, psychological, and financial impact of romance scams.

Author

• Mischelle Van Brakle, California State University, Long Beach