Romance fraud uses the guise of an intimate relationship to deceive victims. In many cases, the goal of the offender is a financial reward (usually through the direct transfer of money). However, in some cases there is no financial incentive underlying the deception.
Romance fraud can have devastating impacts on victims. There are obvious financial impacts for those who have lost money, but there are also a range of non-financial harms. This can include a decline in physical and emotional health, varying levels of depression, relationship breakdown, and in extreme cases, suicide. Victims experience a sense of violation and betrayal at having been deceived during a relationship. The grief associated with losing the relationship is sometimes more difficult to overcome than any monetary loss.
Fraudsters use a range of grooming techniques, social engineering tactics and methods of psychological abuse to manipulate and exploit their victims. Offenders leverage a strong level of trust and rapport they have built with victims, as a means of persuading victims to take actions they would ordinarily not agree to.
Romance fraud carries a high level of shame and stigma. There are strong victim blaming narratives targeted at victims by family, friends and authorities as well as a sense of self-blame for many. These are often unjustified and not constructive in assisting with the recovery of victims.
There are many opportunities to better understand the complex dynamics associated with romance fraud, and improve current responses across prevention, disruption, policing, and victim support.
Our researchers
Briefing Papers related to fraud
The QUT Centre for Justice Briefing Paper Series provides short, accessible, peer-reviewed accounts of topics and issues related to justice:
Recent publications
Romance fraud doesn’t only happen online – it can turn into real-world deception
Panel Discussion Event – Scams Awareness Week 2024
On the 27 August 2024, The Centre for Justice hosted a panel discussion which was themed “Stop a Scam, Share a Story”.
Fraud affects millions worldwide, but myths and negative stereotypes about victims persist. Brave individuals share personal stories to challenge these misconceptions.
Stephanie Wood and Tracy Hall shared their experiences of deception, while Cassandra Cross, Laura Vitis and Phoebe Hart provided research insights from QUT Centre for Justice.
The discussion revealed how offenders manipulate victims and examine the impact of media narratives on support for victims.
You can watch the Panel Discussion Event below:
