Romance fraud: Around a concept of victimization

Abstract

This article aims to contribute for the understanding of virtual social relationships and their malicious use, contextualizing romantic fraud as an emerging criminal phenomenon. By analyzing the interconnection between social aspects and criminal mechanisms, and with a particular emphasis on the underlying victimization processes, we seek to provide a solid knowledge basis for future research and interventions, promoting a holistic and informed approach, so that it is possible to mitigate its criminological impact on  contemporary society, nationally and internationally.