The prevention of online romance scams using a crime script analysis from the victim’s perspective

The escalating menace of online romance scams (ORS), exploiting human vulnerabilities and trust through social engineering, necessitates robust preventive strategies. This study pioneers the development of victim script, utilizing Crime Script Analysis to map the decision-making process of victims and highlight potential intervention points for preventing scams. Drawing from a prior comprehensive data set of verified victim testimonials, the research articulates a detailed victim script encompassing the entire trajectory of ORS—from initial encounters on digital platforms to the culmination of financial exploitation. By examining the correspondence between offender tactics and victim responses, this study identifies critical stages where interventions could effectively thwart scammers’ strategies. The findings advocate for enhanced awareness programs, rigorous platform security measures, and the empowerment of potential victims through educational outreach, aiming to curtail the financial and emotional damage inflicted by ORS.