From swipe to swindle: a narrative review of research on older adult victims of romance fraud

Romance fraud, an offense in which victims are manipulated for financial gain through fabricated romantic relationships, has grown recently alongside new digital platforms that facilitate online romantic connections. At particular risk are older adults, who tend to be more socially isolated and less familiar with digital safety behaviors. Guided by gerontological and criminological theory, we present a narrative review of research on how romance fraud impacts older adults. The review includes empirical studies on romance scams impacting older adults (N = 8). We find that older adults targeted by romance scams are often navigating social isolation, widowhood, or emotional vulnerability, and, while not always the most frequently victimized, they face unique risks and consequences. This review highlights key risk factors of romance fraud victimization and offers insights to enhance digital safeguards for older adults. Future directions for research, as well as implications for policy and practice, are discussed.