Romance scam, also known as love fraud, has increased significantly in recent years, and its impact on victims extends far beyond financial losses: the experiences often involve traumatic emotions, shame, guilt, and a profound erosion of trust. At the same time, public discourse and media representations tend to simplify the phenomenon, which fails to do justice to the experiences and recovery processes of those who have been targeted by romance fraud.
The research process consists of two doctoral studies: Riikka Kanervo’s dissertation in social policy and Maria Normann’s dissertation in criminology.
The aim of the research is to examine romance fraud from the perspectives of victims, professionals, and media representations. The project approaches the phenomenon through trauma‑informed and recovery‑oriented frameworks and focuses on the types of support victims need as well as on how societal understanding of the issue could be improved.
The project will produce research-based knowledge that supports professionals (e.g., in social services, victim support organisations, and the police), strengthens the position and visibility of victims, and promotes safer communication practices and ethically responsible encounters.
Contact persons
Riikka Kanervo, sosiaalipolitiikan väitöstutkija
riikka.kanervo [at] tuni.fi (riikka[dot]kanervo[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Maria Normann, kriminologian väitöstutkija
maria.normann [at] tuni.fi (maria[dot]normann[at]tuni[dot]fi)
