Romance Scam Reporting and Support

LD Herrera
Dakota State University

DOI: 10.1109/ISDFS69419.2026.11458949

This paper moves beyond the familiar question of why victims fall for scams and asks what happens when they finally need help. Based on 386 completed survey responses, it shows that victims often seek assistance after money has already moved, while low confidence, reporting difficulty, and uncertainty about outcomes slow the path to support.

The paper proposes a coordinated model built around a structured incident record, a minimal evidence bundle, and a "report once, route many" workflow that helps victims connect with platforms, banks, and reporting channels without repeating the same painful story over and over.

View at DSU Repository