Real World Lecture: Blame, Shame, and Romance Fraud - Are Victims Really ‘Gullible'?

Are victims of romance fraud really “gullible” — or are we missing the bigger picture? This engaging and thought-provoking session challenges common assumptions about online dating scams, revealing how offenders use highly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative tactics to deceive their targets. Drawing on real-world cases, the lecture explores why so many people fall victim — and why blaming them is both simplistic and harmful. Perfect for anyone interested in cybercrime, digital investigations, or human behaviour, this session will leave you questioning what you think you know about fraud, trust, and victimisation.