This study presents a scoping review and crime script analysis of the modus operandi of online romance scammers. Online romance scams are a form of fraud in which perpetrators fabricate online romantic relationships with victims, aiming to emotionally manipulate and, ultimately, financially exploit them. The review aims to synthesize existing research on how scammers operate and to develop a comprehensive crime script that can guide prevention and policy efforts. A literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Scopus. The search yielded 318 initial results, which were screened for relevance using ASReview Lab and supplemented with 14 additional sources from reference lists and Google Scholar. In total, 50 empirical studies were included based on their descriptions of scammer behaviors. Data were analyzed by coding relevant passages on scammer actions and process models, which were then categorized into scenes and actions to construct a crime script. The resulting script identifies nine major scenes in the scam process: (1) preparation (the Setup); (2) target selection (the Hunt); (3) initial contact (the Hook);(4) transition to private communication (the Shift); (5) grooming; (6) the Sting; (7) financial transaction (the Payout); (8) the Squeeze (e.g., sextortion); and (9) the Aftermath (e.g., revictimization). Each scene includes multiple possible actions and variations, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of scammers. The review underscores gaps in previous process models by highlighting non-linearity, scammer adaptability, and revictimization in the online romance scam process. This study contributes to both theory and practice by offering a detailed framework for understanding and reducing (the harm following) online romance scams.

While social media’s positivity bias has been linked to various well-being implications, little is known about how it relates to young adults’ romantic cognitions and outcomes. This study explores the associations between perceived exposure to positively-biased romantic social media content and relationship satisfaction, as well as fear of being single (FOBS). A cross-sectional survey (N = 605) was administered and a separate model was tested for young adults in a committed relationship for the outcome relationship satisfaction and for single young adults for the outcome FOBS, by using Structural Equation Modeling. Both models considered romantic partner expectations as a mediator and tested gender and social comparison orientation (SCO) as moderators. Perceived exposure to positively-biased portrayals was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. There was no link with FOBS. For young adults in a committed relationship, higher partner expectations related positively to relationship satisfaction but were not predicted by exposure to positively-biased portrayals. For singles, exposure to such content did predict higher partner expectations but this did not, in turn, relate to FOBS. Also no significant moderation effects were found for gender and SCO. Our findings highlight the nuanced ways in which the positivity bias can relate to romantic outcomes and underscore the value of authenticity on social media.

Partner phubbing (Pphubbing) concerns the act of ignoring a romantic partner during a conversation by paying attention to the mobile phone. In previous research, Pphubbing has been associated with several negative relationship outcomes, such as relationship dissatisfaction. In this study, we propose that another consequence of Pphubbing may be that the partner who is being phubbed (i.e., phubbee) engages in electronic partner surveillance (EPS) behaviors to check on their partner's online activities. We propose that this relationship is mediated by perceived partner responsiveness and anxiety. Data were collected via online survey among an adult sample in Belgium (n = 346; Mage = 40.5 years; 75.7% women). Analyses revealed that a relationship exists between Pphubbing and EPS, and that it can (partially) be explained through the chained mediation pathway of partner responsiveness and anxiety. Specifically, Pphubbing decreases perceived partner responsiveness, which in turn increases anxiety in the phubbee. Consequently, the phubbee may resort to partner surveillance to cope with these feelings and to decrease uncertainty. Our findings imply that research and practice related to digital intrusion within romantic relationships should consider (the interplay between) intra- and interpersonal factors in trying to explain the occurrence and impact of these harmful digital behaviors.