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Cited by 5Cybercrime and Law Enforcement StudiesStalking, Cyberstalking, and HarassmentSexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Online love fraud and the experiences of indonesian women: a qualitative study

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Niman, Susanti, Parulian, Tina Shinta, Rothhaar, Timothy·2023·International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
DOI 10.11591/ijphs.v12i3.22617
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Abstract

Online love fraud is a cybercrime. Victims typically lose around 500 billion rupiahs every year in Indonesia. The research related to the experiences of victims of love scammers is limited, and the authorities often ignore victims who report. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Indonesian women as a victim. The study is qualitative with a phenomenological design utilizing purposive sampling. Twelve victims of online love fraud participated in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews via video chat. Data processing was carried out by verbatim transcription of the video chats. The resulting texts were then rigorously read and re-read, coded, and grouped according to emerging themes. The victims described the experiences of sending large sums of money and naked photos to the perpetrators. The themes reflect the psychosocial impact of love fraud on women: shock, sadness, anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Online love fraud impacts the psychosocial functioning of victims. Victims feel a double burden in losing money and self-respect. These findings highlight the importance of policy, mental health practice, and research. Conclusions suggest psychosocial intervention is vital for the survivor.

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Crossref · 10.11591/ijphs.v12i3.22617

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31 of 31 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Victims of online romance scams experience serious emotional consequences, including sadness, loneliness, anger, shame, distrust, a damaged self-image, and long-term social and psychological problems.

    “Common consequences include sadness, loneliness, anger, shame, distrust, a damaged self-image, and long-term social and psychological problems (Buchanan & Whitty, 2014; Niman et al., 2023; Whitty & Buchanan, 2016).”

    From Love as Bait: A Scoping Review and Crime Script Analysis of Online Romance Scams (2026) · cites this paper as Niman et al., 2023

  • Private channels used by scammers include instant messaging apps like WhatsApp or Google Chat or email.

    “This includes instant messaging apps (4a) like Whatsapp or Google Chat (e.g., Cross & Lee, 2022; Niman et al., 2023; Smeitink, 2021; Whitty, 2023) or email (4b) (e.g., Dickinson & Wang, 2024; Gillespie, 2017).”

    From Love as Bait: A Scoping Review and Crime Script Analysis of Online Romance Scams (2026) · cites this paper as Niman et al., 2023

  • During grooming, scammers often send gifts (or promise to do so) to build trust.

    “During this scene, scammers often send gifts (5c; or promise to do so) to build trust (Niman et al., 2023; Shaari et al., 2019).”

    From Love as Bait: A Scoping Review and Crime Script Analysis of Online Romance Scams (2026) · cites this paper as Niman et al., 2023

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Related

Authors
Niman, S., Parulian, T. S., & Rothhaar, T.
Affiliations
  • Universitas Santo Borromeus (ID)
  • Marquette University (US)
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Publisher
Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science
Published
2023-09-01
Volume
12
Issue
3
Pages
1200
ISSN
  • 2252-8806 (ISSN-L)
  • 2620-4126
DOI
10.11591/ijphs.v12i3.22617
OpenAlex
W4385319743
Cited by
5
References
32
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2023: 1
FWCI
1.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Stalking, Cyberstalking, and Harassment
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
Keywords
cybercrime, women victims, psychosocial impact, victim experiences, financial losses, self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, survivor support, Indonesia

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