Webinar

Laundering Love: Understanding the Psychology and Criminology of Romance Scams

  • Dec 14, 2026 1:00 p.m.
  • Central Time (CT)
Course Level
Intermediate
Delivered via
Online
Duration
100 minutes
CPE
2
Laundering Love: Understanding the Psychology and Criminology of Romance Scams

Description

Understanding the psychology and criminology behind romance scams and related co-offending money mule activity ensures these sensitive investigations are conducted appropriately. Drawing on original research and real-world investigative experience, you will learn how victims are groomed, why emotional manipulation is effective, and how some victims transition into co-offending roles.  

You will examine case studies that highlight fraud patterns, risk indicators and behavioral red flags to help identify vulnerable individuals. You will also gain practical strategies for communicating with victims, mitigating exploitation and understanding the types of evidence law enforcement needs to investigate these crimes.  

While focused on romance scams, these insights translate to broader contexts, including insider threat detection, social engineering prevention, and customer or employee risk management. By attending, you will leave with a deeper understanding of victim behavior, actionable investigative techniques and tools to strengthen fraud prevention efforts.

Prerequisites

Participants should be familiar with romance scams including common red flags and the lifecycle of the scheme; Participants should have basic knowledge of the psychology influencing common fraud schemes.

You Will Learn How To:

Navigate the psychological and criminological factors that make individuals susceptible to romance scams.

Recognize grooming and manipulation tactics and identify risk factors for potential co-offending.

Identify groups at higher risk of romance scams and related fraud activity within a client or customer base.

Implement practical strategies for communicating effectively with fraud victims during investigations.

Recall the types of evidence law enforcement relies on to investigate romance scams and related financial crimes.

CPE Information

CPE Credit: 2
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Credit by Field of Study

Auditing: 2

Registration & Fees

Registration Fee:
ACFE Members: $115
Non-Members: $155

Presenter

Christopher Huhn - Speaker

Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Policies

All pricing is exclusive of sales or other indirect taxes. Applicable taxes will be calculated at checkout based on the relevant jurisdictions' rules.

Satisfaction Guarantee

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Terms and Conditions

 


nasba-events-tos-image The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.