WHY “LOVE BOMBING” NEEDS TO BE RETIRED: THE CASE FOR PROSECUTING CONSTRUCTIVE FRAUD OF INTIMACY

 WHY “LOVE BOMBING” NEEDS TO BE RETIRED: THE CASE FOR PROSECUTING CONSTRUCTIVE FRAUD OF INTIMACY

From Daniel Ryan Cotler, bestselling author and founder of The Heal Loudly Movement. New book Exposing The Love Bombing Lie: Constructive Fraud of Intimacy releases November 10.

For too long, society has romanticized one of the most dangerous psychological weapons used by narcissistic predators, “love bombing.” The term sounds harmless, even cinematic, but what it hides is an intentional act of deception. “Love bombing” cannot be prosecuted because it is framed as emotion. Constructive fraud can be, because it is defined as deception for personal gain under the guise of trust.

When a narcissist love bombs, they are not expressing affection. They are manufacturing a false identity and creating artificial emotional dependence to manipulate and control. Every element of fraud is present. There is a false representation. The perpetrator knows it is false. The intent is to deceive. The victim relies on that deception. Harm inevitably follows.

Labeling this behavior as “love” silences victims and shields offenders. Words matter. As long as we use the language of romance, we obscure the reality of criminal intent. But when we call it what it is, Constructive Fraud of Intimacy, we shift the framework from emotional misunderstanding to prosecutable misconduct.

Constructive fraud happens when trust is exploited through deception, often without the victim’s awareness. It is the legal mirror of narcissistic grooming. It allows for accountability without requiring a written contract, only proof that confidence was abused for personal or financial gain.

The Love Bombing Lie: Constructive Fraud of Intimacy dismantles the myth that this is merely toxic love. It presents a legal and psychological case for reclassifying “love bombing” as actionable fraud, showing victims and lawyers alike how to prove intent and establish harm. It is not about punishing love. It is about prosecuting deception.

The conversation must change. “Love bombing” is not romance. It is psychological warfare. It is constructive fraud. And the time has come to call it by its real name and hold those who weaponize it accountable.

The Heal Loudly Movement. Daniel Ryan Cotler.