People across the UK lost more than £102 million to romance fraud last year, highlighting the continued impact of criminals exploiting online relationships for financial gain. It also underlines the scale and persistence of a crime that can develop over weeks or months. The total losses equate to almost £280,000 every day, with victims losing an average of £9,500 each. In some severe cases, individuals reported losses of up to £1 million. Romance fraud typically involves offenders building trust and emotional connections over time before requesting money. These requests are often justified using fabricated reasons, such as emergencies, investment opportunities or plans to meet in person.

In the UK, the Metropolitan Police area recorded the highest total losses at £12.1 million. Other areas with significant losses included Hampshire (£3.45 million), Essex (£3.2 million), Thames Valley (£3.18 million), and Devon and Cornwall (£3.1 million), demonstrating that the issue affects communities nationwide. Analysis shows that people aged 55 to 74 experienced the highest financial losses, accounting for nearly half of the total stolen. Although men made more reports overall, women generally suffered higher individual financial losses.

Romance fraud remains closely linked to online environments, particularly social media and dating platforms, where criminals can easily create convincing fake profiles. Investigators have also noted an increase in the use of AI-generated images and messages to make fraudulent identities appear more realistic. In many cases, romance fraud is combined with fake investment schemes, including cryptocurrency, increasing the financial risk to victims.

Police are urging people to stay vigilant when forming online relationships and to watch for these warning signs:

Early Warning Signs (Profile & First Contact)

• Too good to be true profile
  Unrealistically attractive photos or “perfect” life story (military, engineer abroad, widowed with child, etc.)
• Very quick emotional connection
  They express love or deep feelings within days (“love bombing”)
• Claims to be overseas
  Often working abroad (oil rigs, military deployment, shipping industry)
• Minimal or inconsistent personal details
  Vague answers, avoids specifics, or stories that don’t quite add up

Communication Red Flags

• Quickly moves you off the social media or dating platform
  Pushes to switch to WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or text almost immediately
• Always has excuses not to meet or video call
  Camera broken, working in a secure location, bad signal, etc.
• Scripted or repetitive language
  Messages sometimes feel copied/pasted or overly formal/unusual phrasing
• Time pattern inconsistencies
  Claims to be in one country but messages at odd times for that location

Emotional Manipulation Tactics

• “Love bombing” followed by dependence
  They rush intimacy, then build emotional reliance
• Creates urgency or crisis situations
  Sudden emergencies: illness, accident, legal trouble, or stranded abroad
• Plays on sympathy
  Widowed, lonely, or raising a child alone
• Isolation tactics
  Encourages secrecy or discourages you from telling family/friends

Financial Red Flags (MOST CRITICAL)

• Asks for money in unusual ways

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Wire transfers

• Requests start small then escalate
  “Just £50 for phone credit” → later thousands for “medical emergency”
• Promises repayment but never delivers
• Claims money is needed to meet you
  Travel tickets, visas, customs or “fees” to release funds
• Mentions large sums of money stuck elsewhere
  Needs your help to “unlock” inheritance or contract payment

Behaviour Red Flags

• Gets defensive when questioned
• Refuses to verify identity
• Profiles disappear or change suddenly

The Golden Rule

• Never send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face-to-face

What to do if you are a Victim of Romance Fraud

Report it immediately: Visit – UK’s Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud – Report Fraud  or call 0300 123 2040

If you have shared financial details, or lost money also contact your bank’s fraud team by calling 159 

More information about Romance Fraud can be found here – Romance fraud | Police.uk

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