Skip to content 
African romance scams
If you’ve lost money to an African romance scam, we could help to get your money back.
£80 million in compensation
won for our clients
African romance scams
If you’ve lost money to an African romance scam, we could help to get your money back.
AS SEEN ON
African romance scams have become a distressing reality for many people hoping to find love online. For British victims, these scams often involve criminals posing as potential partners based in African countries. The scammers’ goal is to develop trust and sympathy before manipulating you into sending money. This is sadly a huge problem and, as with all types of romance scams, it can leave victims feeling devastated and unsure where to turn next.
If you’ve lost money to a romance scammer, don’t give up hope. Depending on the circumstances, it’s sometimes possible to get a refund from your bank or payment provider. Importantly, we can sometimes help even if you’ve already been turned down before. Our legal team has helped people in precisely your situation recover money after losses to romance scams, whether the scammer claimed to be based in Africa or elsewhere.
For more information on African romance scams and your potential options, read on below. But if you’d rather speak to someone straight away, you’re welcome to call us on 0330 123 0545 or request a call back online in confidence. There’s no need to feel embarrassed – we’re here to listen and to help.
African Romance Scams: An Introduction
An African romance scam is a form of online fraud where the scammer claims to be looking for love, but their ultimate intention is to trick you into handing over money or sensitive information. Whilst the fraudster might claim to be a British citizen working abroad or a local resident living in an African country, the entire identity is usually a fabrication. These scams almost always unfold slowly. The criminal will invest days, weeks, or even months into building a fake relationship using convincing stories and flattering messages.
You may be targeted through dating websites, social media platforms, or even by email out of the blue. Scammers might use stolen photographs, pretend to be stuck with no money, or invent intricate stories about emergencies. Their tactics are ever-evolving, but the endgame is always the same: gaining your trust, so you’re more likely to send money.
We provide a no-obligation initial consultation to help you get a better understanding of your options. If we suspect that we can get your money back, a specialist solicitor will act on your behalf on a No Win No Fee basis. As there’s nothing to lose by calling, why not contact us today?
African Romance Scam Examples
It’s understandable to assume you’d spot a scam – but the reality is these criminals are highly sophisticated and all too convincing. Here are a few ways African romance scams operate:
The Oil Rig Worker: You’re contacted by someone who says they work offshore in West Africa. After weeks of messaging, they claim there’s been an accident or a bureaucratic problem and need urgent money for medical bills or travel documents.
The Soldier Or Aid Worker: In military romance scams, the fraudster claims to be deployed in a conflict zone, often mentioning places like Nigeria or Ghana. They may invent a story about not being able to access their money and ask you to transfer funds to a third party on their behalf.
Stranded Traveller: Someone who says they’ve travelled to an African country for charity work or family reasons, then claims they’ve lost their wallet or been wrongly arrested and desperately need financial help to return home.
Business Investor: The scammer suggests an opportunity to invest in gold, gemstones, or businesses in Africa, encouraging you to part with money on the promise of high returns or a brighter future together.
Each of these examples is designed to tug at your heartstrings, set up an urgent need, and then ask you to send payments – often multiple times. The lies may continue for months, with fresh stories to explain each request for more money or delay a promised meeting.
Warning Signs To Look Out For
Knowing what to look out for can prevent further loss and might even help you help someone else. Some warning signs of an African romance scam include:
You’re asked to leave the dating app or website and chat via WhatsApp or direct email
The person professes strong feelings quickly, sometimes within days
They refuse to meet in person or video call, with constant excuses
Their grammar, spelling, or terminology is inconsistent or doesn’t match their supposed background
They claim to have an unexpected emergency requiring money from you
Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or unusual gift cards
Stories that never quite add up, or details that change over time
If any of these red flags appear, take a step back and avoid sending any money. At this point, a second pair of eyes may help. Therefore, it’s good to share details with a friend or family member – even if the fraudster has told you to keep everything a secret.
What Victims Of African Romance Scams Should Do
Finding out you’ve been scammed is an awful shock, but the steps you take next can make a real difference. Here’s what you should do if you believe you’ve been the victim of an African romance scam:
Cease all contact with the scammer. Don’t respond further, even if they threaten or plead.
Report the fraud to your bank or card provider as soon as possible. They may be able to halt or reverse payments if you act quickly.
Notify the police via the Report Fraud service. This is the new name for Action Fraud.
Keep all communication and payment records – these will be crucial evidence for any claim or investigation.
Contact our team of solicitors and refund specialists at Romance Scams Advice, who can discuss your case and advise whether you may have a refund claim. Remember, your call is confidential and there’s no need to feel ashamed – we know exactly how convincing romance scams can be.
We’re ready to help, so please feel free to call and check if we can help you to recover your losses.
Are Refunds Possible After An African Romance Scam?
Yes, refunds can sometimes be possible, even after money has left your account and been sent abroad. That’s because UK banks and payment processors are expected to provide suitable protection for customers, especially in cases of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
If your bank did not warn you about the risk or failed to spot obvious scam signs, you may be eligible for a refund. However, our experience shows that many banks do not offer refunds straight away. In some cases, this is enough to put people off from taking the matter further.
However, we say that you should not be put off if you’ve already been refused a refund. This happens more often than you might think and isn’t the end of the line. Sometimes, claims are wrongly rejected or handled without due care for your circumstances.
My Refund Was Refused, What Next
Ask the bank for its decision in writing. Get as much detail as possible about the reasons for refusal.
Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS resolves disputes between customers and financial firms and may decide in your favour on review.
Reach out to our fraud recovery experts. We’re able to review your case, explain your rights, and step in on your behalf. Even if you’re worried you gave consent to a payment, we may be able to argue that the bank or payment service provider failed in its responsibilities.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call us for a confidential assessment – we will listen without judgment and fight your corner.
We Strive to get the very best results we can
We Strive to get the very best results we can
Why Work With Us
Our claims process is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. When you turn to Romance Scams Advice, here’s how we support your fight for compensation:
Initial free consultation: We’ll listen to your story in complete confidence and assess whether you have a good case.
Evidence review: Our solicitors and recovery experts will go through all your communication and financial records, identifying weaknesses in the bank or payment provider’s procedures.
Drafting claims: We prepare and submit a detailed complaint or claim, ensuring all the evidence and relevant regulations are presented clearly.
Negotiation: Our team handles all discussions with the bank or payment processor on your behalf – you don’t need to talk to them directly unless you want to.
Keeping you informed: We update you regularly, so you always know exactly where your claim stands.
No Win No Fee: You do not have to pay for our work upfront. You only pay a success fee (a percentage of any refund), if the claim is won.
Choosing us means you’re not facing a faceless process. You’ll have knowledgeable fraud recovery professionals in your corner at every stage. Don’t delay – the quicker we act, the better the chances of recovering your money after an African romance scam.
How To Make An African Romance Scam Claim
If you’ve fallen victim to an African romance scam – whether recently or in the past – it’s important to know that your case matters. You’re entitled to clear, supportive legal advice, and you may have a strong claim for reimbursement no matter what your bank or card company has told you so far.
Our fraud recovery team at Romance Scams Advice deals with cases like yours every day. We understand how upsetting and isolating the aftermath can feel, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
For confidential guidance or to start your claim, ring us on 0330 123 0545, or contact us online, and one of our specialists will arrange a time to talk that suits you. Your privacy is our priority. Take the first step towards reclaiming what’s yours today.
Contact Us
Our free-to-call helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us on 0330 123 0545
Alternatively, you can write to us about your case by completing the form below.
The advice we provide comes free of charge and carries no obligation to proceed.
