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Elderly romance scams
Our solicitors could secure a refund if you’ve lost money in an elderly romance scam even after your bank has already refused to help.
£80 million in compensation
won for our clients
Elderly romance scams
Our solicitors could secure a refund if you’ve lost money in an elderly romance scam even after your bank has already refused to help.
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Elderly romance scams can have devastating effects, both emotionally and financially. If you or a loved one has lost money to a romance scam targeting older people, support is available. Many victims are embarrassed to come forward, but with the right advice and the support of our fraud recovery experts, there is a real chance to recover your losses.
Banks and payment providers have a duty to protect you during transactions, especially in the case of Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams. In some circumstances, you could receive a refund, even if you’ve previously been refused one by your own bank. Our specialist team understands how these decisions are made and have successfully challenged banks and card providers on behalf of clients in situations just like yours.
In this guide, you’ll find essential information about elderly romance scams, how to spot the warning signs, and your practical options for getting your money back. If you’d rather chat to someone directly, you can call 0330 123 0545 for a confidential conversation with our specialists, or contact us online to arrange a call back. There’s no need to feel embarrassed, help is at hand.
What Are Elderly Romance Scams?
Elderly romance scams are a distressing type of fraud where criminals specifically target people aged 60 and over by pretending to build a loving relationship with them, often entirely online. Scammers may use social media, dating websites, or even messaging apps to establish trust and affection, all with the goal of eventually extracting money or personal information.
These scams can be especially sophisticated. Scammers take time to build emotional connections, sometimes spending weeks or months gaining your confidence. They often pose as caring partners but will eventually invent stories of emergencies, illness, or travel problems to ask for financial assistance. The reality is they’re not interested in love, they want your money. Victims often feel shock, shame, and a serious breach of trust when the deception is finally uncovered.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted or have already lost money, it’s important to know that professionals like us can help you pursue a claim and possibly recover what you’ve lost.
We offer a free consultation where we’ll answer your questions, review your case and explain your options. So, please feel free to call today.
Can I Help An Elderly Relative Claim After A Romance Scam?
In some cases, it is possible to seek compensation on behalf of an elderly scam victim. For example, you could act as a litigation friend if your loved one lacks mental capacity.
The easiest way to check if we can help you manage a claim is to call our advice centre. There’s no obligation to proceed and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
Common Examples of Elderly Romance Scams
There isn’t just one way that elderly romance scams unfold. Fraudsters are creative and adapt their stories, but some familiar examples include:
The Travelling Partner Scam: The scammer claims to be working overseas (often in the military, oil rigs, or medical fields) and needs money for a flight, visa, or sudden emergency.
Medical Emergency Plea: After gaining trust, the scammer says they need urgent funds for medical treatment, either for themselves or a supposed family member.
Investment Opportunity: The scammer uses romance as a gateway to introduce fraudulent investment schemes, encouraging you to put your savings into a ‘guaranteed‘ opportunity.
Compromised Accounts: Some scammers request access to your bank accounts to “deposit” funds, which can result in your account being used for money laundering without your knowledge.
Tech Support or Device Requests: The scammer claims their phone or laptop has broken and asks for you to buy them a new one or send money for repairs.
These are just a handful of examples, scammers continually adapt their stories. If any of the above seem familiar, seek help straight away. Remember, there’s no need to be embarrassed: you are not alone in this situation.
How To Identify A Romance Scam
No one expects to fall victim to a scam, but romance scammers are skilled at manipulation. Watch out for these warning signs:
Fast-moving relationships: The scammer declares love and affection unusually quickly.
Reluctance to meet in person: Even though a deepening relationship, there are endless excuses to avoid video calls or face-to-face meetings.
Inconsistent stories: Details about their job, location, or family often don’t add up.
Financial requests: They ask for money for tickets, emergencies, or investments, and may pressure you for a speedy response.
Poor grammar or unusual language: Messages may be translated or copied, resulting in odd phrases or spelling errors.
Requests for secrecy: You’re urged not to discuss your new relationship or financial transfers with family, friends, or bank staff.
It’s worth highlighting that scammers often make victims feel isolated or ashamed about seeking outside help. If something doesn’t add up, trust your instincts, and reach out to family, friends, or professionals for an impartial opinion.
Reporting An Elderly Romance Scam
If you discover that you or an elderly relative has fallen victim to a romance scam, it is vital to contact your bank straight away. Promptly informing your bank gives you the best possible chance of recovering your money and helps protect your right to any potential refund. Delaying your report could mean losing out on compensation altogether.
Additionally, you should consider logging the incident with Report Fraud, the national service for collecting information on scams and fraud in the UK. Reporting your case not only helps authorities track criminal activity but may also support your claim should you need to pursue a refund from your bank.
Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable handling the process alone, or if you have already encountered difficulties with your bank, please feel free to get in touch with us. We are experienced in supporting scam victims and can pursue a refund on your behalf if other avenues have not worked.
Can I Get My Money Back After An Elderly Romance Scam?
Many victims of elderly romance scams are shocked to discover that, under UK regulations, banks, and payment providers do have certain obligations to refund money lost through Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams. Importantly, those obligations are tighter when the bank knows that their customer is vulnerable.
According to the Payment Systems Regulator, if your bank or card provider failed to protect you, perhaps by not warning you about suspected fraudulent activity, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
Typical situations which may qualify for a refund include:
The bank ignored clear warning signs or didn’t provide adequate warnings about the risks.
The fraud was reported promptly, and you co-operated fully with your bank’s investigation.
There were failures in the banking platform’s fraud detection systems.
However, it has come to our attention that some elderly victims of romance scams have been turned down for a refund for no obvious reason.
If you’ve been refused a refund in the past, don’t lose hope. Our solicitors have successfully overturned many initial rejections, so it’s always worth checking again. Why not contact us today if you’d like to discuss your elderly romance scam claim with our team?
If Your Refund Is Refused: What To Do Next
Should your claim for a refund be rejected, you have several options:
Request a written decision: Ask your bank or payment provider for the full reasoning behind their refusal. This written response is essential if you plan to challenge their decision.
Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS): You have the right to escalate complaints to the FOS, who will review your case independently. Their findings are binding for the bank.
Contact Romance Scams Advice for help: Our solicitors can carry out a thorough investigation into your claim, review the circumstances, and, if appropriate, challenge your bank or card provider (or even the platform where the scam took place).
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or embarrassed, but our recovery specialists keep your calls and details entirely confidential.
We Strive to get the very best results we can
We Strive to get the very best results we can
How The Claims Process Works
As experienced solicitors in financial recovery, our team at Romance Scams Advice manages your claim from start to finish. Here’s how we support you:
Full case assessment: We review all documentation, communication, and evidence of the scam.
Drafting and submitting claims: Our experts prepare a strong case on your behalf and submit it to your bank or relevant payment provider.
Negotiation and appeals: If a refund is denied, we handle negotiations and escalate matters to the Financial Ombudsman Service when needed.
Keeping you informed: You’ll receive regular updates on every development. No complicated jargon, just honest advice.
No Win No Fee: If we can’t recover your losses, you don’t pay our solicitors’ fees, so there’s no financial risk to you.
If you have doubts about whether your claim qualifies, please don’t hesitate to reach out for free initial advice. You deserve to know where you stand after an elderly romance scam.
Start An Elderly Romance Claim Today
You don’t have to cope with the fallout of an elderly romance scam on your own. Our dedicated solicitors and recovery team offer confidential support and a clear path forwards, no matter how embarrassed or upset you might feel.
If you’re ready to talk about your case, call 0330 123 0545 or contact us for a sensitive, confidential discussion. Recovering money lost to an elderly romance scam is possible, and our team is here to make sure you have every chance to get back what’s yours.
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.
