In an increasingly digital world, finding love online has become commonplace. However, with this shift comes new risks — particularly in the form of romance scams. These scams prey on people’s emotions, trust, and hopes for companionship. The financial and emotional costs can be devastating.
This guide explores why romance scams are becoming more prevalent, how to recognise them, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Whether you’re dating online or supporting someone who is, this information is essential.
What Are Romance Scams?
Romance scams — also known as dating scams or relationship fraud — occur when a fraudster creates a false identity online to form a romantic connection with someone, with the intent of eventually stealing their money or personal information.
These scams don’t always start with a request for money. Often, they begin innocently: a chat on a dating site, a friendly message on social media, or even a direct message from a supposedly mutual friend. The fraudster may spend weeks or months developing the relationship before introducing any financial element, making it feel like a natural progression of trust.
Crucially, romance scams differ from more obvious financial frauds because they exploit emotional vulnerability. The scammer’s goal is not just to trick someone, but to entangle them in a false sense of love, loyalty, and future companionship.
Are Romance Scams On The Rise?
Yes, romance scams have sharply increased across the UK, with more people than ever falling victim. The digital age has enabled scammers to reach targets more easily and anonymously, while emotional isolation and loneliness — especially post-pandemic — have made individuals more susceptible.
According to a June 2024 report by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), the scale of the problem is alarming:
📊 8,792 reports of romance fraud were received in just one year — a sharp increase from previous figures.
📊 Victims reported losses totalling £94.7 million — a staggering sum showing how persuasive these scams can be.
📊 The average loss per victim was approximately £10,774.
📊 This marks an 8.4% increase in the number of reports compared to the previous year.
📊 A significant number of scams originated from dating apps, though platforms like Facebook and Instagram were also commonly used.
This data clearly indicates that romance scams are not only becoming more frequent but are also causing deeper financial damage than ever before. Increased online activity and evolving scam techniques have allowed fraudsters to become more skilled at manipulation and deception.
The Signs Of Romance Fraud
Recognising the warning signs early can prevent heartbreak and financial ruin. Romance fraud is built on deception, but there are consistent red flags that can help you spot when something is wrong.
Rapid emotional escalation
Scammers often declare strong feelings quickly — sometimes after just a few conversations. Phrases like “I’ve never felt this way before” or “I think you’re the one” come unusually early.
Excuses to avoid meeting in person
They’ll always have a reason: they’re working abroad, in the military, or facing personal emergencies. Video calls are postponed, and real-life meetings never materialise.
Requests for money or financial help
This is the biggest red flag. Requests might start small (“Can you help me pay a phone bill?”) but escalate over time. Common stories include needing money for:
Emergency medical treatment
Legal issues or travel documents
A delayed inheritance or investment
A sudden business crisis
Vague or inconsistent personal details
They may say they live in one place but mention a different time zone or reference holidays that don’t add up. Their backstory is often overly dramatic or suspiciously perfect.
Attempts to isolate you
Fraudsters will often discourage you from talking to friends or family about them. They may say others won’t understand your “special connection.”
Too-good-to-be-true profile photos
Reverse image searches frequently reveal that scammers use photos stolen from models, influencers, or real social media accounts.
How To Avoid Romance Scams
Awareness is your first line of defence. Taking some simple precautions can dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to romance fraud.
🔐 Protect your personal details
Don’t share private information such as your address, national insurance number, or financial details — especially early on in a conversation.
🔍 Verify their identity
Use tools like reverse image searches (e.g. Google Lens or TinEye) to see if their photos appear elsewhere online. Look out for reused bios, odd usernames, or discrepancies in spelling and grammar.
💳 Never send money or share banking info
Even if the story tugs at your heartstrings — a sick relative, stranded traveller, or investment opportunity — never transfer funds to someone you’ve only met online.
👯 Involve your support network
Talk to friends or family about your online relationship. They may notice inconsistencies or have a more objective view.
🛡️ Use secure dating platforms
Stick to reputable apps that have safety protocols in place. Avoid moving conversations too quickly to private channels like WhatsApp or Telegram.
📢 Report suspicious profiles
If you suspect a scam, report the user to the dating platform, Action Fraud, and the police. Your report could protect others from being targeted.
What Does The Future Hold?
As technology continues to advance, so too do the methods employed by romance scammers. The future of romance fraud is expected to be more sophisticated and harder to detect, driven by emerging digital tools and platforms.
One of the most concerning developments is the use of artificial intelligence. AI can be harnessed to craft persuasive, emotionally engaging messages that feel deeply personal. It can also generate fake photos and videos, including deepfakes that mimic real-time video calls, making it even more difficult for victims to spot deception.
Cryptocurrency is another evolving tool in the scammer’s arsenal. Increasingly, fraudsters are requesting payment in Bitcoin or other digital currencies. These forms of payment are not only harder to trace but also offer little to no recourse once the funds have been transferred, making recovery nearly impossible.
With growing access to personal data through social media and online platforms, scammers can now tailor their approaches with alarming precision. By exploiting specific details such as someone’s interests, profession, or relationship history, they create more believable personas that are harder to doubt.
However, it’s not all bad news. Public awareness is steadily improving, and dating platforms are beginning to invest more heavily in advanced fraud detection systems. Organisations such as Action Fraud are leading educational efforts to help people identify and report scams. As fraudsters become more technologically advanced, so too must the tools and strategies designed to stop them. Continued education and technological innovation will play a crucial role in turning the tide against romance fraud.
Get Help If You've Been Scammed
If you’ve lost money in a romance scam, you may be looking for help and support on getting your money back. If so, you’re in the right place.
Here at Romance Scams Advice, we’re a professional team of fraud lawyers and solicitors, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. We can help you recover your money and restore order in your life.
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The Romance Scams Advice Team
Our team is made up of lawyers, journalists, editors and specialist writers all passionate about providing the best and most helpful advice and support on romance fraud and scams.
