Romance scams
Anyone could be the victim of a romance scam. The criminals who run these scams are experts at researching victims.
They create detailed backgrounds for the characters they create and build convincing profiles on dating apps and websites, social media and chatrooms.
UK Finance reports that in the first half of 2024, victims lost a total value of £14.5m to romance scams.
On this page:
Spot the signs of romance scams
Step 1: A scammer with a fake profile contacts you through social media, a dating app or website
The scammer will add or follow you on social media or match with you on a dating app or website.
They will then make contact and begin to build a relationship with you.
The scammer will often say they have a respectable job which is based abroad or involves travelling. Examples include working in health, charity, construction, oil, energy or the armed forces.
Step 2: Scammer will create a bond
They will often be very attentive, messaging several times a day and give lots of compliments. This is known as ‘love bombing’ and scammers do this to develop a strong relationship with you as quickly as possible.
They may be available to message at any time because there may be more than one scammer running the fake profile.
They will continue to create a bond by sharing family photos and shared interests.
All communication will be through email and messages. Often the scammer will say video calls were impossible for them due to poor internet connections where they are based.
Step 3: Scammer will disclose financial difficulties
The scammer may suggest meeting up but say they need money or drop hints about financial issues.
This might make you feel obliged to help. For example, they might say they have a personal crisis or ill friend or relative who requires urgent hospital treatment, or need to pay for a flight, food or rent.
If you send them money to cover travel costs, they often continue to convince you they are a good person and be appreciative of the money.
Step 4: Scammer will cancel plans or ask for more money
The scammer will say they need to cancel if it was for travel or continue the personal crisis story to persuade you to send more money.
They’ll continue to message you whilst you are sending them money but will stop if they are questioned or you stop sending them money.
The scammer will then stop all contact.
UK Finance reports that romance scams have an average of nearly 11 scam payments per case which highlights that the individual is often convinced to make multiple payments to the criminal over a longer period of time.
-
Never send money to anyone you do not know
Never send money to someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have met them online.
No matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you think you can trust them, do not:
- send them any money
- give them access to your bank account
- agree to open an account for them to use
- agree to move money through your account on their behalf
- take out a loan for them
- provide copies of your personal identification such as passports or driving licences
- invest your money on their behalf or on their advice, especially if it relates to cryptocurrency
- buy gift cards (such as from Amazon or iTunes) and then send them the codes from cards
- agree to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf.
-
Be cautious of sharing personal information
Be cautious of anyone asking you specific questions about your past. Never reveal answers to any common account security questions, such as your mother’s maiden name or your first pet’s name.
-
Stay aware while getting to know people
Be cautious when getting to know people. Do not put yourself in danger by trusting people too quickly.
-
Check their photos
Check that pictures which are posted or sent to you are not taken from somewhere else by using reverse image search.
-
Talk to friends and family
Talk to your friends and family about your relationship. If you’re being asked to keep it a secret, it could be a romance scam.
Not found what you're looking for?
Contact our support team