Looking to learn more about the early signs of romance fraud? You’ve come to the right place.
Are you concerned you could be a victim of romance fraud? Unsure of the signs of romance fraud? Need advice on what to do if you do suspect romance fraud?
Read on…
If you read our previous blog, you’ll know you’re not alone. In 2024, Action Fraud recorded 8,548 cases of romance fraud, accounting for more than £92 million lost.
Data from Barclays’ recent Scams Bulletin shows incidents of romance fraud increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2025. Such is their prevalence that 12% of UK adults have been targeted themselves or know someone who has been.
Meanwhile, according to UK Finance, 21% of adults using online dating services say they have either been asked for, or actually given, money to someone they met online.
Of course, it’s easy to think “that would never happen to me”. But romance fraud is the ultimate mind game, and anyone could fall victim to these masters of manipulation.
How to spot the early signs of romance fraud
Catfishing
Watch out for individuals that seem to mirror your interests, views, beliefs and values. Romance fraudsters often create false facades that align perfectly with their intended victim – same life goals, same dreams and aspirations, same religious and political views and so on.
Love-bombing
Beware of the fraudster that sweeps you off your feet. If you’re being bombarded with texts, emails, calls, gifts, and flowers, declaring love for you very quickly into an online relationship - keep your guard up. This is a common tactic used by romance fraudsters to insert themselves into your life very quickly. Love is, after all, a powerful emotion, and one they’ll exploit given the chance.
Reluctance to meet in person
Romance scammers will declare a desire to meet in person, but then something always comes up to prevent the date from actually taking place – an illness, a sick family member, last minute travel plans or a work emergency.
Moving communications off dating sites too quickly
If someone you’re chatting to on a dating app or social media site asks to communicate through email, text, or a messaging app instead, this can often be a ploy to get more personal information.
Gaslighting
They’ll suggest that it’s not their behaviour that’s wrong, it’s your reaction to it! Fraudsters will make you constantly question your own judgement and intuition. They may deny that things have happened, suggest your memory of events is wrong, that you’re overreacting, or that you just simply don’t understand. This is designed to damage your confidence and make you more dependent on them.
The Impact of Romance Fraud
Victims of romance fraud often feel embarrassed and vulnerable when they realise what’s happened. Not only are they financially damaged, they are left emotionally devastated as well.
According to a recent survey conducted by Lloyds Banking Group, fraud of this nature comes with a stigma and a significant toll on mental health and wellbeing.
In fact, 69% of victims report a negative impact on mental health, with 36% becoming less trusting of online platforms. 29% reported themselves as becoming more sceptical of people in their lives, and 20% of feeling more anxious because of their experiences.
And of course, there is the financial cost. Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), suggest the average loss per victim exceeds £10,000.
What recompense for victims?
In October 2024 the Payment Systems Regulator introduced a mandatory reimbursement scheme in relation to APP fraud, compelling banks and payment service providers to compensate victims of romance fraud up to a value of £85,000. However, banks do have the power to deny this compensation where they think the victim themselves has been grossly negligent (i.e. acted unreasonably or irrationally).
Aside from a criminal case, victims may also be able to explore civil action as a means of seeking justice and recovering funds.
We will delve deeper into criminal prosecution, civil litigation, and recovery of funds in future blogs.
Leverets’ team of barristers and solicitors specialise in advising clients on fraud prevention and recovery of assets. Our team understands the distress and financial burden associated with these experiences. We liaise with the police, international crime agencies, and a network of partners around the world to ensure our client receive the best possible advice and remedies.
Keep an eye out for our next blog, for practical advice on how to avoid becoming the victim of romance fraud.
