How to protect yourself from romance fraud this Valentine's Day
Rising cases highlight the importance of being cautious when meeting partners online
With Valentine's Day approaching, awareness around romance fraud is increasingly important as online scammers continue to exploit individuals seeking love.
Romance fraud involves criminals creating fake profiles to deceive victims into believing they have found a perfect partner online.
The fraudulent approach often begins with harmless details about the scammer's home and work life.
When requests for money arise, often for supposedly urgent needs, the victim might believe their partner's stories and send financial help.
Despite targeting individuals of all ages, reports show those aged 50-59 are most frequently targeted, with the highest financial losses often affecting those aged 65-74.
In the 2024/25 financial year, over £106 million was lost to romance fraud across the UK, highlighting the growing scope of this crime.
Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau revealed a 9% increase in reports, with 9,449 cases reported during the 2024/25 financial year.
Average personal losses reached £11,222, and some cases involved losses exceeding £2.6 million.
These fraudulent activities not only cause financial damage but also emotional and psychological harm, leaving victims feeling betrayed and ashamed.
To protect yourself from romance fraud, avoid sending money or personal details to anyone you've only met online.
If you meet someone on a dating app, keep interactions within the app and avoid moving conversations to SMS or messaging platforms.
Be wary of requests for money from individuals you haven't met in person. Share personal details cautiously and consult family or friends for advice.
Suspect profile photos can be verified with a reverse image search.
No matter how long you've been interacting online, refrain from sending money or sharing bank access, moving funds, taking out loans, sharing personal documents, or investing money.