Lincolnshire romance fraud victims lose almost £900,000 in a year
Romance fraud victims in Lincolnshire lost almost £900,000 last year, according to new figures.
Data from the City of London Police shows 137 victims in the county reported combined losses of £899,361.
Nationally, more than £102 million was stolen from victims of romance fraud, as criminals continued to exploit online relationships to manipulate people into handing over money.
A total of 10,784 reports were made to Report Fraud last year — a 29% increase compared with 2024.
Police say the rise may partly reflect greater awareness and confidence in reporting, but also highlights the scale of a crime which can unfold over weeks or months.
Across the UK, losses equated to almost £280,000 every day, with victims losing an average of £9,500 each. In some cases, individual losses reached as much as £1 million.
Romance fraud typically involves offenders building trust and emotional attachment with victims before inventing reasons to ask for money. These can include claims about emergencies, investment opportunities or travel plans to meet in person.
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Georgia McCormack, Head of the Economic Crime Unit at Lincolnshire Police, said: “Perpetrators of romance fraud are extremely devious and incredibly convincing and manipulative.
“It’s a cruel form of fraud often leaving victims both financially devastated and heartbroken. They believed they had genuine emotional connection with this person and that belief and trust is shattered when they learn that they have lost their money.”
She added: “With elaborate stories, and persuasive tactics, we don’t underestimate how compelling these fraudsters can be.
“They often invest a great deal of time in gaining the trust of a victim. We know that people affected can feel embarrassed, but romance fraud is never the fault of the victim.
“It can happen to anyone, and by reporting it, victims help bring offenders to justice.”
Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen in the UK.
Although men submitted more reports overall, women experienced greater financial losses, making up just over 40% of the total value reported.
Police say romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, including social media and dating sites, where criminals can create convincing fake profiles.
AI-generated images and messages are increasingly being used to support fraudulent identities.
In many cases, romance fraud is also linked to fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, creating so-called hybrid frauds which can increase the financial risk to victims.
Lincolnshire Police is supporting the annual romance fraud campaign from the City of London Police and is urging people to stay cautious when forming relationships online.
Warning signs of romance fraud include:
- Someone developing a relationship very quickly or expressing strong feelings early on
- Excuses not to meet in person or avoid live video calls
- Requests to send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face-to-face
- Talk of investments, medical emergencies or travel costs
- Feeling unable or unwilling to speak to friends or family about the relationship
- The person reacting badly when you take steps to protect yourself from fraud
Police advice to protect yourself:
- Speak to a trusted friend or family member before sending money
- Reverse-image search profile pictures and other photos you are sent
- Listen to your bank if they warn you not to move money
- Tell the person you are fraud aware and are taking steps to protect yourself
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud.
If money has already been transferred, victims should contact their bank immediately.
More information about fraud and how to protect yourself is available from Stop! Think Fraud.